can i repair a broken power button ?

[wiinuts]

Hi All

I recently purchased a second hand pc, the case is a gaming case but not to sure of the type, anyway the power button to turn on the pc is broken. can i replace\repair this on my own ? or should i just take it to a professional ...

the case is really dirty so i also need to clean that out, silly questions maybe but how do i clean the mobo ? shuold i just use a dry cloth ? or maybe some compressed air

 

[P924]

It is easy:

But are you sure it is only the power button and not the motherboard/psu or something like that?

 

[SouthBit]

Compressed air is great for cleaning. Just make sure the air pressure isn't too high as you don't want to damage anything, for example if you blow the fans to fast you can damage the bearings etc. You can get a can of compressed air for not much $$$.

 

[ISP cash cow]

It is easy:

But are you sure it is only the power button and not the motherboard/psu or something like that?

 

[wiinuts]

yeah pretty sure its only the button because it starts up and shuts down properly otherwise.

thought i could just take another button from a spare pc and insert\connect it

not to sure how the wiring works though but from your pic it seems there's only two wires to worry about!
if so then it shouldn't be that hard i guess

 

[Venomous]

A blower or compressor would be better than the cans of air if the PC is very dirty.

the cans tend to contain moisture. they are ok for light cleaning.

do not rub they mainboard with things like cloths & brushes. that causes static.

when blowing air into the PC how a pen or something in the fans to prevent them from turning.

 

[Venomous]

the button: if it's just the plastic outer button that's broken then you can glue it back together or replace the button very easily.

If it's the physical switch under the button then you'll need to be good with soldering....

 

[wiinuts]

the button: if it's just the plastic outer button that's broken then you can glue it back together or replace the button very easily.

If it's the physical switch under the button then you'll need to be good with soldering....

hmm it seems it could be the switch because the button still has the "click" when you try switching it off and on so i'm thinking maybe it is the switch you talking about ... in which case i'd rather get someone else to sort it out

 

[Chevron]

hmm it seems it could be the switch because the button still has the "click" when you try switching it off and on so i'm thinking maybe it is the switch you talking about ... in which case i'd rather get someone else to sort it out

just plug the reset switch into the power on pins on the motherboard. You then power on the pc pushing the "reset" button.

 

[bwana]

I just usually swap the reset and power button connectors.

 

[NomNom]

Or if all else fails you could just use a screw driver

 

[brettwlewis]

That image looks like a toggle type switch, i.e on or off. Which makes me think that the PC in the image has an old-type AT power supply where the switch used to connect to the power supply directly.

The power switches on current PCs (with ATX power supplies) are similar to a reset switch. This type of spring loaded switch just closes the connection between two wires and this triggers the switching.

Normally its the PSU or motherboard at fault - I've only ever seen one or two switches die. But to eliminate the power switch from the equation, follow its cable to the motherboard. Remove its plug from the motherboard and carefully short-out - i.e. touch both pins with a flat screwdriver - the two pins. If this turns the PC on, then it is the switch. If not, its the MB or PSU.

If it is the switch, try going to a PC shop and ask them to strip out a switch from an old case - I've never seen the switch / cable assemblies for sale anywhere.

If its the MB or PSU, take the PC in.

Good luck.

PS - Carefully blowing out the case should get rid of the dust bunnies. Canned air can be used too. You'll want to do this outdoors.

 

[wiinuts]

I just usually swap the reset and power button connectors.

lol why didnt i think of this

i think this would be the easiest thing to do ... will try this first

thanks

 

[dadecoza]

just plug the reset switch into the power on pins on the motherboard. You then power on the pc pushing the "reset" button.

I just usually swap the reset and power button connectors.

+1

 

[Archer]

Just hot wire it like I'm currently doing

 

[SouthBit]

A blower or compressor would be better than the cans of air if the PC is very dirty.

Sure, but for a once off job it makes more sense to buy a R50 can than a compressor at 20x the price. Blowers and compressors take up space as well.