Computer Problem

[Manzcar]

Didn't know where to put this if anyone can help at all.

My wife was on the computer this morning and the the picture got all twisted and the computer seemed to freeze. I was like uhhh turn the computer off and turn it back on (thats what the IT guys tell me to do when something screwy goes on with my PC at work).

Now the computer doesn't boot up. The fan turns on cause I can hear it running but the computer does not boot up.

I am expecting that this means something very bad, but what is it.

My computer is a E-machines T6420 specs are something like

Chipset: NVIDIA® nForce™® 410
Memory: 1GB DDR (2 × 512MB), 400MHz dual channel
Expandable to 4GB
Hard Drive: 200GB HDD (7200rpm, 2MB cache)
Optical Drive: 16x DVD±RW multiformat double layer drive
Media Reader: 8-in-1 digital media manager (Secure Digitalâ„¢ (SD), smart media, micro drive, memory stick, memory stick PRO, compact flash, multimedia card, USB 2.0)
Video: NVIDIA® GeForce® 6100 GPU
up to 128MB of shared video memory
PCI-Express® (PCI-E x16) slot available
Sound: 6-channel (5.1) high definition audio
Network: 10/100Mbps integrated Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port)
Modem: 56K ITU V.92-ready fax/modem (RJ-11 port)
Peripherals: Premium multimedia keyboard, 2-button wheel mouse, amplified stereo speakers
Ports/Other: 5 USB 2.0 ports (4 in back, 1 in media reader), 1 VGA external connector, 1 serial port, 1 parallel port, 2 PS/2 ports (keyboard and mouse), 5 audio ports (2 in front, 3 in back)
Dimensions: 14.25"H x 7.25"W x 16"D
Weight: 22.5lbs

The store said your warranty is up nothing we can do. The computer manufacturer says the same exact thing. So I know that this is a relatively very cheap computer but was wondering if anyone had ideas as to what would cause this problem, if it could be fixed, how much it would cost, and any other advice would be great.

ohh well thanks for your time and effort.

[Hraesvelg]

Are there a series of beeps/clicks when you turn it on (non normal ones, that is?)

[Manzcar]

no beeps no clicks just sound of the fan running.

[Hraesvelg]

It sounds like it might be your video card.

[Entropy]

Video card or Motherboard, your video card is built right into the motherboard, so just replace the motherboard. It's pretty easy take out the old one and hook up the new one the same way and it should boot right up. Heres the Motherboard you need.

[Manzcar]

Thanks alot Entropy I'll look into doing that. Is it really easy to replace for a computer dum-dum like me?

[Dynamics]

Could be a monitor blow out too.. stick with Entropy's explanation for now.

A motherboards not exactly easy to replace, since you'll have to take out each component connected to it, and be familiar with where the cables belong. There's a manual for it all, might be confusing though.

Video cards are as easy as taking out the old one and sticking in the new one. There's a slot on the motherboard for the video card to fit. Not sure how well you'll be able to identify it. It's the card connected to your monitor plug.

If you're not sure about it, going to a tech shop for the service won't cost too much.

[Entropy]

No problem. It shouldn't be to hard if you take one cable at a time off the old one, and attach to the new one. Then do the same for all the components. Most everything has notches so it only goes in one way. The hard drive cables and the cpu can go in the wrong way so you have to make sure your putting them in the same as they were.

Of course there is always the chance it's not the motherboard or videocard.

[Manzcar]

Well then I'm only out the 60 to 80 dollars for the mother board and I have the worlds largest desktop paper weight around.

[ThievingSix]

Ok, while I do agree with Entropy there is something different I would recommend.

When it's time to replace a motherboard, especially with emachines(Cheap brand), it's time for a new computer. The effort and price of getting and installing a new one just don't warrant how cheap new desktops are these days.

This is just my opinion, once you said emachines I lol'd.