Help! My computer just died.

[Pukin Dog]

Ok, you computer people. I'm at my neighbor's right now, because I need your help. Without warning, my computer died. It just stopped. The power light stayed on, but then after unplugging it and plugging it back in after finding I had no control over the thing, the power light does not come on anymore, nor do I hear the sound from the harddrive. Just silence.

Is this a power supply failure? (neighbor's opinion) If so, could it have damaged more components? Do I need a new computer, or can just the power supply be replaced? How common is this? The computer is plugged into a "UPS" that the salesman insisted upon to "prevent failures", and the monitor still works that is also plugged in to the UPS thing.

There is a Frys Electronics down by the San Diego Stadium, is it time to take a ride? I hate that place, the salespeople know almost as little as I do.

HELP ME!

[maxwell]

Are you logged on?

Seriesly though, this sounds like what happened to one of my lab computers a year or so ago. I called up Gateway, gave 'em a serial # that was still under warranty and harangued 'em until they sent me a new power supply AND a new motherboard. Then I ripped open the computer and replaced everything in sight. Turned out that the power supply had fizzed... No lasting damage to the machine though; just needed to replace the PS... I like ripping open computers though so I went ahead and replaced everything I could...

[oceanview]

its got to be under warranty at 6 months old, if its a brand name of any kind. no?

[longjack]

Sounds like a power supply.

Try plugging it in without the UPS.

If it doesn't work go to Fry's and get a PS. If your machine is newer than 5 or 6 years the power supply should be easy to replace, and have the same dimensions as what your replacing.

Make sure the wattage is equal or greater. The connections are idiot proof, too, they only fit one way.

HTH.

longjack

[Pukin Dog]

It's a no-name PC. No warranty.

[AntiGuv]

When this happened to me last year I was certain that it was a dead power supply. Turned out it was a shorted motherboard. I just replaced it and haven't had any problem since on that computer.

[saluki_in_ohio]

Before you condemn the power supply, verify that the wall outlet has available power by plugging something else such as a lamp and turning it on.

Also, verify that your connection of the power cable into the back of the computer is fully inserted.

If you have a different computer power cable, swap it with the existing cable and see if the computer powers up.

If the computer still does not start. then it is likely a power supply.

[jigsaw]

Only 6-months ... Hope it's still under warranty.

The power supply suggestion is a good one. I've had that problem also.

[Azra]

You have room on your credit card? time to get a Dell dude!

[aviator]

How is the house circuit breaker?

KISS for former Naval Aviators!

[Pukin Dog]

I'll try that, but the Monitor is still working and it's plugged in there too.

[Petronski]

Recently a friend of mine called because his computer would not boot, but would light up and stay lit. It was baffling. Finally, I determined it was an undervolt condition. His son had slid the little voltage selector from 110 to 220, meaning the motherboard was getting only 2.5 and 6 volts DC, not 5 and 12 as required. Trouble is, I think a computer only six months old would be autosensing, and not have a little switch.

[PureSolace]

Sounds like a dead Motherboard. My roommate just had the same thing happen to her. Try to finda replacement mother board and move all the hardware over. If that doesnt fix it... or if your machine is ancient.. It might be time to get a new one. (Despite what the naysayers say, Microsoft OS's are mainstream and if you know how to keep a clean computer, run really well. sure its a bit high maintenance, but aren't all good girls?) :-P

[maxwell]

A multimeter is also called a "voltmeter", "bug", and nasty names when you blow the fuse. It is a device for measuring various electrical properties of a system, e.g. dc and ac potential (voltage), resistance, dc and ac current flow, connectivity, diode functioning, etc.

[Pukin Dog]

Thank you. Where would I get one of those? Would Frys Electronics have one?

[writer33]

Try chance33_98. He's one of those big computer people. He'd be able to tell you for sure. I'm with the consensus. Power supply.

Chris

[TheSpottedOwl]

Is it a Hewlett Packard?

[EGPWS]

Don't look at the cpu when firing -- it just makes it more painful.

LoL's!!!

In the long run, when it comes to computers, the best route is to look forward to the excitement of the latest system, for in a lot of cases one will spend more money than what the market value of the system is...if it's more than 6 months old.

FYI, I recommend a .38 special long barrel for it's accuracy!

[js1138]

I know NOTHING except how to turn the thing

You need more than online help. You need the on site help of someone who has built or repaired computers. This is where networking of friends is useful. If you can't find anyone, you will have to pay someone.

There is nothing hard or technical about replacing a power supply, but you will have to open the thing up and figure out how to remove the old one. Then you will have to take it to a computer store to find a matching replacement.

There is always a chance that it's something else. That's why you need an experienced person along for the ride.

If the machine is more than three years old, I'd suggest replacing it, or have someone upgrade it.

[July 4th]

Just one thing to keep in the distant back of your memory if going the power supply route: Modern power supplies won't even "click" on if the motherboard is fried. Literally, you can throw the manual on/off switch and nothing will happen unless an operational motherboard is attached. So if you go through the expense of installing a new power supply, and there's no change, you have a bigger problem.

That said, I agree with what most have said here. The power supply sounds like the primary culprit, but make sure that you check all external and internal connections before going out and getting another or sending it in for service.

[Pukin Dog]

Okay then, Chris. I'm going down to Frys for a power supply.

THANK YOU EVERYONE. IF I'M UP AND RUNNING, I'LL LET YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED.