paphian
Really Really Experienced
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2002
- Posts
- 326
Mistress said:
It may be as simple as a failed fuse internal to the power supply. They all have them, and it's not unusual to have them fail. Although it is replaceable, I don't recommend that the average computer user try to replace them. Unless you know what you're doing, you can get seriously shocked (i.e. dead) or cause additional hazard by using the wrong replacement fuse.
I'd see if you can get a replacement power supply. Around here, they start at about $35. Replacing it only requires disconnecting all the internal power cables and removing (usually) 4 screws. The take the PS with you to the store and ask for an equivalent (or higher rated) replacement.
If the computer is less than 90 days old, contact the vendor for a replacement under warranty. Most machines have at least a 90 day warranty. Some, like Gateway and Dell, offer even longer warranties. If you bought it from a store like Best Buy or CompUSA, you can probably take it in under warranty. Be sure to let them know you want the failed part replaced, and not a swap out of the entire system unit, so as to preserve all your existing data.
Finally, if you live in a lightning-prone area, you're much better off having a UPS instead of a surge protector. Most surge protector warranties have many exclusions, and IMO, you'll be lucky to get it replaced by that company. Use of a true "on line" (as opposed to "bypass") type UPS will much more effectively isolate you from power line problems, as well as provide for protection from power sags and power failures. Most UPS units have better surge protection built in than your typical power-strip-style surge protector, as well.
The true "on line" type UPS units are more expensive than the "bypass" type, but more than make up for their additional cost in much better protection. On line UPS units never connect your system directly to the power line. Instead they always provide power from their internal batteries after first filtering, then rectifying, then "recreating" the power through an inverter.
"Bypass" units allow power direct from the power line unless/until something is wrong with that power. Unfortunately, things like lightning strikes can cause spike durations that are so short, and their voltages so high, that the UPS can't react fast enough to protect your equipment, hence my recommendation for the "on line" type.
(Edited for not-enough-coffee induced errors.)
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