Windows 7: Power Outage.. now computer won't turn on

I can only assume that you are joking. If not, then....

Is there a light on the PSU (led) usually green, that when on the light is on? If not, that's the first clue that the PSU is bad. If it is on then it's the mobo or CPU or both have gotten fried.

TIP: Surge Protectors - do not skimp out on this piece of equipment. Get one with the highest joule rating you can find and they are not cheap. Your computer is a big investment and you don't want to rely on some $10 part protecting it. These surge protectors where out just like any other piece of equipment and need to be replaced. The general rule is replace it every 2 - 3 years. This seems a little costly but look at like this. It's an oil change for your electronics to keep them running smooth just like you do for your car/truck/van. Your supposed to change the oil every 3000 to 5000 miles depending on how you drive and at the DIY rate for parts and labor or pay some one $20 to $40 each time which can add up in a years time. It's a small price to pay for either but well worth it in the long run.

It sounds at the minimum you PSU is fried. That is if you get no lights or fan action. Start there and hope for the best.
Good luck.
Ken

The issue of surge protectors usefulness has been beaten to death by some, but here's my suggestion.
1. Consult with your friendly licensed electrician regarding the grounding installed at your residence. If older house, then probably totally inadequate.
2. Get a good UPS. I recommend Tripp-Lite and don't skimp on the price.
3. Get a good surge protector. don't skimp on the price.

a fourth recommendation is called "point of entry" protection. This can be expensive with solutions being surge-protecting circuit breakers from Siemens or a Primax surge protector.

The cheapest, and most effective solution, is unplug your equipment.

I wouldn't be poking around with any screwdrivers or spare pieces of wire to try and bridge the power. I think you risk frying more (your MB and/or yourself!) than it's worth. I just replaced my PSU today. It just went "blink" and that was that. Here in Thailand, it was about $12 for PSU and $1 for install. All in; all done 10-15 minutes while I waited. I've been grabbed by Ol' Sparky too many times to play around for something this cheap. You only got one heart and it don't like to be jump started. However, if you're determined to play...don't!
James

Never had to open a power supply. But if like most electronics, there will be a fuse right off the power Socket. Wouldn't it be nice if it stopped there? A Guy

Bridging the connection with a piece of wire is the common test to make sure the button works. In fact, it also a common method of testing with any thing electrical, as a way of bypassing the need of a switch, fuse or relay.

I agree with. There are other testing methodologies. I'm a retired Elec Eng. who, in his varied carrier, had a Testing Department under his supervision.

Oh no ...

Not at all what I meant

Some Motherboards have switches built in for testing on a bench. This is what I was refering to.

If a computer PSU has a fuse in it, it's usually a resettable one. The reset is done by removing the power cord for a minute or so, and then plugging it in.

If it's the PSU, it's most likely the input stage that went from a surge. I don't recommend opening one if you aren't sure what you're doing. There can be voltages in places one might not suspect. I thought I'd fix one at work last week, and got belted by 120V for my trouble, and I'm fully qualified and I know what I'm doing. lol