Power Outage.. now computer won't turn on

[Kirsch]

Okay, so.

I know everyone has heard this scenario, and I have done a good amount of time on google searching for an answer, and have yet to come across something that helped.

What happened:

Overnight on Tuesday we had a pretty wicked thunderstorm which knocked our power out when I was sleeping (clocks reset, etc gave it away). When I woke up, my computer was off. No problem, I thought, that is normal. I go over to boot it up.. nothing. No LED lights, no fan spin, no beeps, no NOTHING.

What I've done:

I have unplugged and switched off my computer and left it all day, came back after work, plugged it in, still nothing. I have tried a different outlet, still nothing. I have flashed the bios for fun, still nothing. I've checked and rechecked all of the cables (which shouldn't be necessary, the computer didn't move), and they all are correct and in place (I've reseated them too).

Now, I know what you are all going to say : "Do you have a surge protector?" Yes. Yes I do. I think it just failed or something.

Also, I know you will tell me that my power supply is most likely fried, and in all honesty, you are probably right. I don't own a tester, so I will probably have to run to Best Buy or something with just my power supply to have the Geek Squad test it for me.

What am I looking for? Any. Other. Possible. Solution.

As I said, I am going to test my power supply when I get time, and no, I do not have a spare one lying around/other PC to test it with.

Thanks for any/all input

 

[Petey7]

How did you flash the bios if it won't turn on?

Some surge protectors only work a limited number of times (I don't know why, I've just seen some that say it on the packaging/protector itself).

 

[pparks1]

I've got to wonder how you "flashed the BIOS" when you cannot get the computer to turn on. Sounds to be like your power supply or your motherboard has died.

 

[Kirsch]

Sorry, wrong terminology.. I just removed the CMOS battery for a few minutes, its solved random things for me before We just call it flashing the BIOS around here to make it sound like we are doing something impressive, sorry for the confusion.

 

[karlsnooks]

I have flashed the bios for fun, still nothing.

How did you flash the bios?

That's an operation that requires power.

 

[pparks1]

Without having access to another power supply, this is pretty hard to test on your own. I think you are going to have to take it somewhere and have it tested. I would think a small computer shop would test it for free as long as you are going to buy a replacement power supply from them if yours turns out bad.

 

[Wishmaster]

If it was a surge, it could be a number of things that got hit.
PSU, MOBO, CPU ...
Maybe just the PSU

I agree, have it checked.

But I would think, if the power supply itself isnt powering up, or fan spinning it very well may be dead.

Do you have any diagnostic/bench testing switches on your board?

Maybe try to bypass the power switch on the case all together, and power up from the board itself .. If it has a button for it on the board.

 

[Kirsch]

Do you have any diagnostic/bench testing switches on your board?

Maybe try to bypass the power switch on the case all together, and power up from the board itself .. If it has a button for it on the board.

There aren't any switches, but the first thing I am doing when I get home tonight is taking my screw driver and placing it in between the two links where the power switch cable plugs in, for my motherboard as far as I know that's the only way to bypass the switch

 

[Petey7]

If you have some spare wire, that would be better than a screw driver. Not all of them make the best conductors.

 

[StuberB]

you can try disconnecting the power cords to extra devices you don't need that your power supply is supplying power to...obviously leave the power cord to the mobo/hd.

 

[karlsnooks]

There aren't any switches, but the first thing I am doing when I get home tonight is taking my screw driver and placing it in between the two links where the power switch cable plugs in, for my motherboard as far as I know that's the only way to bypass the switch

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

 

[bassfisher6522]

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.

 

[ken9122]

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

 

[karlsnooks]

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.

 

[jhawksone]

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

 

[A Guy]

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

 

[Petey7]

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

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.

 

[karlsnooks]

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

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.

 

[Wishmaster]

Do you have any diagnostic/bench testing switches on your board?

Maybe try to bypass the power switch on the case all together, and power up from the board itself .. If it has a button for it on the board.

There aren't any switches, but the first thing I am doing when I get home tonight is taking my screw driver and placing it in between the two links where the power switch cable plugs in, for my motherboard as far as I know that's the only way to bypass the switch

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.

 

[Mellon Head]

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

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