Storm Destroyed Computer

[letsdoamazing]

My friend had a massive storm came through the other night when she was gone and her computer was plugged in (laptop). Since then it doesn't turn on or anything. Is it burned out for good? Can it be fixed?

 

[zigzag3143]

My friend had a massive storm came through the other night when she was gone and her computer was plugged in (laptop). Since then it doesn't turn on or anything. Is it burned out for good? Can it be fixed?

I think we might need a bit more information dont you think?

 

[letsdoamazing]

My friend had a massive storm came through the other night when she was gone and her computer was plugged in (laptop). Since then it doesn't turn on or anything. Is it burned out for good? Can it be fixed?

I think we might need a bit more information dont you think?

Well, I don't know what else I can tell you. It's an HP laptop, it was plugged in via AC. The computer won't turn on, thats about it. I am guessing its blown something, but I don;t know what or how I can fix it or if it can be fixed.

 

[Lordbob75]

If the computer was connected via the AC power, the converter block is probably blown, and the battery could be as well. It is possible the laptop was damaged, but I would try this:

1. Try new AC adapter
2. Try new battery
3. Get laptop checked

~Lordbob

 

[smarteyeball]

1. Try new AC adapter
2. Try new battery

If it still doesn't start after that then you will need this:

3. Get laptop checked

~Lordbob

Is it still under warranty?

 

[electrotune1200]

Unfortunately, most warranties exclude damage due to power surges. There are some warranties that will cover them, but they are usually sold to you as an extra.

I would just get the thing checked out to start with. I had a motherboard blow out just from a power spike. Better to get an answer before you start spending money on AC adaptors and batteries.

If you end up getting the thing repaired or even a new PC. Put it on a surge protector. You can get a nice portable two socket surge protector for less than $100. And you can take it wherever you go.

 

[Petey7]

Do you have home owners or similar insurance? Usually they will cover something like this if the warranty won't.

 

[Dzomlija]

Do you have home owners or similar insurance? Usually they will cover something like this if the warranty won't.

That happened to me a while back, as readers of the Vista Forums may recall. My insurance compmany eventually only replaced the damaged components (they usually replace the ENTIRE computer), because they thought I was scamming them by claiming R25,000 for a computer...

But yes, if the warranty does not cover power surge damage, then maybe you insurance will. Although they might want to know if you had a surge protector or not - this was the ONLY reason why Prometheus got fixed, because my DSL Router power supply had a built-in surge protector, and that was enough for the insurance . . .