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Computer Support For Individuals And Small Business |
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1/12/10 |
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Pressing Power Button Won't Turn on Computer |
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Q - C.H. from Aurora asks: When I pressed the power button on my 2 year old desktop computer nothing happened! I checked the power cord and tried another wall plug that I knew worked, but still it would not start. Fortunately I have another computer to use temporarily and my data was backed up. Should I just plan on throwing away my computer and get another one?
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A: Don't throw out your computer just yet! Most of the time this is simply a power supply gone bad.
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What is a power supply? A computer, like any other electrical/electronic device, must have electricity. This, of course, comes simply from plugging it into a wall plug.
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However, the electricity must be transformed into a voltage level acceptable to the components inside the computer, and distributed appropriately to those components (hard drive, DVD player, etc). These functions are provided by a component generally referred to as a "power supply."
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When you insert the power cord into the computer, you are actually plugging it into the power supply. It is typically a box with numerous sets of wires hanging from it and attached to various components inside your computer.
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Like any electrical device, it can wear out. When this happens, the computer simply will not run. Fortunately, it can be replaced. It is not a complicated task, but can be tedious.
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Basically, the computer case must be opened, the wires from the power supply disconnected (being careful to note where the cables go), the old power supply removed, a new power supply inserted, and the cables re-connected. Conceptually not difficult, but easier said than done!
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If you haven't done this before it can be frustrating and a little scary. Call us for help with this annoying problem.
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By the way, kudos for keeping your data backed up.
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