[HenryGale]

OK...so I have been away on vacation. Before I left, I unplugged my desktop. Tonight when I got back, I plugged everything back in (by way of surge protectors) and everything works except the CPU. Monitor, lights, printer...everything else that was plugged into that surge protector works, except the CPU....any suggestions?

[jimflamesfan]

I would guess it's the power supply for the computer. Total guess...but if you open it up and take it out...you can get a new one for around 20 dollars.

[LUconn]

is the power button amber?

[ALUmnus]

Whoa, amber is the color of your energy.

[HenryGale]

If it is the power supply, is that easy to change myself? Also...if I need to take it somewhere, is there anyplace in Lynchburg that you have had your computers worked on and were pleased with?

[LUconn]

I actually have had to replace mine for a few months but I keep putting it off. I plan to do it myself.

[HenryGale]

I actually have had to replace mine for a few months but I keep putting it off. I plan to do it myself.

How did you know it was dying? If this is what is wrong with mine, when I left for vacation, it worked perfectly, when I returned...dead.

[LUconn]

I am 75% certain that this is my problem. I had the CPU in a poorly vented area and the vents on the shell got all clogged with dust and fur and it just shut off one night because it overheated (I'm fairly certain). It won't come back on, but the power light flashes an amber color. I've googled around and it could be a couple things but the power supply seems to be the main culprit of the amber light. It could also be a fried mother board which I am pretending is not an option.

[HenryGale]

Ahhh....and no...I do not get an amber light...press the power button, and nothing.

[RubberMallet]

Whoa, amber is the color of your energy.

Whoa, shades of gold displayed naturally

[ReKlef]

Whoa, amber is the color of your energy.

Whoa, shades of gold displayed naturally

dude, you are the ****ing man.

[RubberMallet]

debatable

[jimflamesfan]

I think it's your power supply (I can't guarantee anything...but when you can't turn it on at all, that sounds like the power supply. If it was the motherboard...you'd probably get some message like 'no keyboard present'. You can get one, but there are different kinds. Most common now is called an ATX power supply. If you take your computer apart...the power supply is attached to the motherboard...usually with two rectangular white cables...if you take a picture of the cable ends...then take it to a place like Best Buy...you should be able to get one for around $20.

You can get them for around $12 or even less if there is one of those computer shows around.

[phoenix]

Power supplies are simple to replace. Just make sure you take the old one with you to make sure the connections look the same, and make sure you get a little bit more wattage than the old one. Shouldn't cost you much at all if you DIY.

[HenryGale]

OK..so I changed out the power supply and still nothing...any other thoughts?

[JeanW]

Have you tried a different power cord from the CPU to the surge protector? How about try bypassing the surge protector and plug directly into the wall? I've sometimes had one or two plugs on a surge protector go bad when the others still worked.

[adam42381]

Make sure it's plugged in...

[jimflamesfan]

ok...another guess. You normally leave it on all the time but unplugged it for vacation...then you get home and it doesnt work. How about the CMOS battery. CMOS batteries are about 5 at radio shack...Also it could be your power button if nothing is happening. a free test for this...if its an atx power supply you can sometime rig it by plugging the jumper into you computer's reset button instead of the power button...then see if you can turn it on with the reset button.