Troubleshoot a Computer Power Supply
The power supply is the computer's central nervous system. It converts electricity from the wall outlet into power a computer needs to run all of its components. If it is not working, the rest of the computer's components will stop working, too. Symptoms include not starting up at all, rebooting unexpectedly, not all components such as CD drives starting up, and components not functioning correctly. Remember that you are dealing with an electrical device and should use caution while troubleshooting.
Instructions
1. Exchange the existing power cable with a known working cable to check if you might need a new one. If the computer still does not turn on with the working cable, reinstall the original cable.
2. Move the computer to another wall outlet that is on a different circuit. If it still does not turn on, move it back to its original location.
3. Check the power supply for any burning odor that might indicate it has burned out.
4. Unplug the power from the back of the computer and use a screwdriver to take the side panel off the computer. Make sure that the power supply is connected to the computer's motherboard.
5. Note anything that is not ordinary, such as a popped or oozing capacitor on the computer's motherboard.
6. Check to see if other components appear burned out or broken. If everything looks all right, switch out the power supply with a working one and test it by turning your computer on.
Tags: computer motherboard, Computer Power, Computer Power Supply, does turn, power supply, Power Supply, power supply