A broken power button can render your computer inoperable.
The power button on your computer is a small feature -- often taken for granted -- until it malfunctions. If you find that your computer will not power on, one of the things that you should test for is a properly functioning power button. Once the electricity comes from the wall outlet to the computer, it must go through the power button first. If the power button does not function, no electricity will be able to reach the rest of the machine.
Instructions
1. Unplug your computer from the wall outlet.
2. Remove the access panel of your computer to allow you access to the inside of the machine.
3. Locate the power button at the front of the case. Use a small screwdriver to remove the button. Disconnect any wires from the power button to the power supply or motherboard.
4. Use a multimeter to test for resistance. Connect one lead of the multimeter to one of the power button wire, and the other lead to the remaining wire. Write down the resistance reading from the multimeter.
5. Press the power button. There should be a drop in the resistance measured by the multimeter. No change in resistance indicates a malfunctioning power button.
Tags: power button, your computer, power button, from wall, from wall outlet