Computer's not working - weird

[clutter]

So I noticed my desktop was off this morning. It wouldn't turn back on. It's about six months old, a Dell. I played with the power cord, and it started to start, but stopped again. I changed to another power cord, and again, it started, but died out. Before I go through the hassle of getting in touch with Dell, any ideas out there?

 

[MouseEarsJenny]

Could the problem be your outlet or surge protector rather than the power cord?

 

[clutter]

No, I don't think it's that. The other things plugged into the surge protector are working fine. I've switched placement of the plugs and its the same thing.

 

[Jestocost]

Could be the internal power supply unit that the cord connects to. I had one of those go bad on a Dell under warranty and they replaced it.

 

[FireDancer]

I'm thinking power supply. It is easy to replace and Dell should ship you one if it is under warranty. It is about a five minute fix.

 

[clutter]

Thanks. I sometimes helps to have an idea before calling/going online. Now, I just have to get a chance to do so.

 

[chabs]

That same exact thing happened to me with my Dell computer this week! We had a power outage on Friday and when we went to use the computer Friday night it would not turn on. Tried to plug it into different outlets on the surge protector and it still would not turn on. The yellow light would flash when you try to push the on button but it would not start. Everything else was fine-two router box things from cable, printer and monitor were working just fine.

So I unplugged everything and dragged the computer to work for my IT guy to look at. He brought it home and turned it on and it worked just fine for him.

I went out and bought a new power strip, hooked everything back up and it worked fine. I'm wondering if the power surge blew something out in the power strip and it just didn't have enough juice to turn the computer back on? That's as much as I can figure because it sure was weird!

 

[cglaura]

If it makes an effort, fans starts, lights on , then turns right back off...sounds like your power supply is shot. Same exact thing happened to me. They are easy to replace if not under warranty. Just read the old one to make sure you get the same thing. Not terribly expensive....though that is a relative term.