On Jun 30, 12:52 am, "drb" <drbto...@pacbell.net> wrote:
> CDROM light comes on and draw opens. Is that a 5v line going there?
Without results that provide numbers, then everything will be
nothing more than wild speculation. For example:
> Sounds like something blew when the power came back.
> Sometime when power is restored it surges and bounces bit.
When power comes back on, due to so many things being powered
simultaneously, then voltage remains low and slowly rises up. This is
the best type of power up to electronics. In fact, electronics often
contain a device to create this slow voltage rise. However people
without electrical knowledge assume voltage surges high when first
powered on only due to feelings. Do they first learn facts? No.
They hear that power surges when first turned on. They assume 'surge'
means high voltage. The resulting current surge means no excessive
voltage; great power-on for electronics and poor power-on for electric
motors.
If damage was created with power loss, then damage was more likely
created before power went off. Again, another example of others who
somehow know only using feelings.
Back to the original problem. Lights can illuminate; fans can spin;
and voltage is still too low. Everything inside that computer is
'unknown'. Solution begins by placing various parts of a computer,
one sub-system at a time, into either the 'definitely good' or
'definitely bad' category. Notice the ternary conditions: good, bad,
and unknown.
A tool sold even where screwdrivers are sold (even K-mart) is
required. This 3.5 digit multimeter provides numbers in but two
minutes. Voltage numbers are taken on any one of orange, red, purple,
and yellow wires (from power supply to motherboard) both 'before'
power button is pressed and 'when' power button is pressed. Those
numbers must exceed 3.23, 4.87, and 11.7. Even an Ipod is more
complex. Some pictures demonstrating where that measurement is taken
are
http://techrepublic.com.com/5102-10586-5566528.html
http://www.helpwithpcs.com/courses/power-supply-basics-inc-pinouts.htm
Your replies will only be as useful as numbers and facts provided.
Power supply 'system' (more than just a power supply) is the
foundation of a computer. Everything can appear defective if those
above numbers are not in spec. Nobody can provide a useful answer
without those numbers. Power supply 'system' is the first system to
take from "unknown' to either 'definitely good' or 'definitely bad'
state. Only if that subsystem is 'definitely good', then we move on
to other suspects.
Notice you don't disconnect anything since too many changes may only
exponentially complicate the problem. Shotgunning is another bad
diagnostic procedure.
If surge protector was adjacent to computer, then it may have
contributed to computer damage. Again, many somehow know when hearing
the word 'surge protector' and then assume that means 'surge
protection'. Those are two different items. But again, an example of
people 'feeling' rather than first learning.
Use two minutes and that 3.5 digit multimeter to obtain numbers.
Posting those numbers here will result in replies from people with
technical knowledge. How complex is that meter? So complex as to be
sold in Home Depot, Radio Shack, Wal-mart, Tru-Value Hardware, and K-
mart for about $20. A tool as necessary as a screwdriver.