By Herbert Ehlers
If you've never had a power supply problem with your computer, consider yourself lucky. Defective power supplies can cause a multitude of problems. But that doesn't have to mean the end of your computer system.
When you turn a computer on, you should hear the power supply fan operating. If you have electricity going into the computer and the fan isn't working, you probably have a defective power supply. But don't try to repair power supplies. It just isn't worth it because they're so inexpensive. Simply replace a defective power supply with one that has the same (or even more) electrical capacity.
Even if the fan is running and the power supply appears to be okay, it can still cause problems. As the power supply ages, the parts deteriorate and the output voltages drop. When these voltages are borderline, the computer will operate, but can have a variety of hard-to-diagnose problems.
Another common power supply problem is output voltages that are too high. High output voltage can destroy computer chips.
Always suspect the power supply as a cause of problems. It doesn't take long to plug in a substitute power supply. Just be sure to use one with the right output voltages. Older computers used five volts DC to operate the computer chips. Newer models now use 3.3 volts DC.
To replace the power supply, you must remove the cover from the computer case. There are usually five Phillips screws, at the back of the computer, that hold the cover in place. There should be two on each side and one in the middle, at the top. Remove them and place them in a plastic sandwich bag (Don't lose the bag!). Gently slide the cover forward and up.
The power supply is usually a large, chrome steel box that sits in a corner at the back of the computer. There should be a number on the power supply that tells you how much power it can provide. Look for a number like 100W (100 watts), 125W (125 watts), 150W, 200W, etc. Replace the supply with a similar model and retest your computer.
Good luck.
Herbert Ehlers started using and repairing computers in 1980. Now he uses his computer knowledge and experience to publish the Computer News & Views Newsletter, which is dedicated to helping computer users save and make money with their computers. To receive a FREE copy of this top-quality newsletter, send three first-class stamps to:
Herbert Ehlers 117 Lowry Rd Anderson, SC 29621
Please mention that you read about his newsletter at this website.
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