OT: Power Surge Killed Computer

I deal with telephone systems for a living. The preferred method is DC systems, rectifiers, huge battery vaults. But for those smaller AC systems, get a UPS to help insure some pretty expensive investments, and the larger the UPS, the longer the up time during power outages, and the bigger the AC filter.

Mark

When you turn the computer on do you see lights on the front panel? Will the CD or DVD drawers open? If so the power supply is probably OK and the first thing I'd do is try a different monitor. Most monitors up until the most recent flat screens are interchangable from one computer to another.

Usually one beep means everything is good. If this is the case, try another monitor.

Multiple beeps mean something is wrong; you'll have to check with the manual for your motherboard to read the code. (For example, maybe four beeps means the video card is bad.) Most motherboard manufacturer's post the manuals online.

No beeps means, most likely no power. Power supplies for generic computers are available at any computer store and are pretty cheap.

Before you start swapping parts, take a close look at the motherboard and other cards. If you see any visible damage, assume that part is bad. If you plug a good card into a bad motherboard, or vice versa, you could damage the good part.