Computer Fried?!?!?

bikinpunk · 08-11-2006, 03:04 PM

I use computers alot. I know about specs when buying, but as far as building and true mechanics I've never learned anything so I'm relying on help from you guys, since I know most of you are computer enthusiasts.

I have an HP desktop. 250g HD, 820 Dual Core processor, 256 mb ram. That's the main stuff.

There was a pretty mean thunderstorm line that came through North Alabama last night from about 4pm-12am. When I came home at 11:30 I sat down in front of my already-on computer to check my e-mail. Nothing worked, it was just froze. Okay, no big deal, stuff like this happens, so I restart it, and use another computer and then went to bed. I woke up this morning and before work tried to turn on my computer...the power button came on and showed blue but the smaller button below it (I suppose it's the standby button?) didn't turn green, and instead was yellow. The windows boot screen did not come up. The computer sounded like it was working so hard it was going to explode. I couldn't tell if it was the hard drive or fan, so I let it run while I ate breakfast to see if anything would come up. I came back 10 minutes later and it's still running like mad so I just shut it off. I wait 30 minutes and try again- same thing.

I'm under my parent's home owners which has a $1000 deductible so I'm not necessarily wanting this to be fried. However, they bought the computer with their Amex card to get sky miles and I paid them in cash for the computer. It's possible, according to my dad, that amex may cover the computer under their warranty but he's going to have to call. The computer was hooked up to a 5 plug surge protector.

Anyone have ideas of what it could be? Does it sound like it's possibly burnt up? Ways to check this? I'm at work right now so I can't do anything at the moment, however I have another computer in my home to use for the time being. I start school back next Wednesday so need to figure this out ASAP.

I may take it to a shop downtown tomorrow and have them run diagnostics on it so I'll know for sure. Also, if it is fried, I'll have proof for the insurance company.

tegrady · 08-11-2006, 03:36 PM

Sounds kinda like the Power Supply, that's usually what gets it in a thunderstorm. You've got a few options, if it's still under warranty, just call it in to HP and play stupid. As long as you don't mention the Thunderstorm, they'll honor the warranty and replace the "defective" parts.

Elmacho · 08-11-2006, 03:37 PM

Post this at www.pcmech.com/forum, they will answer any computer question and the people there are extremely smart.

06CivEXJon · 08-11-2006, 04:28 PM

Ive had a powersupply burn out on me before,ciruit also got fried inside it. My friend who is in the computer business replaced it for free. He gives great deals out,can make any computer you want,gaming systems,anything!

bikinpunk · 08-11-2006, 05:02 PM

For free?...haha

Elmacho · 08-11-2006, 06:18 PM

I was looking at the thread you started on pcmech and if it is just the powersupply, they would be able to recommend a replacement. I have an unrelated question, is your cpu extremely slow with that small amount of ram? Or is that sufficient for what the computer is used for? My parent's comp was terribly slow with only 256 mb of ram, after adding another 512 for about $60, it was like a whole new computer.

bikinpunk · 08-11-2006, 06:35 PM

Whoops, I meant to say that I had 256mb video memory. I'm running 1g ram. So, I guess that negates your question...but, it's fast? lol

06CivEXJon · 08-11-2006, 10:42 PM

Do you need or want a new comp? my friend can hook you up,they have a computer store and warehouse. PM me if your interested

bikinpunk · 08-11-2006, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06CivEXJon

Do you need or want a new comp? my friend can hook you up,they have a computer store and warehouse. PM me if your interested

noted

e60.deluxe · 12-14-2007, 04:12 AM

probably the PSU, possibly the motherboard as well. its unlikley the HDD, CPU, RAM are damaged although its possible.

sadly unless you have spare parts laying around its not easy to test.

bikinpunk · 12-14-2007, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e60.deluxe

probably the PSU, possibly the motherboard as well. its unlikley the HDD, CPU, RAM are damaged although its possible.

sadly unless you have spare parts laying around its not easy to test.

You do realize this thread is OVER A YEAR OLD, don't you?

e60.deluxe · 12-14-2007, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikinpunk

You do realize this thread is OVER A YEAR OLD, don't you?

haha no. related thread thing at the bottom V does not filter for age! this is th second time ive dont this.

***Chase*** · 12-14-2007, 09:59 AM

lol, Happends to the best of us... Someone could call you a noob thoug. lol

08-11-2006, 03:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
bikinpunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Age: 26 Posts: 3,183 Erin iTrader: 3 / 100%	Computer Fried?!?!? I use computers alot. I know about specs when buying, but as far as building and true mechanics I've never learned anything so I'm relying on help from you guys, since I know most of you are computer enthusiasts. I have an HP desktop. 250g HD, 820 Dual Core processor, 256 mb ram. That's the main stuff. There was a pretty mean thunderstorm line that came through North Alabama last night from about 4pm-12am. When I came home at 11:30 I sat down in front of my already-on computer to check my e-mail. Nothing worked, it was just froze. Okay, no big deal, stuff like this happens, so I restart it, and use another computer and then went to bed. I woke up this morning and before work tried to turn on my computer...the power button came on and showed blue but the smaller button below it (I suppose it's the standby button?) didn't turn green, and instead was yellow. The windows boot screen did not come up. The computer sounded like it was working so hard it was going to explode. I couldn't tell if it was the hard drive or fan, so I let it run while I ate breakfast to see if anything would come up. I came back 10 minutes later and it's still running like mad so I just shut it off. I wait 30 minutes and try again- same thing. I'm under my parent's home owners which has a $1000 deductible so I'm not necessarily wanting this to be fried. However, they bought the computer with their Amex card to get sky miles and I paid them in cash for the computer. It's possible, according to my dad, that amex may cover the computer under their warranty but he's going to have to call. The computer was hooked up to a 5 plug surge protector. Anyone have ideas of what it could be? Does it sound like it's possibly burnt up? Ways to check this? I'm at work right now so I can't do anything at the moment, however I have another computer in my home to use for the time being. I start school back next Wednesday so need to figure this out ASAP. I may take it to a shop downtown tomorrow and have them run diagnostics on it so I'll know for sure. Also, if it is fried, I'll have proof for the insurance company.

12-14-2007, 09:59 AM	#13 (permalink)
*Chase* Elitist Si Driver.. Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: El Paso Texas Age: 22 Posts: 3,185 Chase iTrader: 3 / 100%	lol, Happends to the best of us... Someone could call you a noob thoug. lol __________________ Click Here to visit hispeedchase.com

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08-11-2006, 03:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
tegrady Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: St.Augustine, Florida Age: 37 Posts: 325 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Sounds kinda like the Power Supply, that's usually what gets it in a thunderstorm. You've got a few options, if it's still under warranty, just call it in to HP and play stupid. As long as you don't mention the Thunderstorm, they'll honor the warranty and replace the "defective" parts.

08-11-2006, 03:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
Elmacho Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Guam Age: 23 Posts: 260 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Post this at www.pcmech.com/forum, they will answer any computer question and the people there are extremely smart.

08-11-2006, 04:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
06CivEXJon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Monument/Colorado Springs Colorado Posts: 4,546 Jon iTrader: 0 / 0%	Ive had a powersupply burn out on me before,ciruit also got fried inside it. My friend who is in the computer business replaced it for free. He gives great deals out,can make any computer you want,gaming systems,anything!

08-11-2006, 05:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
bikinpunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Age: 26 Posts: 3,183 Erin iTrader: 3 / 100%	For free?...haha

08-11-2006, 06:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
Elmacho Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Guam Age: 23 Posts: 260 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I was looking at the thread you started on pcmech and if it is just the powersupply, they would be able to recommend a replacement. I have an unrelated question, is your cpu extremely slow with that small amount of ram? Or is that sufficient for what the computer is used for? My parent's comp was terribly slow with only 256 mb of ram, after adding another 512 for about $60, it was like a whole new computer.

08-11-2006, 06:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
bikinpunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Age: 26 Posts: 3,183 Erin iTrader: 3 / 100%	Whoops, I meant to say that I had 256mb video memory. I'm running 1g ram. So, I guess that negates your question...but, it's fast? lol

08-11-2006, 10:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
06CivEXJon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Monument/Colorado Springs Colorado Posts: 4,546 Jon iTrader: 0 / 0%	Do you need or want a new comp? my friend can hook you up,they have a computer store and warehouse. PM me if your interested

12-14-2007, 04:12 AM	#10 (permalink)
e60.deluxe Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lake Forest, CA Age: 22 Posts: 5,180 iTrader: 3 / 100%	probably the PSU, possibly the motherboard as well. its unlikley the HDD, CPU, RAM are damaged although its possible. sadly unless you have spare parts laying around its not easy to test.