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Power light flashes but computer wont turn on. Any Solutions?

I have a dell optiplex 745 desktop. Computer is plugged into a surge protector. We had a power surge that shut the computer down. When we tried to turn it back on all we got was a yellow flashing light. It doesnt even try to boot up. Could it be the power supply? Any suggestions?
Tom, April 2011
Keep in mind that most surge protector have a limited life span and that, as they filter out small surges, they get worn away. An old surge protector may no longer protect your equipments.


If you open the case while the computer is pluged in, you should see a (usualy) green LED shining somewhere on the motherboard.

If there is NO light, it means that there is NO power comming to the motherboard. It can meand a burnt power supply. You need to get a new power supply to replace your old one.
Get one that have about the same power rating as the old one. You DON'T need a 500W to 1KW model!


If it's on, it probably worst. It can mean that the surge protector did not cucceed at adequately protect your computer and that some components got destroyed. You just can't find what component is dead, and even if you could, you have no way to replace most of them.

In that case, you need a new computer.

A good new is that your hard drive(s) is probably intact and all your saved datas in perfect condition. Just plug in the old drive in the new computer in addition to it's drive. Delete the Windows folder fron the old drive as it's no longer needed.

Right click the My Documents folder from the new computer and drag it to the old drive. Sellect "Move here".
Wait until the operation finishes. Your personal datas are now away from the OS.

Electro, April 2011
link Click here to see other fixes for Dell.