Dell computer gone stupid

[LeeB]

It would seem my computer at home has gone on the fritz. Lindy can't find the manual on it. Anybody know what it means when the little light on the front blinks yellow? Before you ask, I can't tell you what model it is. It's a long ways from me right now.

[Jeff]

Unplug it, wait 5 minutes and then plug it back in.

[woodmills1]

when the light is on or blinking something is running, so you are way slow and not having fun.  try cleaning out some junk, running a scan, checking your virus programs.

[LeeB]

Lindy tried that. I suspect it has something to do with power because the washing machine went stupid at the same time and had to be reset. To reset the washer it should be unplugged and plugged back in. Lindy can't move the machine away from the wall any more so she flipped the breaker for a while and then turned it back on. That's when the trouble started. She's already taken it to the shop. I was just trying to see how much might be wrong so I know how much it's gonna hurtcost.   >:(

[LeeB]

The light is normally green, not yellow. I vaguely remember something in the owners manual about a blinking yellow and a blinking red light, but cannot remember what it means.

[Warbird]

Lee:

http://www.pctechbytes.com/dell-power.htm

*edit* ps.  Power supplies can be cheap to buy, depending on how many watts you need it to be and where you buy it from.  You can even snag a used one from certain computer repair shops.  And they are pretty easy to replace, if you are into any sort of electrical work at all.  If not, just fly me down, I'll bring a spare unit and replace it for free.  ;)

[LeeB]

Hmm. Looks like the power supply is kaput. Thanks Warbird.

[LeeB]

Well sir. That is a very generous offer. Before I put you out like that I believe I would probably have to bring it to you. I never been to Alaska. :D :D

[woodmills1]

did the same breaker supply the computor?   If so gotta do so some rewire reconfigure.

[LeeB]

Not sure WM1. I can't see that far, its about 8000 miles away right now. I don't think so. I'm pretty sure the washing machine is on a breaker by itself. I'll check it all when I get back home.

[Warbird]

Lee, any FF member is welcome.  I just ask for plenty of notice.   

As for the computer being on the same breaker, it doesn't necessarily have to be.  If the power supply unit was already going bad, a quick brown out from flipping a breaker (or even a large appliance coming on) could have been enough to finish it off.  Do you have the system hooked up to a surge protector or a UPS?  Be sure to check if the computer is still under warranty.

[LeeB]

It was on a surge protector and I think the power supply was dying. That was my first thought when Lindy told me about it. We get lots of brown outs and failures being the last customer on the line. No warrenty, the thing is a little over 2 years old and I never buy extendded warranties. I've done pretty good so far. Computer before is 4 years old and still running fine and the one before that is 10+ and doing well although severly out of date.