The PS is certainly a likely candidate. Any shop should be willing to
test it for free, and I have seen testers at Office Depot for $15-20.00.
I've used $30.00-$40.00 power supplies bought online with great success,
but they are readily available at  most computer stores, albeit usually
for a great deal more.
Replacing a PS is usually a very easy job;just be sure to get one with
the right connectors, and make a diagram or take a picture before
beginning.
These guys have been very reliable for me:
http://www.atxpowersupplies.com/
It could be some other problem, of course, but getting the PS tested
will get you started.




-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [PCBUILD] Dead as a doornail
From: Bruce Lund <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tue, April 20, 2010 12:03 pm
To: [log in to unmask]

Came home yesterday and my eMachines D2880 is dead as a doornail. Left
it on when I left home and it was off when I returned and the start
button does nuttin. There was no sign of impending doom although the fan
MIGHT have been running a bit more than usual. My first instinct is to
just replace it with a good used machine and install the old drive as a
slave on the replacement computer but would prefer just getting the old
one back up and running for at least a while if I can do so with a
minimum of cost and time.

So, what happened? Power supply go? I know remote diagnosis is difficult
but I have to believe there are a limited numbers of possibilities.

As you have probably figured out, I am somewhat of a novice at this. I
have installed memory, DVD drives and modems. But this is new to me. I
have a CompUSA nee Tiger Direct nee Global Computer Warehouse near me.
So, the questions are:

What do I need?

What should I expect to pay?

Any specs/brands I need to look for/avoid?

Any installation advice?

No computer. No calendar. No internet access. I am naked here. (Well,
figuratively. I am at the library after all.) I would really appreciate
any help here as I need to get this resolved, and fast.

Bruce

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