In a message dated 8/28/2007 6:14:14 PM Atlantic Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

If you  are not afraid of getting shocked badly, you can open the case on the 
 
power supply (with the cord unplugged, of course!!!) and look to see if  
anything looks burned or scorched.


I did this in an E-Machines that did the same as what you discribe and did  
find scorching. Had an extra supply that I hooked up and machine started but  
wouldn't finish the boot up. I ended up ordering a bare bones system from  
Tigerdirect and used the CD and hard drives, memory and processor (which  
fortunately
didn't get fried) to the bare bones and it's worked great since. I did  
however have to re-install XP on the HD.
 
As an interseting side note, my E-machine was connected to a surge  protector 
when it got fried so, as others have stated, if there's a storm, It's  
probably advisable to unplug everything!
 
-Phil-



************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at 
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

                         PCBUILD's List Owners:
                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
                       Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>