Try this before you do any further.  Physically unplug the power cable from
the back of the computer.  While it is unplugged, press and hold the power
switch for about 10 seconds.  Wait a couple of minutes more then plug in the
power cable and see if your computer starts.  Nothing lost if it doesn't,
but it might get your machine back working.

Depending on the age, it might be to your benefit to just replace the whole
computer.  A good, independent computer repair shop should be able to tell
you if a replacement power supply would solve the problem.  If it needs a
new motherboard, we start getting into many questions regarding Microsoft
licensing.  I'm really trying to resist the urge to get on my soapbox.  If
you can get a direct replacement board from Dell, you don't have to worry
about most of the issues.  However, the cost of the board may be close
enough to the price of a new computer you want to upgrade.

Ron Jobe

On Sun, Aug 14, 2011 at 2:44 PM, Michael Lanspa <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> We took a 2-3 second power surge last night, and as a result, our Dell
> desktop computer (XPS Dimension, running XP) will not power up.  No lights
> on the CPU anywhere, front or back, not sound of motors running - nothing.
> It was plugged into a power surge protected strip, and the wireless router
> and cable modem plugged into the same strip were unaffected.
> I contacted DELL and they said it's most likely the motherboard and the
> power source.  Naturally, they suggested buying a new computer.
> I'm just wondering if any of you would concur with DELL's diagnosis, and if
> it is the motherboard and power source, would any of you have a ballpark
> estimate on how much to replace them and whether our data on the hard drive
> is still intact?
>
>        The NOSPIN Group has added a new feature on our website,
>           web based bulletinboard for questions and answers:
>              Visit our sister website at http://nospin.com
>

        The NOSPIN Group has added a new feature on our website,
           web based bulletinboard for questions and answers:
              Visit our sister website at http://nospin.com