Have I lost my pc forever?

[Champagne]

On Saturday I set up my pc in my new home, but as soon as I switched on the power the pc let out a large bang which made me jump and then there was a burning smell from the back of the computer.

My pc had been playing up for a while in odd ways, e.g. if you switched the plug off at the wall then the pc would have problems starting up when you came to use it.

Now something has officially burnt out in the mechanics. Does anybody know if this is something that can be remedied? i.e. is there any hope of saving all the data on my computer?

[CSG2306]

Hi Champagne,

It is a question that is impossible to answer without looking inside your.

As a guess it could be the power supply, not an expensive job on its own, but it could have caused other damage.

Sorry.

Regards

[Hammer]

Sounds like it could be the power supply. This is easy enough to change yourself - might be worth trying one from another PC just to see if that cures it - just remember to write down which wire goes where before you start.

It's a metal box with loads of wires coming out of it - about 6x6x3 inches or so, where the power lead plugs into.

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/power-supply .htm

[Kerplunk]

It is very unlikely that your data has been lost. At least I would say you need a new power supply (About �8 from an independent computer shop). At most you have damaged your power supply, motherboard and possibly your processor. If this is the case then you might be better off getting a new computer (Depends how old your present one is though).

[Champagne]

Hi Hammer. Looking at your link that is precisely what blew! I'll try changing it myself. I'm pretty good with electrics (for a girl!).

Kerplunk, the PC is pretty dated, hence I'm not too surprised that something went on it. But it has so much of my software on it, plus DVD drive, plus extra memory, plus all my personal stuff that I don't want to lose anything. Fingers crossed eh?

Thanks all.

[crystal110]

hi champagne
its sounds like the power supply has gone down to earth. to replace a power supply you can buy then for about �15, (try www.novatech.co.uk) the chances are the rest of the computer will be ok. power supplys are very simple to fit by simply matching the old power supplys plugs with the new ones. they will be universal. hope this of some help

[ACtheTROLL]

I think most replies have the right idea ....

A new power unit is relatively easy to change ... but do be careful ... they contain BIG capacitors which can store a big charge for weeks!!!

Not expensive is good ... but cheap isn't necessarily the way ... a cheap powerunit is like building your house on sand ... and nov****h have a reputation for burning out after 1 month 1 day go for a mid-range one instead

Does your local tip have a reclamation centre?
do you pass any corporate skips?
both are good sources of older (but still good) spares

failing that a USB enclosure costs much less
http://froogle.google.co.uk/froogle?q=usb+hdd+ enclosure&scoring=p

and is as easy to fit

[Champagne]

Thanks to everyone who gave me the advise, and confidence boost, to change my PSU. I did it at the weekend and it was surprisingly easy and now my PC is working fine again.

I would never have had the guts to buy and replace a computer component myself, so it was great to have such great feedback.

Thanks again. xxx