Power

[Anttony09]

I have an older Gateway computer. Last night I turned it off and it was working fine before that. But when I went to turn it on this morning, the indication light on the power buton turned orange and the computer wouldn't start. Any ideas/suggestions on how to fix it?

[Allan]

Could be any number of things, but assuming it's a desktop the most obvious first thought is the power supply

[Anttony09]

I tried changing out the power cords and replugging everything in. None of that helped. Anything else power supply rated or other ideas?

[Allan]

The POWER SUPPLY UNIT

[Anttony09]

What do you mean by power supply? And what should I do? Sorry if I seem clueless. I'm 15 years old and I don't know much about computers. I'm not technologically challenged I know how to get around. But I suck and troubleshooting.

[Allan]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_supply_unit_%28computer%29

http://www.google.com/search?q=computer+power+supply+unit&hl=en&rlz=1B3GGLL_en-GB___US394&prmd=si&source=univ&tbs=shop:1&tbo=u&ei=YQTwTNvAFML68AbE_PWsDA&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CEgQrQQwAg&biw=1280&bih=637

[Anttony09]

Ok so what you're saying is that I would need to get a nw power supply? So basically I have to take it to someone who knows how to fix computers.

[moro]

-try start the computer, with NOTHING connected, except for the CPU, power, power button, and monitor
 -got a new battery for the motherboard to eliminate that as part of the problem.

[Allan]

The likelihood of it being the battery is slim, but it's easy enough to replace so you might as well give it a try. As for the power supply, it's easy enough to do yourself.

[Anttony09]

Ok you guys have been alot of help. By unplug everything do you mean everything inthe innerworkings as well or just all of the external hardware plugged into the back.

[Allan]

You can disregard that part of the advice. You don't need to disconnect everything. Just replace the battery and if that doesn't do it try a new power supply.

[Anttony09]

Ok thanks. And the battey is the one thats like a bigger watch batter right?

[Allan]

Correct. Just be sure to pull the power plug before messing around inside the computer. And don't worry - it's hard to do any damage to anything other than the ram (be sure to touch a piece of metal before touching ram).

[Anttony09]

Ok thank you

[Allan]

You're welcome. Be sure to post back with any additional questions or to let us know how things worked out. Oh - and power supplies fail all the time, it's really no big deal if that is indeed the problem.