How to Diagnose a Computer Power Supply Problem
The power supply is the heart of your computer, and when that power supply goes bad you will find that your computer simply will not start. Fortunately replacement power supplies are pretty inexpensive, often costing as little as $20. Even so, it is important to first determine that the power supply is truly the problem. A number of things can cause the computer to not boot up, so make sure you isolate the problem to the power supply before buying a new one.
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Instructions
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Unplug your computer and plug another device into the same outlet. Make sure that new device powers up. This will eliminate a bad electrical outlet as a possible source of the problem.
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Remove the computer's cover by removing the retaining screws on the back of the unit and lifting up the case release lever. For desktops designed to lie flat, the case release lever is probably on the top of the box. For tower units, the lever will probably be on the side.
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Set the case cover aside and press the power button. Listen carefully for any sounds. If you hear the fan starting up and spinning, the power supply is good and the problem lies elsewhere. If there is no response from the fan or other devices, the power supply has probably failed.
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Tips & Warnings
If you own a laptop, you will not need to remove the covering. You can simply listen for the sound of the cooling fan through the side of the unit. If you hear no sounds at all, you probably have a bad power supply.
