Re: fixing power supply problems in dell Inspiron 1100

On Oct 15, 11:40 am, s <s...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I don't have such gadgets(multimeter, voltmeter) handy. The nearest
electronic shop was asking some 1000rs(22$) for each of those. While
22$ might not be a big amount there, here 1000rs is.

Do you have a nearby store that sells hammers? Multimeters are so
simple, so ubiquitous, and such a useful and necessary tool as to be
sold in stores that also sell hammers. Sold for about the same
price. Multimeters are even sold for less in Wal-Mart. Anyone doing
electronics work will typically have two simple tools: a screwdriver
and the meter.

Meanwhile, your battery should recharge and then boot your friend’s
computer. If the fully charged battery works in his computer and not
yours, then both (completely independent) power sources do not boot
the common defect - motherboard.

Of course, all this would have been answered immediately by doing
what Christopher recommended long ago. You posted same in another
newsgroup. Posters in that newsgroup also recommended using a meter.
Getting people to do the best thing and to ignore their fears seems to
take 10+ posts.

We repair things to learn - not to save time and money. One thing
learned from this experience: don't waste time; learn and use the
meter.

Also explained was why failures happen. In your case, the most
usual suspect was a defective power adaptor connector or a failed
solder joint. Most failures cannot be visually located - just another
reason for the meter. Most failures are not due to surges - what is
most commonly blamed because the actual problem could not be seen or
identified (especially without the meter).

If both a fully charged battery and AC power supply did not power
this computer, then the failure would likely be the only common
component: another power supply on the motherboard. Obviously, you
will not fix or replace that power supply. Replace the entire
motherboard.
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: P5Q wont boot after long stable service
    ... The motherboard grounds PS_ON#, when it wants to turn on the power supply. ... (The voltage should be the same ... each pin is crimped to the wire. ... from the meter to the motherboard. ...
    (alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus)
  • Re: P5Q wont boot after long stable service
    ... The motherboard grounds PS_ON#, when it wants to turn on the power supply. ... (The voltage should be the same ... each pin is crimped to the wire. ... from the meter to the motherboard. ...
    (alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus)
  • Re: Power Supply or Motherboard?
    ... probability of motherboard failure is high. ... a 3.5 digit multimeter means a definitive answer - not speculation. ... Since you don't have numbers (meter provides numbers), ... Two minutes means either definitive answers or replies that actually ...
    (alt.sys.pc-clone.dell)
  • Re: Dimension 4400 sporatically shutting off
    ... number was provided - which includes how a meter works. ... defective connector. ... If probing those connectors fixed a problem, ... to understanding why failures happen. ...
    (alt.sys.pc-clone.dell)
  • Re: Computer trouble
    ... motherboard ATX 20/24 plug and 12v 4/8 plug" is. ... The 20 or 24 pin connector and the 4 pin connector from power ... supply would be plugged into motherboard per motherboard manual. ... Usual response is fear because a meter sounds complex. ...
    (alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt)
Loading