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Mike Scoboria · June 18th, 2005, 02:55 PM

My neighborhood had a power outage. The computer (G4) was on (sleep mode)when it went out. I turned off the outlet strip power before the electricity came back on. Now that the electricity is back on my computer will not turn on. I press the button and the light temporarily comes on but turns off again when I release it. I hear no attempt of the copmputer to start up.

Anybody have any ideas about my predicament?

Thanks,
Mike

Boyd Ostroff · June 18th, 2005, 04:15 PM

Sounds like something may have blown in your power supply. Some parts may be replaced with the "DIY Service" option - see:

http://www.apple.com/support/diy/faq/

There are also 3rd party places that sell things like power supplies - look at the ads in the back of MacWorld Magazine or do some Googling. Of course it could be something else as well. I'd make a "genius" appointment at the nearest Apple Store and bring it in, they can probably help you narrow down the problem and suggest the least expensive repair route.

Also, if you can document a problem from a power surge/outage you may be able to get some coverage from your utility company. Check to see what their policy is.

I hate to ask, but do you have the computer hooked up to a UPS?...

Mike Scoboria · June 18th, 2005, 07:17 PM

Thanks for the help Boyd.

I'll check out what you suggested as soon as I can.

You asked if I was hooked up to a UPS - I actually don't know what that is. What would be the problem if I was?

Mike

Dean Sensui · June 18th, 2005, 07:28 PM

A UPS is an "uninterruptible power supply." Available at Costco under the name of Tripp-Lite or at other computer shops as "APS", etc.

It provides instant backup power in the event the power goes out in your neighborhood. Price is about $100 which is cheap insurance. Sudden power drops or sags can damage your computer and a UPS helps prevent it.

I've made it standard practice to connect all critical equipment to UPS's and have avoided problems over the years.

Graeme Nattress · June 19th, 2005, 10:08 AM

Two things could be wrong:

1) PMU needs resetting - the Power Management Unit. There's a little press-button on the motherboard. However, I'd not recommend, personally doing it.

2) One or both of the processors are fried.

In either case, I'd take it in for a service. I've had 4 G4s die this way after the big power cut the other year.

Graeme

June 18th, 2005, 02:55 PM	#1
Mike Scoboria Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 26	Mac Trouble My neighborhood had a power outage. The computer (G4) was on (sleep mode)when it went out. I turned off the outlet strip power before the electricity came back on. Now that the electricity is back on my computer will not turn on. I press the button and the light temporarily comes on but turns off again when I release it. I hear no attempt of the copmputer to start up. Anybody have any ideas about my predicament? Thanks, Mike

June 18th, 2005, 07:28 PM	#4
Dean Sensui Inner Circle Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 2,054	A UPS is an "uninterruptible power supply." Available at Costco under the name of Tripp-Lite or at other computer shops as "APS", etc. It provides instant backup power in the event the power goes out in your neighborhood. Price is about $100 which is cheap insurance. Sudden power drops or sags can damage your computer and a UPS helps prevent it. I've made it standard practice to connect all critical equipment to UPS's and have avoided problems over the years. __________________ Dean Sensui Exec Producer, Hawaii Goes Fishing

June 19th, 2005, 10:08 AM	#5
Graeme Nattress RED Problem Solver Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 1,365	Two things could be wrong: 1) PMU needs resetting - the Power Management Unit. There's a little press-button on the motherboard. However, I'd not recommend, personally doing it. 2) One or both of the processors are fried. In either case, I'd take it in for a service. I've had 4 G4s die this way after the big power cut the other year. Graeme __________________ www.nattress.com - filters for FCP

June 18th, 2005, 04:15 PM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,800	Sounds like something may have blown in your power supply. Some parts may be replaced with the "DIY Service" option - see: http://www.apple.com/support/diy/faq/ There are also 3rd party places that sell things like power supplies - look at the ads in the back of MacWorld Magazine or do some Googling. Of course it could be something else as well. I'd make a "genius" appointment at the nearest Apple Store and bring it in, they can probably help you narrow down the problem and suggest the least expensive repair route. Also, if you can document a problem from a power surge/outage you may be able to get some coverage from your utility company. Check to see what their policy is. I hate to ask, but do you have the computer hooked up to a UPS?...

June 18th, 2005, 07:17 PM	#3
Mike Scoboria Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 26	Thanks for the help Boyd. I'll check out what you suggested as soon as I can. You asked if I was hooked up to a UPS - I actually don't know what that is. What would be the problem if I was? Mike