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This past week, I was working on my laptop computer, when all of the sudden the computer went dead and wouldn't restart. When we plugged in just the converter, the green light would come on. As soon as we plugged the converter into the computer, the green light would go off. I chatted with Dell support from the desktop computer, and found out that the motherboard had "blown up". I was afraid, but the laptop was still under warranty, luckily (so we ended up not paying a thing). Smile

There wasn't any lightening outside, in fact, it wasn't even raining. It was cloudy, though. The support guy and the tech figured that we had a power surge. My questions are, how can the motherboard go dead with a surge protector connected? I'm confused, why even have a surge protector connected? How come the laptop was affected and not the desktop computer?

When the tech was here replacing the motherboard, he wasn't wearing a wrist-strap for grounding from static electricity. He just had the laptop on a static bag. I don't get how he can take the micro processor out of the old board and put it into the new board with his fingers without causing any damage from static electricity?

Thanks in advance for explaining!!! Very Happy

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ruthsollid wrote:

The support guy and the tech figured that we had a power surge. My questions are, how can the motherboard go dead with a surge protector connected? I'm confused, why even have a surge protector connected? How come the laptop was affected and not the desktop computer?

Well, surges can occur without a storm being around. Did your power go off at any time? If not, I kind of doubt that was the cause; you may have just had a defective motherboard, but there is no way of knowing for sure. I suggest you look into getting a good Uninterruptible Power Supply at a store like Staples or Best Buy to protect your computer from power losses and power surges. APC and Cyberpower Systems are good ones. I have one of each.

When the tech was here replacing the motherboard, he wasn't wearing a wrist-strap for grounding from static electricity. He just had the laptop on a static bag. I don't get how he can take the micro processor out of the old board and put it into the new board with his fingers without causing any damage from static electricity?

The tech probably touched ground (some part of the bare metal chassis) before touching your processor and other components. It is always best to use a grounding strap, but as long as he kept one hand grounded before touching any components, it was probably ok. Personally, I always use a grounding strap before putting my hands in a computer, which isn't often, as I am not that competent when dealing with hardware. I have changed out and added hard drives and memory to both my desktops, but not without difficulty. I'm kind of a klutz when it comes to working with my hands.

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Repa

Older than dirt!

Thanks so much Repa!! I feel more at ease now about the micro processor and the static electricity! I definitely will get a new surge protector!! Maybe your advise will help others also!! GREAT advise!!

The TV went off by itself (maybe about 10-15 minutes before my laptop shut off), but the clocks and everything else were fine.

I had to laugh about calling yourself a klutz! Laughing

I'm so appreciative of your help!!! THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU!!!
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