Computer shorted, need help ASAP!! - FIXED

[Shag]

I think I just shorted out my pc. My floppy drive was acting up, so I decided to swap it out for a new one on the fly. In doing so, my pc completely shut down on its own, and now will not boot up again. I hit the power button and get nothing. I have some very important wedding documents (wedding is Saturday) that I NEED to get access to. Anyone have any idea what I might have done and if it's possible to fix it easily?

Thanks.

 

[MichaelD]

You did a "hot swap?" The computer was running and you unplugged the floppy and plugged in a new one? Did you smell anything burning when it shut down?

1. Did you blow the surge protector or main circuit breaker that the computer is plugged into? Does that outlet have power? (Try a lamp or radio in that outlet.)

2. If there's power to that outlet, you may have blown the ps. Most ps's don't have a breaker, but they have a fuse inside. Open it up and see if you can determine if you've blown the fuse.

3. If the PS fuse is ok, then I don't know what else to tell you. Hopefully, others can shed some light. Good luck.

 

[Burn]

You did what??? Do you have access to another computer similar to the one that isn't working? If so (after you follow MichaelD's steps) just start swapping parts between the machines to see what is wrecked and what isn't. But this time don't be an idiot, SHUT the machine OFF...lol

 

[Shag]

lol, yeah, I know I'm an idiot. I've been a heavy computer user/tweaker for many years, and this is the first time I've ever attempted a hot swap (I was in a hurry, hehe). Stupid, I know. So, this was definitely a first and a last for me...

I did manage to get it up and running again. I unplugged it and let it sit for a while, and then tried to fire it up and it booted. So, must have been some sort of overload protection or something that needed to reset itself. Phew, disaster averted...

 

[Burn]

Lucky dog.

 

[MichaelD]

Yep. Built-in breaker, apparently. You got VERY FREAKIN' LUCKY! You could've shorted your PS, your mobo and fried your HD this way. You should know better! (Spanks hand...LOL!) Good luck with the hanging...er...I mean the wedding!