PC struck by lightning

[blondieblu]

My PC was struck by lightning and of course the power supply was fried. I am trying to figure out if replacing just the power supply will work or how can I test the other parts? I took out the hard drive and put it in another machine and it works fine. Any ideas as to what actually happens when a transformer gets struck by lightning and fries your computer?

Thanks

Blondie

[HAL9000]

Any number of parts can be fried from a lightning strike. I've seen everything from just a fried power bar to every single component right down to the little LED's on the front panel get blown.

[MadMax]

Just curious, did you have any surge protection? Not that it would have saved you in this case.

[blondieblu]

Yes, there was a surge protector, though not on the modem which I assume is fried (haven't pulled it and tested it on one of the other machines). Nothing looks melted :-) I was going try to replace the power supply. Sucks though since it is a proprietary side fan Computer by Gateway.... (I wanted instant gratification go to computer store pick it up see if it works :-) Anyone have any ideas how I can test the power supply (since it doesn't fit in any other machine....?)

Thanks in advance,

Blondie

[Hot Rod]

Does anything at all happen when you turn on the PC. Do any fans run?

I ran across one that was hit by lightning. The fans spun up but nothing else happened. It turned out that the motherboard was actually toast. The modem held out long enough for the motherboard to fry and then it too went out.

The power supply can go out with a lightning strike but most often it is the more delicate electronic components like the modem and motherboard that go first.

[Smoke24]

I had one hit by lightening about two months ago and although I built it, I took it to a computer shop and let them check it out. Luckily my homeowners insurance paid me the shops estimated value to replace it less my deductible of $250. I really came out with enough in these times of falling prices to replace it with one about double the speed but lost my big 21" Mitsubishi monitor in the deal. Luckily I still have my 19" Mitsubishi Diamond Pro. Hope you have good insurance. There may also be a warranty that will pay for it with your surge protector?

[SARGE]

Although homeowners insurance and perhaps the surge protector has a warranty, it's still a pain to go through the mess. Next time, unplug the stuff, and NEVER trust a surge protector.

[Sandgroper]

I live in "lightning alley" and have had to replace several modems and surge protectors. My Gateway power supply (and all others I have seen)has a surge protection fuse which has saved the day on three of the five times I have been hit. If you feel confident take the PS apart and replace the fuse and see what happens. Only use the same capacity fuse and do not touch any capacitors they can hurt!

[revelation]

I would call Gateway before taking apart a power supply. Either they can tell you what to expect as far as the other components may be concerned, or maybe they will help you get the correct power supply for that system. I would think also, that you could do as Smoke24 did, and have a shop check it out or see if they can help with the power supply search.