So the other day, I wanted to finish up a project for a computer programming class, and it was on my flash drive. There are 2 USB ports in the front of my computer, and i generally use the one on the left, but i was using that one to charge my MP3 player. So i start to put my flash drive on the right port, and i was having problems. After a few seconds, the flash drive finally went, in but when i looked up, the computer had turned off. I went to turn on the computer, but it wouldn't and the power button is flashing orange. I took a look at the USB port, and the plastic part on the side of it had broken off, and it looks like the metal prongs inside of it hit the metal wall, causing it to short. The green light on the motherboard is still on, but when i try to turn on the computer, nothing happens. I think i fried the PSU when the metal pieces touched. If you can think of anything free that i can try, please make some suggestions.

 

 

 

The computer is a Dell Dimension 5150, P4, 3Ghz.

 

 

 

Also if you could find a cheap PSU, that would be great, because i am not 100% sure on what the specs have to be.

 

 

 

If if helps, the flash drive still has everything on it, but the MP3 player (ZEN Creative Vision:M, 30GB) would not turn on all the way, or turn off. It only had all the lights on, but the screen would turn on, or play music. I tried pressing the reset button, but that was after the battery drained, so ill try that later.

 

 

 

I will try to look at this post as often as i can, but that won't be more than twice a day, so keep suggesting things.

 

 

 

Thank you.

no, you do not need a new psu. if theres lights on your motherboard and on the computer, then your power supply is fine. My guess would be that when you shorted the usb ports, you somehow shot the motherboard on your computer, judging by what is wrong. Replacing a motherboard for an older computer, like yours can be a pain. Just recently I had a similar computer to your's fry a motherboard. Your first option would be to buy another from dell for about 100$ or you can go to one of the sites listed in the stickies in this forum for a parts supplier to find a motherboard. Finding a motherboard would be somewhat difficult as you would have to match up the memory types and processor types to get a fit. If you decide to get a power supply, any 250 watt mid atx power supply, like this one will work: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817103427

 

dell's standard power supply was 250 watts until november 2006, when they stepped it up to 350 watts.

 

 

 

when my motherbaord went, I tried finding a new one but im currently in the process of looking for a new computer as I couldnt find a replacment.

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