Power Problem with Acer Aspire X1200

Elaugh01

Hi everyone. I need some help. I'm new to the Acer Community Forum, but have a power problem with my out-of-warranty desktop model X1200. It powered itself off and I'm unable to power it up. I've changed power outlets and also changed the power cord. Still nothing. Only thing I see on the Acer Support site is "check voltage setting on the system", but no explanation as to how to accomplish that. Does the system have a fuse that might have blown? Has anyone had a similar problem? Any ideas as to what I can do to power her up? Thanks.

Ethel

Elaugh01

Thanks for your input. As it turns out, I was able to 'test' the PSU using the 'paperclip' method (20-24 pin connector, placing the opened paperclip between the green and one of the black ground wires) and confirmed the most likely culprit was in fact the power supply. I bought a new one on eBay (about $53) and in 2 days had it in my hands. I followed another UTube on how to replace the PSU and while I was at it, cleaned the dust out of the fan, etc., put it all back together and, SUCCESS! Everything is now working great. I agree that it probably would have been uneconomic to have the Geek Squad troubleshoot and replace the PSU, but in doing it myself, I'd say it was well worth it! Considering this was the first time I've EVER opened up a tower, I feel pretty good about the outcome. Thanks again for your response! Ethel

Fr0st3

LOL...Good luck with that my friend, I have the same problem on this end. Seem to me and many others which I have read on the net. If the power button you are talking about is a LED one. Then you, me and many others are up the creek with no paddle. As I myself have learned is the Acer tech support people have no clue on how to resolve or fix this matter. What they're really interested in  is making you spend more cash.

Alan-London

Ethel,

There should be no reason to "check voltage setting on the system" as it will have been set for your region at purchase.
From your description, it seems likely that the PSU has failed. This can be checked easily with a PSU tester but most people are unlikely to have one so it can be difficult if not impossible if you are not au fait with PCs. Consequently, you may need to have a local shop take a look or take a chance and replace the PSU in the hope that it is the cause of the problem.
Your model has a non-standard (in terms of physical size) PSU but they are available on eBay. The numbers sold certainly suggests to me that PSU failure is not uncommon.
In my experience, where a PSU has failed, it is uneconomic to attempt a repair.
As far as a fuse goes, there is unlikely to be a user changeable one.

 

Elaugh01

Thanks for your input. As it turns out, I was able to 'test' the PSU using the 'paperclip' method (20-24 pin connector, placing the opened paperclip between the green and one of the black ground wires) and confirmed the most likely culprit was in fact the power supply. I bought a new one on eBay (about $53) and in 2 days had it in my hands. I followed another UTube on how to replace the PSU and while I was at it, cleaned the dust out of the fan, etc., put it all back together and, SUCCESS! Everything is now working great. I agree that it probably would have been uneconomic to have the Geek Squad troubleshoot and replace the PSU, but in doing it myself, I'd say it was well worth it! Considering this was the first time I've EVER opened up a tower, I feel pretty good about the outcome. Thanks again for your response! Ethel

Elaugh01

I certainly agree with you that the power button switch is poorly designed. But, now that I've replaced the power supply (see my solution just posted), I can live with the switch. We typically leave the desktop on 24/7 anyway. When I do security updates, I schedule an auto-shutdown. It seems that turning the power button 'on' is not a problem, BUT turning it 'off' definitely is. But we put up with it. Hopeing to get a couple more years out of it. But I definitely do a complete back-up on my Seagate Replica on a regular basis, just in case! Thanks very much for your input, Ethel.

Alan-London

Ethel,
Excellent job! Very well done for a 'first timer'. Much cheaper if you can do it yourself isn't it.
Again, well done.