Repairing Power Supply on HP Computer

Computer would not turn on and power supply was quickly flashing green. Blowing a hair dryer into the fan of the power supply for 1 minute caused the light to turn a solid green and the computer was able to woer up.

[@usdscbe]

I am absolutely amazed that this really worked. Thanks for breathing new life into an old favorite PC of mine.

[@dickjohnson3564]

Mate... That is unbelievable!!! This method worked on my HP Touchsmart 520... In my case the green light wasn't flashing... But nothing from the power button before getting the hairdryer onto it!! Thanks Heaps for posting this video!!!

[@WalterKnox]

okay, here is what is happening there... the power supply in this machine is the Bestec model ATX-250-12z. these power supplies use CapXon brand capacitors which are known for failure. there have been some capacitors that have failed in this machine and blowing the hair dryer into it (temporarily) brings the capacitors close enough to the correct capacitance that it will work. what should be done in this case is the power supply should be unplugged for at minimum 2 days, then open it up and locate the bad capacitors which can be easily identified because the tops of them will be bulged upward as opposed to flat like the other (good) ones. they may also appear rusty on the top or have fluid leaking out of them. they should be de-soldered and replaced with the correct value capacitors, preferably low ESR and of a well known brand.

[@geraldsheard5444]

My HP Pavilion would not power up after a power failure on 2/26/16. Figured it was dead and hoped I could at least salvage the hard drive to possibly retrieve some, if not all, of the files on it. Took cover off and thought first I'd check out possible solutions online: unplugged power cord and held start button down a minute, plugged back in and tried start--no go. Tried other outlets and swapped power cord with another one--didn't work. I figured the power switch might be dead and I'd have to see whether a PC repair service might be able to fix it at a reasonable price (this is a Vista machine and much of the software is not compatible with another, Windows 10 PC I have, so it's worth trying to to resuscitate it.) Then I saw your video and figured--what the heck--let's try the hair dryer tip. Aimed it at the fan for about two minutes and then, while unplugged, held start button down a minute. When I plugged it back in and tried the start button--Voila--it fired up. I don't know why this worked but it did. And it kept me from giving up on the machine and possibly wasting money for an unnecessary repair. Thanks!!!

[@Adam_Baum]

I was just getting ready to scrap my PC when I came across this video. Sounded crazy but thought I’d give it a shot. Now my PC works. Thanks!! 👍

[@glennwebster1214]

Amazing. The green power light was on but would not start. 1 minute later with a blast of my wife's BaBylissPro and it's working!

[@zintlejoni1342]

9 years later and this actually works!!!! Thank you so much!!

[@edgecomber]

Unbelievable! I was ready to pull the trigger on buying a replacement PSU and came across this. Grabbed my wife's hair dryer, 60 seconds later my daughter is thrilled to be playing Sims again with the family she has tended since 2007. Thanks so much for the tip.

[@herbertgaidus9690]

Wow! Thanks for posting this... I didn't think I could get this machine back to life without a new power supply, but the heater did the trick!

[@CrowdPleeza]

This worked for me also. But I want to point out that someone told me to view this as a temporary fix. Because the fact that your PC lost the ability to turn on normally indicates that you do have a damaged or some damaged parts inside your computer. So you will still need to get those parts replaced.

[@tommynewport2510]

My HP Pavilion Elite would now power up after a power outage on 11-12-2016. I check out this video and to my surprise my computer started up today, 11-22-2016. It took approximately 60 seconds of hot air flow but it suddenly started booting up! This is a fix that works. I'll see if it is a temporary fix or not, but for now my computer is running. Thanks for a great video! Tom N.

[@lykourgakhs]

Tommy Newport Any problem since you posted this?

[@BenieMansuetoVison]

@@lykourgakhs he bought another blower because his wife suddenly broke the blower. and tom can fix the blower using his pc vice versa :))

[@emailfilters]

Your hair drier trick tells me there are some dry capacitors in your power supply. It sounds about the right age (Vista?!) to be bad caps. You may be able to revive it a few more times; but, for the long term, they will need to be replaced. We use this trick on old switch mode power supplies often replacing the caps gets the beast back up and running.

[@marinmilosevic7708]

Please take out supply unit and check all voltaigist by voltmeter. Open supply unit and check all capscitor. If they have rounded top unit is for replacement for beginners. Ckeck also fan because of malfunction and replace it. Thanks to all Marin.

[@fxsrider]

That is like magic!! My parents donated an old HP computer to my recording studio and it had a flashing green light. I thought we were all being trolled by this hot air remedy. I waited until no one was around... just in case it was bullshit... I couldn't believe it actually worked!!

[@kencarpenter8822]

I guess I don't understand the laws of physics, because this actually worked for my desktop. Unbelievable!

[@listenmypeople108]

Holding power switch for 10 seconds after disconnecting, then switching from 110 to 220 and back did the trick for me. Thanks!

[@williammyers5832]

My Pavilion would not power up and I had a steady green light. I tried the power sourse switch and power on switch with no luck. But I tried the hair dryer on high for a minute. It worked! Thank you very much!

[@MrBottom4]

Found this video and as a last ditch effort figured what the heck. I'll be darn...it worked. At least buys me some time to order a new power supply as I suspect this may only be a temporary fix. Thanks my friend!

[@stephenlancaster1475]

thank you so much,i have tried all the wiring to no avail.Then i tried the hairdryer blowing on the fan and this has worked a treat,so thank you so much.

[@user-ho7xz1ng9u]

I watched this video and thought that this is complete insanity, but it worked for me too.

[@LeCujo]

Hilarious... I'm still tickled about this. Neighborhood had a power surge lastnight, my HP M9500y wouldn't restart once power was restored. I figured after 6yrs I'm about due for an R&R on the whole pkg, but I wanted to be sure it wasn't something simple sooooo.... I found this nifty vid and told myself, eh wth, couldn't hurt to try it out... Sure enough, after about a 3 minute warm-up with the Mrs. fancy-schmancy hair dryer on the nuclear setting, I'm back up and gaming again... HA! Take that wifey! ;^) Oh and I'm keeping the hair dryer... spoils of war... Thanks much for the VID, nicely done. Learn something new every day...

[@apexjoe4769]

This technique works great on getting rid of fan noise.

[@brianpollock1657]

I have an hp pavilion and had to do the hairdryer thing about 2 years ago. It worked but yesterday while I was on the pc......boom!! and computer immediately shut off and smelled a burning smell. I just bought a new power supply and am gonna install today so hopefully my pc will work again!

[@brianpollock1657]

The boom noise sounded like a 2 by 4 being snapped in half......more like a big cracking sound and the back of the power supply was so hot i couldn't keep my hand on it for more than a second.

[@brianpollock1657]

+Ants Devon No, I installed new power supply and everything is good. I have had this HP for 10 years now and have replaced 2 power supplies and the ram.

[@walkinaxyl]

I've used this method twice after two power surges during storms. It worked both times. Awesome. Thanks

[@brucenord5754]

If anyone has a technical reason on why this works, I'd love to hear it. Regardless, after a power outage, my E5200 desktop wouldn't power up. Since I had previously replaced the motherboard, I was hoping it wasn't that again. I went through the HP troubleshooting to no avail, then I tried this as a last ditch effort, and to my pleasant surprise, it worked. Thanks for the video.

[@CarbonPhoenix96]

Bruce Nord it's just getting rid of the dust build up, which can be conductive if there's enough

[@larryfried7742]

There's some capacitor's in there that starts up the switch mode supply. They are going bad and probably have little or no capacitance left. Usually dry out because of the heat and stress .First symptom is a no cold-startup problem It'll work as long as it stays plugged in. If you lose power or unplug the computer for more than a few minutes most probably the light will start flashing again and it'll be back to square one. You can fix it by replacing the bad caps, but it makes more sense to just get a new one on ebay for like $30 NOS. Unless you're experienced using a soldering iron and a capacitor checker or a multi-meter ,getting the replacement is the way to go. A few plugs and a screwdriver...problem solved!

[@justinvaughn8051]

Best video ever!...keep it plugged in and turn it on while it's spinning...how dose this work??

[@meatisadelicacy]

I had a solid green light but when I push the power button, the fan on the power source spins for less than a second and then stops. Hair dryer hasn't worked.

[@dmc31405]

Pop your ram lose and see if it will boot into bios. Shut down, then add back one stick at the time. Be sure that each stick of ram clicks when fully seated. Check CMOS Battery if under 3.3 volts, replace. PSU light should be bright green.

[@rnvinson3]

I have a solid green light and the power button will not turn on.

[@kp5736]

I dont have a hair dryer xd

[@yeahhbuddy3932]

Mine dosent flash its bright green and it still wont boot up.

[@yeahhbuddy3932]

@Don Dood i got it to start up again but i blew into the back off it and wipe the dust out and gave it a shake and bang lol. I duno if it still works its my old pc i keep around.

[@shaggy1823]

No way this would work.Another click bait?Well I give it a try,Damn it worked !! Fired right up!! Thanks A lot!

[@cyberwymn]

I have that exact same computer. I tried the hair dryer just tonight, and to my amazement it worked OMG!!! WOW! I know I need a major upgrade, but I am getting all of my use out of this machine..lol Thanks for your trick it worked for me.

[@jasondoerr7144]

I had the exact same issue. I watched this and then tried it. worked just the same. thanks for posting and saving me $50

[@xsuperdragonx]

So to anyone that needs an real explanation: The psu varistor is faulty, by heating up the psu, your allowing that varistor to have more resistance, so the psu starts. On an serious note, this is not recommended. The psu is now starting without ANY PROTECTION, it's an fire hazard Either buy an new PSU, or if your good with soldering,and know what your doing,, buy the varistor ( couple bucks at most) and replace it on the psu.

[@WalterKnox]

the power supply in this machine is the Bestec model ATX-250-12z. these power supplies use CapXon brand capacitors which are known for failure. there have been some capacitors that have failed in this machine and blowing the hair dryer into it (temporarily) brings the capacitors close enough to the correct capacitance that it will work. what should be done in this case is the power supply should be unplugged for at minimum 2 days, then open it up and locate the bad capacitors which can be easily identified because the tops of them will be bulged upward as opposed to flat like the other (good) ones. they may also appear rusty on the top or have fluid leaking out of them. they should be de-soldered and replaced with the correct value capacitors, preferably low ESR and of a well known brand. I have worked on many of these HP units that have that exact same issue and the same power supply.

[@austinhebert9397]

Was the light flashing without the power cord plugged into the wall

[@s0le7]

OMG Thanks a lot I've spend 3 days thinking I would've had to replace the entire battery supply and this worked wft! Thanks again.

[@jwoodward1776]

Ok. So this worked, my computer started up but when i shut it down, i had to use the blow dryer again for it to start. Any ideas?

[@shaniyahayward9363]

justin woodward I used the blow dryer for a loooong time, and finally today even after using it, it will start up and shut right back off. 😥😥😥😥

[@jwoodward1776]

Oh, so you have to use the blow dryer everytime you start it?

[@WalterKnox]

@@jwoodward1776 okay, here is what is happening there... the power supply in this machine is the Bestec model ATX-250-12z. these power supplies use CapXon brand capacitors which are known for failure. there have been some capacitors that have failed in this machine and blowing the hair dryer into it (temporarily) brings the capacitors close enough to the correct capacitance that it will work. what should be done in this case is the power supply should be unplugged for at minimum 2 days, then open it up and locate the bad capacitors which can be easily identified because the tops of them will be bulged upward as opposed to flat like the other (good) ones. they may also appear rusty on the top or have fluid leaking out of them. they should be de-soldered and replaced with the correct value capacitors, preferably low ESR and of a well known brand.

[@nkumbusichalwe4762]

I'm using a pavilion desktop and experiencing almost similar power problem except its not blinking nor any click sound. Help what else must I do? or I just replace with the new power supply?

[@vhead612]

Nkumbu Sichalwe mine is the same. Lights are on for standby but no power button light

[@vhead612]

Did this work for u?

[@vhead612]

Same problem like I said but the other advice he had given made it happen. Unplugged for ten seconds held the button. Strange because this happened after my baby wouldn’t leave that area alone where discs and USB are inserted. Then this happened. So I figured it was something with the programming. This is so stupid but there for some reason. Glad he pointed out the other solutions. Life saver! Now my iPhone can be unlocked!

[@stewbieark]

You ever fix the problem?

[@tsrinivasan7051]

Worked but stopped again. Redid the dryer and is now working.

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

Bad capacitors will improve when they are warmed up, but it's only temporary until they cool down again

[@ItzONA]

Grants Pass TV Repair y’all had warm air blowing? I had cold...

[@yasminsumar642]

Heating causes more problem this is just temporary after 2 mins back to square one does not work

[@tanvirkamal]

What’s the solution?

[@WalterKnox]

@@tanvirkamal replace the capacitors in the power supply, if you cannot solder get a new power supply, if it is the same computer you need the Bestec model ATX-260-12z

[@dorothyc9942]

This worked for my computer! Ty!

[@shqdow7977]

we have a same problem but because u post this my PC worked again

[@justsamshair6747]

Great Job!

[@kwils6685]

Sounds like more capacitor plague, you should have the bad caps replaced or get a new psu. Especially if you have a very old computer with a Bestec model psu that lets the 5v stand-by rail go up to 12v or more if the cap for it goes bad that problem has fried many a motherboard

[@OldSkoolF]

Needed the Caps swapped..

[@pikmanunboxings3563]

I need to find the ac adapter for the HP 3500 Micro Tower (Which is the same cable as this one). Does anybody know where to find it? Thx

[@PM-ub4yw]

Awesome! This worked just like your video. Thanks to you and KZbin - what a great info source.

[@MarkSass]

"London has a reputation for having really nice, dry hair."

[@joeybroadway6524]

Hey thanks man, mine was doing this after a power outage. Did the trick and worked!!!

[@tanvirkamal]

Hey Bob, just wondering if you’re still using that pc. If so, did you have that issue anymore? Mine is doing the same and I’ve done that hair dryer technic which actually worked but then I have to do it again whenever I don’t use the pc for a few days.

[@bilalansari171]

Amazon it really works . Thanks a lot

[@woodenracket2547]

same situation and it works for me!

[@1951Belaire]

i lol :) I guess i had a power surge last night, i heard the thunder. Hp desktop wouldn't power on. Small green light on the back, wasn't flashing but was on. I tried the hair dryer trick, thinking this ain't gonna work. Freak me out it worked. Unreal! Thank You!! :)

[@froggydogs2]

I had the same thing happen 2 nights ago, power surge, no power to computer. green light on, not flashing.. Tried the Hairdryer.... I stand AMAZED! It worked... Still working.. Thanks

[@ayanafeh357]

can you help me with something: my computer I mean the case is turning on and then off all by itself. I asked a man about it he said the power supply is wrecked. will it help if i do the same as you did?

[@SurprisedwithAction]

keep it up dude, great works!

[@larryandalexdevaughn1422]

Can't believe this worked. Thank you.

[@tgc_reviews8706]

my computer is almost just like yours but the fans are switched on my computer the one with a bunch of holes is on the top of my computer and the one with a spiderweb patter is on the bottom of my computer on the back which one do I do it to

[@laminateallama1977]

Dr HAX I have an hp computer but I only have one of those spiderweb things and it's on the bottom. all the controls are in the bottom.

[@miguelservin5133]

worked for me. thanx

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Hi. Is there any way to fix the HP power supply from the inside? Is there a fuse in there? The light on the power supply isn't lighting at all. Thank you. God bless, Proverbs 31

[@WalterKnox]

okay, here is what is happening there... the power supply in this machine is the Bestec model ATX-250-12z. these power supplies use CapXon brand capacitors which are known for failure. there have been some capacitors that have failed in this machine and blowing the hair dryer into it (temporarily) brings the capacitors close enough to the correct capacitance that it will work. what should be done in this case is the power supply should be unplugged for at minimum 2 days, then open it up and locate the bad capacitors which can be easily identified because the tops of them will be bulged upward as opposed to flat like the other (good) ones. they may also appear rusty on the top or have fluid leaking out of them. they should be de-soldered and replaced with the correct value capacitors, preferably low ESR and of a well known brand.

[@zexity2730]

Someone please help me ASAP When i press the power button and the thing (green light) only blinks and its not normal cause when i open it it dosent blink (back then)

[@honey0413]

everytime i switch on it produces a sound so i need to pull off the switch.hope u have an idea how to fix it,thank u

[@r-minetech4731]

replace 12v capacitor in the psu. 3300 uf 16V to 3300uf 25V. trust me it work.

[@ohmadamn]

So my light is solid green but still won't turn on? Any solutions?

[@underpressureman]

so, what was the end result, it obviously didnt fix it for good???

[@SurprisedwithAction]

brilliant like you say woooh!

[@shawnkneipple3118]

Had tried the 115/230 switch and other steps. No joy. Had a solid green light. Tried the hair dryer and bang it powered on. So this means I've got a failing power supply correct? I might be able resurrect with the hair dryer again, but.

[@debeeriz]

tried it on a sff g2 but it did not work

[@julissac4260]

Omg thank you it worked!

[@soisnabil8577]

Men please what is the voltage of your house is it 220v

[@matsnygard7040]

what happens when u turn on the little ret svitch on the power suply

[@kjallen2610]

Mats Nygård I wondered that too

[@electrosquid8325]

SVENNE

[@isabellewhittier953]

Mats Nygård it’s the vault number

[@PalashHalderADI]

Thanks. My question is "what works here? normal Blower or heater with blower?"

[@jaystiles8338]

help from the start it ont even blink still not blinking after 3min help

[@ahsanbhatti5592]

Bro ma na gilte say 110 pr tron kr diya jis ke vija mare ma shot circuit ho gya moga btao what I can do😥😰😰😨

[@owenavfc49]

What if you have no green light

[@awabeatskebab7098]

thanks

[@NaimOuldBrahim]

thank u it worked

[@racinggaminghd2375]

My hp is turned on but no window logo or booting and a few second the fan spin extremely fast and very loud....it happens before but it working again after that and then today it happen and wont working again....does the psu was faulty or my mobo?

[@mmsvlogs9055]

Mine is not working what do I do!?!

[@glenhobart2720]

it worked!

[@arularasi212]

nice

[@rissevee815]

Dude it worked! I wonder what the real problem is though?

[@dmc31405]

PSU is going out.

[@yeahhbuddy3932]

HP put crap PSU in their computers.

[@WalterKnox]

okay, here is what is happening there... the power supply in this machine is the Bestec model ATX-250-12z. these power supplies use CapXon brand capacitors which are known for failure. there have been some capacitors that have failed in this machine and blowing the hair dryer into it (temporarily) brings the capacitors close enough to the correct capacitance that it will work. what should be done in this case is the power supply should be unplugged for at minimum 2 days, then open it up and locate the bad capacitors which can be easily identified because the tops of them will be bulged upward as opposed to flat like the other (good) ones. they may also appear rusty on the top or have fluid leaking out of them. they should be de-soldered and replaced with the correct value capacitors, preferably low ESR and of a well known brand.

[@nightcore.princetraum4346]

Mynes cpu cable also wrost happened 🙄😭😭😭😭🤣

[@yellowohia]

This worked on my Inspiron 546 I'm returning the new Dell with Windows 10. I hated the Windows 10. New power supply ordered just in case.

[@BUZZTEX2024]

I just buy new power supply for safty

[@AngryRussian207]

Guys my pc is making no lights its just not turning in plz help me quikly

[@jhonnysrivera2002]

He got so hyped hahhaha

[@taragoral8341]

My computers light is solid green but still doesnt turn on

[@dmc31405]

Pop Ram and reboot. If it boot into bios, shut down and reinstall one stick at the time. When it hangs, that's probably the bad stick.

[@BbbGgg092]

My pc is on but the computer doesn’t

[@draven7237]

Unfortunately, this is the computer I've been using since 2009. I always have to boot it up with the blowdryer. Send help.

[@WalterKnox]

okay, here is what is happening there... the power supply in this machine is the Bestec model ATX-250-12z. these power supplies use CapXon brand capacitors which are known for failure. there have been some capacitors that have failed in this machine and blowing the hair dryer into it (temporarily) brings the capacitors close enough to the correct capacitance that it will work. what should be done in this case is the power supply should be unplugged for at minimum 2 days, then open it up and locate the bad capacitors which can be easily identified because the tops of them will be bulged upward as opposed to flat like the other (good) ones. they may also appear rusty on the top or have fluid leaking out of them. they should be de-soldered and replaced with the correct value capacitors, preferably low ESR and of a well known brand.

[@premeraonetv458]

are you totally crazy?😂😂😂😂

[@rain0069]

mine starts and stops then the blue light goes off...will this help?

[@ramkumarappan76]

How about it do’s not work for people or me

[@ishupatel6325]

Hey... What is the work that red switch in smps fan of cpu

[@amsterDAMZ]

wow....!!! 😯😯😯😯😯😯

[@shielapreciousoab1844]

hello can i ask.

[@lonniebeal6032]

These power supplies are cheap on ebay, and at approx. $30 I'd buy 10 off ebay before I'd buy one new.

[@belihunga1096]

There are a few components to reiki healing. One place I discovered which succeeds in merging these is the Remarkable Reiki Expert (check it out on google) without a doubt the most helpful reiki healing i've seen. Check out all the awesome info.

[@SuperBorg1]

THAT is not a fix. Bad power supply should be replaced

[@WalterKnox]

the power supply in this PC is a Bestec model ATX-250-12z, actually a pretty solid power supply and under rated, can handle 300 watts easily. the issue here is that some capacitors have failed, the capacitors should be replaced and it will be fine.

[@raichand1433]

my cpu is not operate please

[@makedaevilmage]

Nah this has to be a joke right? like an April fools joke? I can't imagine it lasts long after his even if this does work.

[@w5cdt]

Did NOT work on my HP Envy desktop which is only 17 months old exhibiting the same problem. HP used to be a great company but they sold off the Crown Jewels (test equipment) and only sell cheap Chinese junk now. Shame on HP.