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mamafrog · Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Posts: 2

Hope someone can help! My 1.5 yr old computer kept crashing but was covered by an extended warranty. It was finally determined that there was a problem w/ the power supply and the motherboard which two of the techs told me was a known problem w/ this computer and all that needed to be done was install new motherboard and power supply at the same time and it should be fine. However, the last tech to come out only brought the power supply and it didn't work. He tested the outlets as did the tech before him but he said none of them were grounded and this was why the computer kept crashing so they would not fix it unless an electrician came out and stated it was grounded or that it was not the cause of the problem.
I am fairly certain I am not grounded. However I have been in the house 15 years and never had a problem of any kind. I have had computers plugged into the same outlet for 10 years and never had any problem. I am wondering if their refusal is legitimate? Can not being grounded cause these problems w/ a pc? I was plugged into a surge protecter.
I'm very financially challenged so I thought I would ask the question here first to see if it's just a lost cause or if there's hope. I know I can't afford to have an electrician redo my wiring, nor can I afford a new computer. My only option is if I can get them to fix or replace it.
Thanks for reading this lengthy post. I would so appreciate any advice.
mamafrog

vince knight · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:16 pm Post subject:

Mamafrog
Get an electrician to test your outlets with the corrected test equipment, this will either prove the techs wrong or tell you your wiring is unsafe. This should not cost you alot of money but could save your life!!

vince

b · Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 9:37 am Post subject:

In the states there is a test gadget that is sold at home improvement stores that is yellow and plugs right into your outlet. It has 3 sections that light up when plugged in on the face of it... the combination of the lights lets you know if your circuit is properly wired and there is a listing of what they denote on the device... it is very user friendly and would be cheaper than an electrician and able to tell you if you have an open ground (no ground).

vince knight · Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 5:21 pm Post subject:

WE have the same thing here B but it will not show you a neutral ground reversal, but would be ideal for this purpose.

Vince

mamafrog · Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Posts: 2

Thank you so much for the replies. I'll look for that gadget.