Before today, when I plugged my FlipHD into a USB port, it made my computer instantly reboot. Tonight, I thought I'd be smart and power the computer off first, plug it in, then boot. The computer tried to turn on but conked out after a few seconds... Then kept doing it repeatedly. I've unplugged the computer and tried to start over without the Flip plugged in, but it keeps doing it. Could the Flip have killed my power supply?
Since your computer continues to reboot, I doubt it's your power supply. What you should try to do is to boot up in Safe Mode. I am sorry I can't be exact as to which key to press because it varies among brands. It could be Delete, F12, F11, F2 or something else. To try these, start your computer and rapidly click one of the above keys. If it doesn't work on one, try the next. You really need to get into Safe Mode so you can Restore your computer to a time before you placed the FlipHD into the port.
Thanks for your helpful reply... to clarify, it is no longer rebooting (it doesn't get as far as to begin to boot) -- the power light comes on and the fans whir for 1-2 seconds before cutting out. Few seconds later, the same thing happens, still only for 1-3 seconds... Rinse and repeat. It's not letting me get anywhere close to being able to boot in safe mode or otherwise. Could a short circuit in the Flip affect the power supply?
What it now sounds like is that the Flip did play some havoc with your system. I believe that something more serious than your power supply is the problem here. The hint that something is Really bad is that it stays on for only 1-3 seconds. Do you think you would be willing to get into your computer and remove the power supply? If so, we can then determine if it is the power supply or not. It really is a fairly simple procedure. If you are willing, I will give you step by step instructions in the next reply.
Yes, I am willing to try it; I have an older PowerSpec whose power supply I can swipe to try it. Thank you!!
UPDATE: Last night, I tried unplugging all USB devices and starting the computer. The computer booted up fine -- until I plugged in a USB mouse to a front USB port -- the computer promptly shut off. This morning, I tried again, this time with USB mouse in a back port. It powered up fine and I'm now typing on my "dead" PC. Could it be that the FlipHD killed the front USB ports and not the power supply after all??
Anything is possible. I never understood why USB ports were placed on the front of our machines except possibly for use with thumb drives. Glad that you were able to find out just what was wrong. Know this, if you are thinking about replacing those USB ports, forget about it. They are integrated on the Mother Board and that is a big job. If you find that you need more USB ports, get yourself a USB hub. All you must know with a hub is whether it is "self-powered" or "bus-powered." Check your computer's specs to find that out and then order the appropriate hub. Not that you would need this many but a computer can handle up to 127 ports. Just remember to use the rear ports.
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