Hello,

My computer's been automatically restarting 0-6 times a day for the past 4 months, and the company who covers the tech support under my warranty, who had it at their shop for a month without getting a single restart, suggested I try a different power source. I have it downstairs in my house right now, just to test that theory, and it hasn't restarted yet, but I need it upstairs anyway, in the end.

My question is: is there a device I can purchase that makes sure enough power is supplied to the computer at all times? Such as some kind of power backup or something which connects to the wall outlet, then I connect just the power cable for the computer into the device, and the device delivers constant power to the computer, through some kind of combination of outlet power and charged-up backup power? (if that makes sense) Maybe it’s called a ‘power supply’ or something, but I’m just trying to be sure I know enough before I buy it, as I’m not very computer-savvy.

Thanks,
Andrew

Originally Posted by andrewset

Hello,

My computer's been automatically restarting 0-6 times a day for the past 4 months, and the company who covers the tech support under my warranty, who had it at their shop for a month without getting a single restart, suggested I try a different power source. I have it downstairs in my house right now, just to test that theory, and it hasn't restarted yet, but I need it upstairs anyway, in the end.

My question is: is there a device I can purchase that makes sure enough power is supplied to the computer at all times? Such as some kind of power backup or something which connects to the wall outlet, then I connect just the power cable for the computer into the device, and the device delivers constant power to the computer, through some kind of combination of outlet power and charged-up backup power? (if that makes sense) Maybe it’s called a ‘power supply’ or something, but I’m just trying to be sure I know enough before I buy it, as I’m not very computer-savvy.

Thanks,
Andrew

If it's working OK on the main floor, but not upstairs I would call an electrician and have your home wiring and circuits checked.

Something is not right in here. The only way the outlet could be the problem is if it is full of spikes, which by now it should have zapped your computer, or the circuit breaker attached to that outlet has corroded. Otherwise, if you are overloading the outlet, the circuit breaker connected to that outlet should have tripped. If your residence is too old, then there might be some corrosion on that circuit breaker on the main bus the supplies power to your place. The corrosion can happen inside the main panel at the point where the breaker is connected to the main power bus inside the panel. This corrosion can act like an extra load, on that circuit causing the available voltage from that circuit to drop below the rated value. All this can happen if the AC panel is not sealed or closed properly, such that moisture can get inside it.

So the first question is: Do you live in a old place. If so, check the main panel and see if there is a gap between the cover of the panel and insie of the panel. If you are not familiar with AC power, DO NOT open the cover (you can open the hinged door , but the not the screwed cover). The only thing I can suggest in this case is to find out which breaker connects to the outlet that you want to use upstairs. Then repeatedly turn on and off the breaker 15-20 times to help get some of dirt and corrosion off of the contact (before you do this, disconnect and/or turn off all items that are attached to that cirucit to prevent possible damages due to turning the power on off, if you are not sure, disconnect as much as you can, then do the on-off very slowly-one every few seconds). Then try your computer again.

Regarding your question, you can go to Target, Walmart or a store like that and buy a multi-outlet that has surge arrestor. Again do not unscrew the cover from inside of your ac panel, if you are not familiar with electricity. I do not want anything bad happening to you. And as it was suggested above: CALL A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN, OR YOU MAY GET ZAPPED
.