Hardware

If you are lucky, all that happened, is the internal fuse blew.

CAUTION: Even with the power cord disconnected, high voltages may be present inside the power supply.

A while back, Tech Republic had an article on replacing the fuse in a PC power supply.

Most fuses are soldered in place. So, you need to know how to solder electronic components to replace a blown fuse.

If the problem is ANYTHING else, it will most liekly cost you more for parts than it will to buy a new power supply.If you were to take the supply in for repair, add $35 for labor.

PC power supplies are 'switch-mode' power supplies. This keeps the supplies light, and cheap.
One bad side to switch-mode supplies, is that if one part fails, it usually takes other parts along with it.

Then, there is the prospect of testing your repaired supply.
You don't want to risk the rest of your computer.
Therefore, you need a number of high power load resistors, and several multi-meters.

Chas

For what it would cost to repair the one you have, you probably can buy a new one. $40.00 will get you a good 300 watt. for about $50 to $65.00 [the Antec Smart Blue 350 watt is $65.00] you can get a 350 watt supply.

And don't forget to keep around a lil' nuckle buster for the cousin...Or better yet charge his Mom & Dad for that new 400 Watt PS you always wanted! Guaranteed to be the best deterrent to a reocurrance of the switching problem.

Good Luck!

Just replace the power supply. Cracking one open can be harzardous to your continued existence- there are capacitors in there that can hold quite a kick.

If you are lucky, the only thing that blew will be the PS. It isn't out of the realm of possibility that it took other components with it.

Unfortunately, I have only seen one psu with a blown fuse. I soldered in a new one and KABOOM, one of the capacitors blew leaving a little piece of shrapnel in my cheek. I have successfully repaired several, but to pay someone to do it, you're looking at around 1/2 hour maybe more, so like 35.00 or better. Funny, that's about what a new one costs.