My old girl died last night

[Backseat Driver]

Possibly a power supply issue.

[kirkuchiyo]

1. so you just need a heart transplant then. nt

[LPBBEAR]

2. Power Supply

A power supply is an easy repair to make as long as your old girl is a non proprietary system. Some manufacturers change the case and power supply so you are forced to buy one of their over priced ones when this happens.
Power Supplies for non proprietary systems have been essentially the same since the late 90's when we moved from AT to ATX style cases and motherboard. If you have a standard system most new ones will work.
All you'll need for tools is a Phillips screwdriver, some wire ties to keep things neat, and something to clip off the ends of the wire ties.
Check Tiger Direct for new units.

[CaptainTruth]

3. I've had to replace a few power supplies, darn electrolytic caps.

The caps swell up, crack the top, & leak electrolytic "goo." In years past I would replace the caps but power supplies are so cheap now, the last time I just replaced the whole thing.

Also, if it's an older desktop, don't forget to check/replace the battery on the motherboard, usually a CR2032 in my experience.

Good luck!

[Backseat Driver]

5. Older HP pavilion; no longer supported by HP and the supportive software- what's my chances?

[canetoad]

4. Paper clip test

http://support.antec.com/support/solutions/articles/1000015319-is-my-power-supply-dead-the-paperclip-test

Not difficult and safe to do if you follow directions.

[Backseat Driver]

6. Thank you all; you give me hope

We've got fudgey fingers in our senior years; baby's going to Micro Center Friday.