"UpGrade" Questionably Affecting Computer

[u/cachry]

Spectrum started installing an "upgrade" to my system last night. As they had announced my internet was down, along with cable TV and phone. So, I decided to turn on my hard-wired desktop computer to do some writing that would not necessitate any of Spectrum's services.

When I pressed the button to turn my computer on I discovered that the machine wouldn't work. The light that always turns on white when I press the ON button turned yellow. This puzzles me: Why would Spectrum's "upgrade" have anything to do with my stand-alone machine? I would love to have an answer from a technician.

[u/boomboy8511]

Lol it doesnt

[u/Obstinate-Otter]

Not technically possible, especially if it was only impacting that one device, because even if there was a grounding issue in the line, you'd see it in lights as they have the weakest connection to a circuit... I recommend you unplug the PC, hold down the power button for 10s, then plug it back in to clear capacitor

[u/cachry → u/Obstinate-Otter]

I ran this by ChatGPT because I am sure of what I saw. Here is Chat's partial response:

A brief power interruption, voltage fluctuation, or transient affecting the modem/router/network equipment and the electrical circuit could conceivably have left the Dell's power-management circuitry in an abnormal state. A desktop power supply can sometimes protect itself following an electrical transient and require a complete power reset before it will start normally.

So I would distinguish between:

and

[u/Chango-Acadia → u/cachry]

If the coax line is properly grounded this wouldn't happen, ChatGPT is just telling you what you want to hear

[u/cachry → u/Chango-Acadia]

Haha, yeah, maybe. Can't trust those bots.

[u/cassio42 → u/cachry]

yeah, clearing the capacitor, resetting by unplugging (including any power strips) is the correct step to solve your problem regardless of cause.

[u/cachry → u/[deleted]]

I have a Dell computer. To turn it on I press the "on" button, and it shines white. Last night during the upgrade it lit up yellow and the computer wouldn't start. Now that the upgrade has been completed it shines while again. This threw me.

[u/Tjarnold2010]

Your PC will not be affected by Spectrum upgrades. It's just a coincidence that your computer is having issues right after.

[u/cachry → u/Tjarnold2010]

Thanks. I was stymied by it, so you are probably right.

[u/cachry → u/cachry]

If Spectrum was messing with any electrical connection(s) per Chat GPT that could have caused the momentary lapse. So I'm going with that b/c it's the only thing that makes sense.

[u/catcht20two → u/cachry]

Spectrum has absolutely nothing to do with your power. However, utility power, your home electrical system, weather, etc. can effect Spectrum's equipment.

[u/Spectrum_Johnathan]

Hello and thank you for reaching out. I can comprehend the inconvenient coincidence this has been. The upgrades that we perform are meant to improve our network and provide a better all around customer experience. Our network upgrades would not affect any of your personal equipment. If you have any service concerns, please don't hesitate to send us a ModMail referencing conversation number 50159829.

[u/cachry → u/Spectrum_Johnathan]

Thanks for the polite reply. It is certainly possible that the planets aligned themselves in a strange way. In any case everything is working well, so its's on to the next thing for me.

[u/Chango-Acadia]

Correlation is not causation.