My PC is plugged into a surge protector. When the power goes out and comes back on, even if the PC was off before the power goes out, my computer flares up with the CPU fan like it’s going to turn on but it doesn’t. Is this bad for my computer? I live in the northwest and the wind has been bad, and this probably isn’t the last power outtage. It also happens to my friend’s computer. What should I do when the power goes out if it is bad?
Hi, I would never use a plain surge protector. 
I use one with a battery backup and also has automatic voltage regulation.
This is similar to what I use. http://www.cyberpowersystems.com/products/ups-systems/browse-by-category/avr-series-ups/CP800AVR.html
I’ve never had problems during outages. Hope this helps, tim
A surge protector only protects against damage to the likes of capacitors, etc. but loss of power is a different thing altogether unless it was a spike that took it out. That however, shouldn’t cause what you are describing, especially when you say it happens even when the PC is off.
I have been an advocate of using a UPS (Un-interruptable Power Supply), this is a battery that temporarily provides power to your system giving you enough time to shut it down. They also provide surge protection for the system and some also provide telephone/modem line in protection also.
I live in an area where the electricity goes out several times a week and sometimes daily if not more. For that reason, almost every appliance (and everything plugged into an outlet) is plugged into a power surge protector and now the electric company in our area is recommending turning power surge protectors OFF to conserve electricity when not in use (if possible).
I’ve gone through too many APC’s on my PC due to too many blackouts and the batteries dying, so now I just turn off the power surge protector to my PC. However I do not have the problem as the original poster of the CPU fan running; I think something else is going on.