powering up older machines - is it safe?

[Richard]

In article <m1K3L5f-000IygC at p850ug1>,
    ard at p850ug1.demon.co.uk (Tony Duell)  writes:

> The main worry is not a capacitor Failing. The main worry IMHO is that if 
> there's a fault in the power supply regulation circuitry then that could 
> make the +5V line jump to a high enough voltage to wipe out just about 
> every chip in the machine. Expansive and difficult to put right.

I don't disagree with the concern, but I'd be interested in hearing
estimates on the probability of this taking place.  Has anyone had it
happen to them?
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