rachelh, GFCI = Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. You don't really need to know how it works, just that if something happens, it can save your life. GFCI outlets should be tested monthly. There should be two buttons - TEST and RESET. Plug a small lamp into the outlet, turn the lamp on then press the TEST button. The RESET button should pop out and the lamp should go off. If that happens, press the RESET and you are fine. If the RESET button pops out and the lamp does NOT turn off - get an electrician in to check the outlet. It is wired incorrectly and will not protect you in case of an accident. See the top three (and probably more) of the links in the Google search below. GFCIs could save your life or that of a loved one. Here is a link that might be useful: Google GFCI search

You have a tripped GFCI somewhere that is controlling all of those receptacles. If it is not in a bathroom it is often found in the garage or outside.

Well, there are two possibilies: 1. The unit is defective. 2. There really is a ground fault some where. Everybody wants to glom on to the first. It's certainly the easiest to check for ($14 or whatever for a new GFCI). The second requires some intelligence. The first step is to remove the wires from the load side of the GFCI. If that allows the GFCI to reset then you do have a ground fault downstream. First unplug everything that is plugged into that circuit and reconnect the load wires. If that doesn't help, you're going to need to start unhooking the circuit at various places to see if you can find it. Most likely culprit if there are no actual loads is that the ground and neutrals are touching somewhere. Inspect each box to make sure that isn't happening. I'd almost always start with the exterior receptacles. They tend to take a lot of abuse and water.

Hi, It seems to me you have a short to ground somewhere. If you replaced the GFCI and it still won't reset, maybe the original GFCI was O.K., and was tripping because you have a short to ground somewhere. Maybe this web site is helpful. Has some tips on tryign to find shorts. Please be careful though!!! http://www.thecircuitdetective.com/ One final remark is if you do not have a Volt Tick perhaps you should get one. Prices range from $US 15 to about $US 25. It is a pen like device that will tell you if a circuit is live or not. Nice thing is it works via an electric field sensor. Hence you can test safely without stripping insulation or touching any bare wires. Saved me a few times! http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/Fluke+1ACII+VoltAlert.htm?catalog_name=FlukeUnitedStates&Category=ELT(FlukeProducts) Best, Mike.