PC powers on, shuts off, powers back on automatically

Hi everyone, I have a Compaq Presario that is having power problems I presume.

When I power on the PC, it stays on for a few seconds and then powers off completely. After waiting a few more seconds, it powers itself back on automatically?! It keeps repeating this process.

The power supply tested OK. I tested the PC with another good power supply and I am having the same problem.

Could the motherboard not be getting enough power in its connections?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!

 

Do you see anything on the monitor screen?

Do you see any LEDs flash on the drives or the keyboard?

 

Yes, in the few seconds it stays on, I get the COMPAQ logo screen along with the LEDs for the hard drive and I do get the lights on the keyboard. Thanks for responding!

 

If you have any added hardware like PCI cards, remove them. Disconnect any printers, etc.

Get a new CMOS battery, it looks like a silver coin on the motherboard. It is probably a type 2032. This will not "fix" the problem, but you will need a good battery to hold any changes you make.

From startup, go into the BIOS/Startup settings. Usually this means pressing the F1 or Del key, although I think Compaqs use the F10 key. Tap the key continuously if you seem to miss it.

It may be best to use your manual/User Guide to navigate in the BIOS, although the instructions should be at the bottom of the page, but you may need to look in sub-menus. Find a setting "Quick POST" or "Quick Boot" or "Quick" something , disable it.

I think Quick POST is making settings that conflict with your current setup.

Another try, disconnect all the drives.

Matt
Edit: If you cannot find help, try the HP/Compaq user forums.

 

MattMan, thanks so much for the CMOS suggestion.


A new CMOS battery took care of the problem.


Thanks for pointing out the small things we sometimes overlook or don't think could be the problem.


Thanks for all the help!!

 

Gee, I should not have included "This will not fix the problem..."

We got there one way or another

Matt

 

You are absolutely awesome for even mentioning the CMOS. Thank you so much for responding and helping me so quickly. You saved me a lot of time and grief! WindowsBBS is lucky to have you helping the rest of us!


Thanks from the USA!

 

Collee74, you are very welcome. Not exactly the fix I envisioned, and I might say that it seems a little strange. I think it is probably a Compaq "thing ".

and...
Greetings from OZ!

Matt