Power up problem

A couple of times recently my computer has failed to power up when the button is pushed. Once it started on its own shortly after the power button was pushed; the other time a light tap on the side of the case caused it to start. No problem shutting down, and everything else is fine.

Gigabyte GA7-VRX
Athlon XP1600
256 DDR2700
Voodoo4 PCI

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

doctor b

Powered down, 110 power cord disconnected. Remove cover(s) from computer (ground out yourself for static) and check all cable / wire connection(s), reseat all cards, memmory chip(s). Since your there, remove any dust accumulations. Close computer back up, power up. If problem still continues, you may have to repeat the above... but I would become suspicious of the startup switch.

 

Usually not so much the switch but the plug-in wires from the switches to the mobo. As Dennis says, excellent time to clean out the box.

 

Agree with both Dennis L and BMoore - good guidance here. If you do suspect problems with the momentary contact switch, you can ground your power on connectors on the MB with a small screwdriver to startup or shutdown - if that works, then you know its a faulty switch.