Power Up Problem

All was normal upon my last shutdown. Upon power up this morning, the fans and HDDs began spinup but after about 2-3 seconds it shuts itself off. It doesn't always respond to the power button but I have managed to duplicate the described sequence several times. Always the same. My guess is a P/S problem but I await opinions/suggestions and TIA. (Rig is about 5 years old)

 

No, it will not proceed past the described sequence above. I have kept the power button depressed as you mentioned but no response. It will not always respond to the power button but will randomly. I took the side off the case and after several attempts just got it to repeat - spinup/green light/viz. checked fans spin.........shuts itself off after about 2 seconds.

 

It sounds like the P/S is the problem, as you suspect. A new standard P/S can be bought online for $20 and up, and requires experience grounding the machine and the installer to install. Given that, it's not difficult except in some proprietary (brand name) PCs, which may also require special, expensive P/Ss. Check your manual.

Although most computers will boot with a dead battery, a 5 year old machine may need a new battery on the MoBo, but you need instructions from the manual and possibly an experienced friend to replace it for you. Really don't think that explains the problem.

 

Sparrow - Yes, I'm pretty well convinced that it's the PS. I'm capable of putting the new one in.......I built the current box. With the long weekend coming up I hesitate to order online so for "instant gratification" I found one in the larger town 30 mi. away. Sparkle 300W($36) and 300W is what's in it now.

 

Sounds good. Let us know how it works out please.

 

Currently in a holding pattern about the PS. I opened up the case, pressed, jiggled, checked, and have treated shutdowns gingerly not knowing if it would crank next time but so far so good as it has successfully started several times since (once because of a power outage). I have new PS staked out but still operating on the old. I will report if necessary. Thanks for previous comments.

 

Problem solved, all fixed up now. The power up problem temporarily cured itself for about a week then this morning cratered for good. No reaction to the power on switch at all. Purchased a new PS, installed it and the machine cranked right up.