3
1
I have an XP machine. When you push the power button, it beeps, seems to boot up for anywhere from 1-5 seconds, then shuts off. Here's the curve ball: It randomly starts up correctly! Whenever I come and try to reproduce the error it works fine. Anyone have a clue as to what's going on?
It's a desktop machine, not a laptop. Which means it's plugged into the wall and I'm fairly sure It's getting a steady supply of power.
John
Posted 2010-12-09T18:34:33.910
Reputation: 287
4
It could be, in order of suspicion:
LawrenceC
Posted 2010-12-09T18:34:33.910
Reputation: 63 487
Wow. Rats! I was hoping to not get "it could be anything" answers. I guess that means I have to take it apart and inspect it anyway... – John – 2010-12-09T18:53:07.613
The infamous "Search and replace" has revealed it to have been the power supply. – John – 2011-02-09T18:15:25.530
3
It would have nothing to do with your software. This happens straight away when you power it up, so something hardware related is causing the problem. You may want to look up your motherboard and find the manual for it, chances are they have an index describing what each beep code means. My bet is a loose connection or power supply issue. Is the machine connected directly to the wall and getting sufficient power?
Since it works 'sometimes' I am going to rule out bad ram or heat issues. I highly doubt it's your hard drive or video card. Whatever the fault is, it's soon going to die completely unless it is just a loose connection.
When it works 'sometimes', are there fewer devices drawing power from the same source as the machine?
qroberts
Posted 2010-12-09T18:34:33.910
Reputation: 4 609
1Good point that it could be other things attached to the same wall socket or power source as the computer. – LawrenceC – 2010-12-09T19:12:01.660
Yeah either that or the capacitors inside of the power supply/motherboard need to drain their charge before it works again. Could be temperature related too, but I kind of doubt that. – qroberts – 2010-12-09T19:13:29.053
"from the same source" Same wall outlet? A phone, the monitor, and a network switch. The phone and network switch stay on. It has powered up with the monitor on and off. – John – 2010-12-09T19:38:06.407
Okay I doubt it is an issue with getting enough power. Since it beeps once, I am sure it has something to do with the power supply (PSU) itself or a motherboard fault. If you have a spare PSU laying around you should try seeing if it works with that. – qroberts – 2010-12-09T19:40:45.693
3
A good cleaning won't hurt. You'd be surprised how much dirt and crud can collect inside of systems. While you are cleaning, also take a look at all of the cards and cables to make sure they are seated correctly. Look for any signs of damage such as failed capacitors (they often have puffed or leaky appearance).
Mike Chess
Posted 2010-12-09T18:34:33.910
Reputation: 5 583
1
Check the power button also. If it is spring loaded, it can sometimes get stuck in. Many computer will turn themselves off if the power button is held for 4 or 5 seconds.
bryan
Posted 2010-12-09T18:34:33.910
Reputation: 7 848
0
I had this same problem and I took the CPU out and it was the heatsink there were 4 screws that hold it in place and two were broke so that made it tilt to one side uneven so I replace the plastic with new and clean and repasted and screwed it down even not to tight and bam it work and it cost me $10.
user437887
Posted 2010-12-09T18:34:33.910
Reputation: 1
1It's really very simple... your computer likes to make mischief! – Aeo – 2010-12-09T18:39:47.337
Does it happen while plugged in or running from battery...or both? – CaseyIT – 2010-12-09T18:41:10.053
1@Aeo: The whole network does.... – John – 2010-12-09T18:50:19.237
@CaseyIT: Plugged in. It's a desktop so it's never running from battery. – John – 2010-12-09T18:50:47.913