computer will not power up

janet · Post by **janet** » August 25th, 2004, 1:59 pm

each time I turn on my computer the computer will go on and then a second later it will shut down. If I keep hitting the power button nothing happens until Ive hit it a dozen times. This time I tried shutting down the main button on my surge protector and then turning it back on and hitting the power button on the computer. This seems to turn the computer on each time but it will go off after a second or two. Once the computer does go on it will stay on with no problem until I shut down and try to go back on the next day. Then it will start all over again. I have already replaced the power supply. What could it be now? Your help is appreciated. I am not a computer person and I really need help thanks Janet

Smartweb · Post by **Smartweb** » August 25th, 2004, 9:12 pm

I'd say that your motherboard is not working.

Aggressor Prime · Post by **Aggressor Prime** » August 25th, 2004, 9:46 pm

Buy a power supply tester, hook it up to your power supply, and see if it is broken. The testers are very good tools.

janet · Post by **janet** » August 25th, 2004, 9:52 pm

Hi Smartweb,
thanks for the reply but why would my motherboard not be working? how does that affect the power button? The computer is still working (after I push the button 12 times) Please explain and provide any solutions. thanks

janet · Post by **janet** » August 25th, 2004, 9:55 pm

Hi Agressor prime,
where do I find this power supply tester and then what do I do after I test
the power supply? Are you talking about testing the atx power supply that I just recently purchased? Could it go bad so quickly? thanks

Smartweb · Post by **Smartweb** » August 25th, 2004, 11:24 pm

janet wrote:Hi Smartweb,
thanks for the reply but why would my motherboard not be working? how does that affect the power button? The computer is still working (after I push the button 12 times) Please explain and provide any solutions. thanks

Your motherboard would receive the signal for the power button and your motherboard might be messing up when it's trying to start the boot process. If nothing happens at all when you press the power button (before the 12th time), it is probably the button itself.

Aggressor Prime · Post by **Aggressor Prime** » August 26th, 2004, 12:14 am

NewEgg sells it for $13.94 here.

That one works very well.

If the power supply tester says that the power supply is bad, buy a new power supply. If not, tell us and we will help you out. Some power supplies are built so bad, that they fail very easily. You want to stick with Antec's True power supplies or their new NeoPower power supplies. They have the most durable fans and they last the longest. You can also find those power supplies on NewEgg. Also, make sure you have enough watts for your system.

janet · Post by **janet** » August 26th, 2004, 12:03 pm

Hi Agressor Prime,
I will order the power supply tester today. If the tester says that my power supply is bad and I need to order a new power supply you said to make sure I have enough watts. How do I check the wattage and also if the tester says my power supply is good, then what is the next step?
thanks again for your help I really appreciate it. Its good to know that someone is willing to help "us" non computer literate people!!!!

Aggressor Prime · Post by **Aggressor Prime** » August 26th, 2004, 9:17 pm

If you know the components of your system (CPU, RAM, Video Card, Hard Drives, Optical Drives) list them and I can give you a good estimate. I myself have a True 430W power supply. If the power supply is good, then try taking out your PCI cards. Lightning stikes normally knock out modem cards first. A bad modem card prevents the computer from starting up.

janet · Post by **janet** » September 18th, 2004, 11:35 am

Hi Agressor Prime,
I havent been online in a while so I couldnt answer your email. These are the componets of my computer. I hope it helps this is all I know.
my computer is 450 mhz pent 3
16 mb video card
320 mg of ram
hard drive is 6.4 gb
10 x 100 nic card
mother board A bit BE6 2nd version.
Its a dinosaur. I have a new computer that I am going to start using but I wanted to give this one to my son to use.
The problem keeps happening. If you can help me out with some suggestions I would appreciate it. thanks again for all your help and guidence.. Janet

janet · Post by **janet** » September 18th, 2004, 11:37 am

Hi Agressor Prime,
Forgot to tell you I have a 400 W powmax power supply. We installed that on7/15/03. thanks again