Power Supply Problem - Please Help ASAP

[andystanny]

I have had a power supply which from time to time made a horrible loud ignition type sound, until i banged the side of my case. A friend told me he had a new supply which he used for like 3 weeks, thats all. The he got a new computer. So he said i could have it. The other night my computer randomly just powered down totally. Then it said that the profile "Andrew Staniforth" wasn't usable or something and it always used a temporary profile, with all the settings defaulting each time it loaded. Then it just went off one night and the power button wouldn't boot the computer any more. My friend came round and we did the transplant (so too speak). With the new power supply in, we managed to get it to work and had it all running fine. The next day i was browsing the internet and then the computer powered down. I was shocked, and tried the power button. It worked and got as far as the desktop before powering down again. Then i decided it might have been a virus, so i loaded the computer and pressed DEL to go into the BIOS. After looking through it making sure things seemed OK, it went of. So i guessed it isn't a software issue. Now the computer will not turn on (or last time i tried, a few minutes ago). My computer has always been very looked after on the hacking, spyware/adware front. So i can't see any viruses being a possibility, although it is an option still? I just hope someone can suggest what is up, and maybe inform me as to what i need to do. In my own conclusion, i can: * Try a brand new power supply! (But which do i need to look for, as far as compatibility?) * Fuck it, start to build a new PC! * Wait for months for my brother to look, who will probably still have no idead. * Prayingly, know that there is another way to sort it? Please help me out and give as much details as you can. I would be greatful!

[Marty8613]

What kind of computer? Try disabling Power Mgt in Bios since you can get there. Some systems' BIOS have a conflict with Windows Power Mgt when both are enabled. There are some HP machines that have a power mgt feature specific to power surges, they automatically shut down during over current situations and may refuse to resume. If you have an HP and want this feature, disable it 1st to get into Windows and disable it in the Ctl Pnl. You can then re-enable it in BIOS.

[richh0323]

Well power supplys are cheep, so try that route first. I would conside looking into other hardware failure too. Most power supplys will work inany given computer, if you have a newer P4 you may want to get one that has SATA plugs on it.