Power On Problem

[amerifax]

We have a computer that does not like to Power On. When we hit the power button the computer will run for about 5 seconds and then turn off. Then I have to unplug the power for 5 sec., plug it back in, try again. I usually have to do this about 10-15 times before it will stay running. I don't know why this is happening or how I can fix it.

It is running XP Pro, Gigabyte MB GA-8KNXP, 1GB RAM, plenty of Hard Drive space...

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Bob

 

[Devilpapaya]

Check the power button. I've seen computers where dirt gets caught in the power button and keeps the power switch (not necessarily the entire button) depressed causing it to turn off seconds after turning on.

 

[Elias824]

Dose it start to post before it reboots? or is it just black screen for a 5 seconds then reboot.

 

[ElenaP]

Remove the power switch header from the mainboard and short its pins on the mainboard with a paper clip. Be careful not to touch anything else. The system should start up. If it goes down after five seconds, this would rule out the power button malfunction.

While you are at it, check if the fans start to spin when system powers up, all of them (CPU. video card, PSU, and possibly mainboard).

 

[KGB]

Remove the power switch header from the mainboard and short its pins on the mainboard with a paper clip. Be careful not to touch anything else. The system should start up. If it goes down after five seconds, this would rule out the power button malfunction.

While you are at it, check if the fans start to spin when system powers up, all of them (CPU. video card, PSU, and possibly mainboard).

MOMENTARILY short the pins.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Make sure you don't have any extra standoffs that are touching the mobo.

 

[ElenaP]

MOMENTARILY

Yeah, correct.

 

[amerifax]

It does not post. It powers on for about 5 seconds, stays at a black screen and then shuts off.

I tried shorting it's pins and nothing happened. Used a paperclip on the 2 pins for the powerswitch.

Bob