My computer will not boot unless I unplug the power cable for several minutes and replug the power. Causes?

Question

It is a Gateway Desktop AMD Athlon 64X2 4200, 2048 DDR2, running Win XP Media center edition with Update Rollup 2.
It first started when I put it in "stand-by" mode and the computer refused to wake up. It has now gotten so bad I have to unplug the power several times with waiting periods in-between, before it will start up. I don't know much about computers but have been reading and trying different set-ups as I read about possible causes. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate.

Answer 1

this sounds like an electrical problem. not a software problem. you may need to test and/or replace your power supply. or check the outlet that you're plugging it into. it may have gone bad and the computer is just reacting to it. try using another outlet that's maybe not on the same circuit. like in another room. if it still does the same thing then it's probably your power supply that has become damaged.

Answer 2

There are three possible problems.



1. Listen to your hard drive. If you hear a phaser sound, or any of these (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoMyeLIMFMI&feature=related)



2. You might not have adequate cooling. Get a program to monitor temperatures and if anything goes above 155˚F, you need a better cooling system.



3. You might need a new power supply, since the one you have might not be able to handle the load.

Answer 3

Try pulling the cmos battery (clock), that will reset the bios to default. There could be an electronic swith stuck . The battery is chrome or silver around the size of a nickle. Wait a min or so and put it back in.

Answer 4

its a dodgey PSU....get a new 1...( or take it to a shop and get it fitted if u dont know what ur doing)