Computer start-up problems.?

Question

This problem started about a year ago, went into "remission" and has now returned. Sometimes my computer starts up normally. Most often, though, when I try to start it up, the fan comes on and runs and runs, the router shows no pc activity, and the monitor detects no activity and goes to sleep. I have found that SOMETIMES slight movement of the pc will allow me to start it up without a problem. In the past, when I would unplug the computer for several hours it would seem to start up okay, but this doesn't seem to do the trick anymore. I recently unplugged everything, opened the computer and gave everything a good dusting. The computer started normally on the next couple of tries, but then started with the problem again. I have checked and rechecked all connections. It is not necessary to turn off the computer for this to happen; sometimes I have a problem restarting when the computer goes to sleep.

Incidentally, I have had a problem with shut down for every pc I have ever owned, including this one. I cannot just select "turn off computer" and expect everything to happen as planned; I usually get an error message. Sometimes the only way to shut it off is to turn off the power.

Any help will be appreciated. I am have a little mechanical ability and will be thrilled if this is something I can fix myself. Even if I have to take it somewhere, it will be good to know where to start. Many thanks!

Answer 1

Turn off the power, open up the computer and check that everything is plugged in securely. All cables, cards etc.

The fact that you could move the PC and have it start, would suggest that something is loose and making poor contact.

As far as shutdown problems, here is a troubleshooting guide.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308029

Answer 2

I suspect I know your cause. But lets save the bad news for the end of this response, shall we.

Overheating = This behavior is consistent with heat issues. Remove the side panel of your PC and with a vacuum (with a hose attachment, suck out the dust and dirt. Get real good around the heat sink and fan. Also nail your power supply intakes and exhausts.

Loose Internal Connections = The speratic shut ff and failure to reboot sighting undetected hardware could be contributed to connections and cables that have vibrated loose over time. While in the PC cleaning it, let's reseat ALL wires and plugs.

Power Supply Fault = Your Power Supply may be slowly going out on you. Not providing the steady flow of electricity could also explain your symptoms.

However, since you have had a problem for a year. a year ago and now it is back suggests to me that you may have blown caps.

Blown Caps = Blown capacitors are little battery looking components on your motherboard and cards. Pay close attention to the ones around your CPU (Processor). If they are buldging or look like they are leaking dried up crud, these electronic devices that charge and discharge electricity, and easily spotted by the "X" or "K" on their top, are infact bad and THIS is what controls how current is used and provided to more sensitive parts on the boards.

When you have blown caps, you replace the motherboard.