Desktop computer power problems

Kido

My Dad's computer is doing a very strange thing. A few days ago it would not switch on until I took the plug out of the socket and put it in a diffent one. The next day it did the same thing and the day after. Every time you have to switch sockets. The plug which is put into the socket the PC was in always works fine and next day you can change the plugs back. It's a major nuisance having to go behind the computer to swap the plugs round. Anyone any ideas as to how to correct this?

swstevewil

have you tried pulling the plug out then leaving it for a minute then putting back in the same socket

closed

If holding down the power button for 10 seconds doesn't have the same effect, it's probably a psu problem (assuming house wiring is ok)

Kido

If it doesn't start in the morning I'll try holding the power button and let you know. Everything elsse seems to work ok so I'm assuming the house wiring's ok.
I'll also try pulling the plug out for a minute as I've not tried that either.

I'll let you know how I get on. It's usually first thing in the morning it won't switch on.

Hammyman

Kido wrote: »

My Dad's computer is doing a very strange thing. A few days ago it would not switch on until I took the plug out of the socket and put it in a diffent one. The next day it did the same thing and the day after. Every time you have to switch sockets. The plug which is put into the socket the PC was in always works fine and next day you can change the plugs back. It's a major nuisance having to go behind the computer to swap the plugs round. Anyone any ideas as to how to correct this?

Been there, done that, banged head against the wall.

You need to change the mains lead, the pins inside the end that goes into the computer have got splayed. I can pretty much guarantee that if you put your ear next to it and wiggled it, you'd hear it crackling.

Parva

It could also be the sign of a dying power supply in the PC. Mine had exactly these symptoms when the PSU decided it was time to die. I would press the power button on the front of the PC and it would light up for like a quarter of a second, not even enough time to make any noise from the fans. After that the PC power button did absolutely nothing. If I switched the mains power off for a few seconds then switched back on and again pressed the PC power button then it would either repeat the above (quick flash of life) or if very lucky it would boot up. It didn't manage to do that for much longer either.

Quite possibly time to put a new PSU into the PC.

macman

Swap the mains lead first, then if no joy it's almost certainly the PSU. Easy £20 DIY job to do over New Year.

Kido

So I tried experimenting with your ideas this morning and after reading through I'm mow 99% sure it's the PSU.
I tried holding the power botton down for 10 seconds and it made no difference.
I tried pulling the plug out of the socket for a minute, put it back in and bingo - it worked.
I've already changed the mains lead and it made no difference. Next morning the computer still wouldn't start until I'd taken the plug out and changed sockets.
I also listened when I tried to switch the PC and got a very quick "electrical" type noise.

So assuming it is the PSU and as I've never changed one before, my brother's always built our computers, is it difficult to do? Also how do I know which one to buy? Will I just take the back off the computer and see what's in their at the moment and get the same power?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm a bit lost. I've relied on my brother for too many years.

macman

It's a easy job. Best plan is to remove the old PSU and take that in with you when you buy the new one. You want one of equal or greater wattage rating, i.e. if the current one is 300W then you want 300W or higher. All ATX PSU's will fit, just ensure you have one with the the right motherboard connector, 20 or 24 pin.
If you are not sure what goes where, then ensure that you draw a little sketch showing everything you disconnect from the existing PSU, so that you can reconnect everything correctly. The whole job should take you no more than 20-30 minutes.

Hammyman

Kido wrote: »

So assuming it is the PSU and as I've never changed one before, my brother's always built our computers, is it difficult to do? Also how do I know which one to buy? Will I just take the back off the computer and see what's in their at the moment and get the same power?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm a bit lost. I've relied on my brother for too many years.

4 screws hold it in the case. Unplug all the power cables to the various parts, undo the screws and remove. Take it to a shop and get one that is the same or higher rated.

Kido

Thanks for all your help. I went to the computer shop yesterday and bought and fitted the new PSU. Switched it on today and it works perfectly. Fingers crossed end of problems.