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Desktop Power Button Problem.

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I have got a intermittent problem with the power button on a desktop. When the machine is cold it takes about 10 presses of the button to get it to boot. If the machine requires a reboot it switches on first time and the computer runs with no problems.

From what have I read it appears it's either a short or there is a motherboard or power supply problem. Can I assume that because the computer works ok when it powers up the problem is a short?

Comments

  • railbuff
    railbuff Posts: 430 Forumite
    I had the same problem a while back with my Dell Vostro which is 5 yrs old, I also have a Dell Optiplex GX520 which i use as a backup if my main PC goes down. so i decided to use this and moved my HDD from my vostro to the optiplex along with some memory, but this was too slow, so i just put the memory and HDD back into my vostro and i would take it along to my local PC repair shop, but since i put back the HDD and mem the power has worked as it should, so no need to take to shop for repair.
  • If you're familiar with desktops, if it's at all possible to open the case and check the connection from the power button to the motherboard, that would be advisable. Though definitely don't try this if you've never opened the case before.

    It could be a number of issues though really!

    It doesn't sound like a short to me, otherwise it likely wouldn't power on at all.

    Good luck!
    I love adventures. Unfortunately, I don't get to go on them nearly enough. My simple solution? - To indulge in the digital artefacts of the adventures of others. Feel free to indulge in them with me.
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  • Iconic
    Iconic Posts: 1,021 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts
    If you're familiar with desktops, if it's at all possible to open the case and check the connection from the power button to the motherboard, that would be advisable. Though definitely don't try this if you've never opened the case before.

    It could be a number of issues though really!

    It doesn't sound like a short to me, otherwise it likely wouldn't power on at all.

    Good luck!

    I have opened a good few desktops to change hdd's, video cards and RAM but am not an expert!

    It's a shame you don't think it's a short because I thought that would have been the easiest solution.

    I thought I had found the short when I first opened the case and found a couple of loose wires. Turns out they are sensors for a Digital Thermometer Monitor......I isolated them but the problem remains!
  • Iconic wrote: »
    I have opened a good few desktops to change hdd's, video cards and RAM but am not an expert!

    It's a shame you don't think it's a short because I thought that would have been the easiest solution.

    I thought I had found the short when I first opened the case and found a couple of loose wires. Turns out they are sensors for a Digital Thermometer Monitor......I isolated them but the problem remains!

    I may well be incorrect, so there may be hope for you yet! It might be worth heading to the Overclockers forum and asking advice from the many, many specialists on there. Here's the link:

    http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/

    If you've opened the case before, you might want to look for this: http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8682/connectedzm9.jpg

    (The POWER SW) is where the power button is usually connected.
    I love adventures. Unfortunately, I don't get to go on them nearly enough. My simple solution? - To indulge in the digital artefacts of the adventures of others. Feel free to indulge in them with me.
    pinterest - pinterest.com/jetsetterjoe/
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  • sillygoose
    sillygoose Posts: 4,795 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture
    In the short term, many BIOS's have an option to restart as soon as power is restored, if set, the computer should start as soon as plugged in without having to press the power button.

    So if you set this on you can shutdown windows as usual and then switch off at the plug when it says its safe to do so. When you switch it on at the plug it should just start up straight away.
  • (The POWER SW) is where the power button is usually connected.
    And it will normally be one of the really thin wires that plugs into the motherboard header marked POWER SW. Just to add that the button itself can sometimes be at fault (for example, it may not be securely mounted).
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  • Iconic
    Iconic Posts: 1,021 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts
    edited 22 January 2013 at 4:35PM
    sillygoose wrote: »
    In the short term, many BIOS's have an option to restart as soon as power is restored, if set, the computer should start as soon as plugged in without having to press the power button.

    So if you set this on you can shutdown windows as usual and then switch off at the plug when it says its safe to do so. When you switch it on at the plug it should just start up straight away.


    That's a good tip thanks. I have found it in the BIOS under 'Power Button Function'. It was set to 'Power Off' and I have got the option of 'Suspend'

    I have set it to 'Suspend'(and saved it!) but it still powers up by the power button!

    It seems the BIOS power settings often conflict with Windows settings but amending the Power Options Properties in XP Control Panel does not work either.
  • Iconic
    Iconic Posts: 1,021 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts
    And it will normally be one of the really thin wires that plugs into the motherboard header marked POWER SW. Just to add that the button itself can sometimes be at fault (for example, it may not be securely mounted).

    I have removed the front face plate panel and everything looks ok although I was quite surprised the button is only held on by something that looks like candle wax! I have also traced the wire to the motherboard and the connection looks ok.

    The more I read about this the more it's like finding a needle in a haystack. It appears the 'cold start' problem is quite common on older machines.

    I don't think I will be able to solve the problem myself now but I am having a good time trying!
  • Iconic wrote: »
    I have removed the front face plate panel and everything looks ok although I was quite surprised the button is only held on by something that looks like candle wax! I have also traced the wire to the motherboard and the connection looks ok.

    The more I read about this the more it's like finding a needle in a haystack. It appears the 'cold start' problem is quite common on older machines.

    I don't think I will be able to solve the problem myself now but I am having a good time trying!

    Half the fun of computers if figuring out why they go wrong when they do!

    Good luck with it.
    I love adventures. Unfortunately, I don't get to go on them nearly enough. My simple solution? - To indulge in the digital artefacts of the adventures of others. Feel free to indulge in them with me.
    pinterest - pinterest.com/jetsetterjoe/
    twitter - @jetsetterjoe7
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