PC starts sometimes and not at other times

[time_travel]

Help Gurus---

Sometimes PC will start and other times not. I have checked all connections, surge protector, power at outlet, etc. Everything plugged into surge protector (monitor, hub, speakers, etc) works. Switched plugs around - all outlets on protector have power.

When I plugged the computer into a different surge protector, the computer started. So I got a new surge protector, everything was great and the computer started -- until the next day, after I had turned off the power the night before, then the same thing happened (with a "NEW" surge protector!!!).

When I plug it in somewhere else and then back to the original surge protector, it magically starts. What gives???

I was told if it was a power supply problem, the computer would never start. Is that true?

Could it be the battery? The system was never used before a week ago. but it was built 3.5 years ago.

[Bill in SD, CA]

Welcome to TechIMO!!

Originally posted by time_travel
I was told if it was a power supply problem, the computer would never start. Is that true?

If it was totally dead yes. If it's a failing PSU not necessarily.

Could it be the battery? The system was never used before a week ago. but it was built 3.5 years ago.

Well, a CMOS battery is inexpensive and easy to replace.

Since it wasn't used for over 3 years you might want to check for corrosion on your power switch leads/connector.

Although from your description that's probably not it.

System specs? CPU, MB?

Bill

[time_travel]

Hi Bill in SD:

Thanks for the welcome.

Specs: MB - Abit BX6 rev 2.0; CPU 433 Celeron; 256K PC100 RAM CL3 (operational); Win 98

Do I understand you correctly that this might be a "failing" power supply? What does that mean exactly?

gtg now - but will check with you later. Thanks again.

P.S. Does SD stand for San Diego?

[Bill in SD, CA]

Failing means it is slowly going "south."

Sometimes it works and sometimes not.

SD = San Diego.

Bill

[time_travel]

Hi Bill in SD:

Are you there? BTW - I am in SD too. What part?

I gave you the specs of the computer. Does that tell you anything?

If the power supply is failing, is it typical for it to do what I described?

Another detail - The computer is plugged into a Kensington Masterpiece Home Office protector. You know the ones that sits under the monitor. Each device has its own power switch on this unit and the Kensington is plugged into another surge protector / power strip. It seems if I do not turn off the power switch to the computer on the "Kensington under monitor" surge protector, the problem does not occur.

Could this be because it is always getting a little bit of power?