Computer struggles to boot - could it be too cold?

[Robrobrob]

Recently I have stopped using my computer as much as I used to and have found that the computer has started to take more and more attempts at starting up. When I attempt to turn the power on the fans whir and it begins to load before everything stops while the lights to the keyboard and the lights on the tower box remain on. This can take many attempts before finally loading up Windows and seems to improve (or last longer booting) with each attempt at switching on until it eventually loads. If I leave the computer off for a while it takes even longer to boot while if the computer has been in use quite recently before then it tends to load straight away making me think this is temperature related. I have not installed any new hardware or software recently and the problem may have been occuring for a while as I remember a few occassions where this happened while the computer was more commonly used (it's still in use every day however, just not quite every minute!).

I am unsure as to what is being affected by this however and have no idea how I would go about fixing it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[drmsucks]

Too cold? -> No.

I would test the power supply. Borrow one, if you can, of at least the same wattage, install it and see if you have the same problem.

I would also test the hard drive with the hard drive manufacturer's diagnostic utility which you can download from the drive manufacturer's website.

[Robrobrob]

Ok, am doing a diagnostic for the hard drive now though I did get a new PSU a couple of months ago but do not have another one with the same wattage to test it but it is likely to be that. Is there any way of repairing it or would I need to buy a new one?

[drmsucks]

No - you cannot repair a power supply; replace only. Don't open the cage - high voltage may be present.

Why did you replace the power supply?

[Robrobrob]

Got a new graphics card that needed a higher wattage psu.

Hard drive scan came up OK. Will take it in to a shop to get a new PSU fitted and see if they can find anything else wrong. Thanks a lot for the help!

[drmsucks]

Please post back and let us know how you make out.