computer is shutting down during power up.

[mommaj]

I have been having trouble the past couple of weeks gettting the computer to power up. Usually if I turn it off in the back or unplug  it for 30 seconds (so that everything powers down), it will start up on the second try.  Not this morning.  It trys to power up, but 2 to five seconds into the power up, it loses power.  It isn' t the plug in, I have tried another outlet.  Any ideas?

[xavier]

2  things i would start off with, Power supply or heat related.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

We need more information, Please look here.

[mommaj]

I have a custom built computer running XP.  I haven't done any upgrades,etc in the last several months.  I think it is my power supply.  I will try replacing it.

[Spoiler]

Do you always have to shut the machine from behind?

What happens when you try to just shut it down like normal?

Can you give us a run down of your hardware? and antivirus software?

[mommaj]

It runs fine once I get it to stay on and shuts down normaly.  I have been shutting it off in the back only the last few weeks after I push the power button and it doesn't start.  I shut off the computer in the back and wait 30 seconds, then I turn the switch back on and push the power button.  I powers right up - until yesterday...  I have smelt a faint smell of something like hot plastic.  I run norton.  The computer is AMD 1700+, 512 ram ,120gig HD , 4xDVD+-R, NVIVIA GFTIZO.  I am about to crack it open and see what my power supply is. What should I replace it with and where do I buy it?

[drmsucks]

I am about to crack it open and see what my power supply is. What should I replace it with and where do I buy it?

Buy a PSU at least equal in wattage to the one you replace, and the same type (ATX, BTX, etc.). You can also look here to estimate wattage needed for your system: http://www.extreme.outervision.com/powercalc.jsp.

Purchase from a reputable manufacturer: Antec, OCZ, PC Power & Cooling, Sparkle, etc.

If you live in the U.S., look here: http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=58&name=Power-Supplies

Best of luck! Let us know how you make out.

P. S. Don't mess around with the old PSU - quite often they retain high voltage even when disconnected.

[mommaj]

Thanks, I will.