My computer doesn't like to start anymore?

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framinzfun

MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Joined
Aug 28, 2002
Posts
893
Loc
eastern pa
I have a Gateway pc, which is pushing 10 years old... so I realize it may have an issue or two every now and again. Lately, if I turn off the computer and unplug it (I generally turn it off every day, but only unplug it if it's storming outside), i can't get it to start right away. I push the button and it just turns orange, not green. Sorry for the low-tech verbage, but I dont' know a lot about computers. Eventually, it'll act like it's going to start, turn green for a few seconds, then just turn orange again, and stop. What is the problem? And why does it only happen if I unplug the computer, and not when I just shut it off and leave it plugged in? Do my ramblings make any sense whatsoever?

Thanks for you help.
 
You have a CRT monitor? Maybe it needs to be warmed up and leaving it plugged in keeps it running at some lower level of power consumption?

I dunno.
 
It's hard to say what's going on without more information. It could be the power supply or many other components.

Do you hear any beeps when you try to turn it on?
Can you see anything on the screen?
Can you hear fans / hard drives running when you try to turn it on, or is it silent?
 
Ok, thanks for the questions.... and the compliment on keeping this dinosaur cranking for all these years.

I don't know what a CRT moniter is, or if I have one, therefore, I'm not sure if it's staying warmed up.

As far as fan noises, when I hit the button and it goes straight to orange, there is no fan noise at all, and the moniter screen stays black.
Sometimes, when it seems to want to maybe start, the button will turn green for about 3 seconds, and I hear the fan starting, but then it just stops, and the button turns orange.

I don't hear any beeps or anything... but there aren't really any beeps when it starts normally.

If this thing were a car, I'd say it either needs a new battery, or a new starter.
 
A CRT monitor is a big fat one and the other newer kinds are the skinny flat ones. I have one of each.

When was the last time you took the CPU (tower, whatever - the part that is the actual computer as opposed to the part that you look at that looks like some sort of TV screen) apart and got rid of all the dust and stuff - my old CPU was filled with cat hair!
 
My guess would be the power supply is on its very last leg.

It's time to back up all your info from that beast and retire it, in my humble opinion :)

Mike
 
I agree that it's time to retire this monster. I back up the information on it almost weekly. Fortunately there's nothing too important on it. I think it's been dying a slow death for the past year.

Maybe cleaning the hair out of the tower will help.

Or maybe I'll just never unplug it again.

Thanks again.
 
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