Ok you guys asked for it. :p

Lately, when i press the power button for my comp I have been getting no response. Almost like it is not plugged in. I have unplugged it and even reset the powerstrip. Nothing happens.

After I do this a few times it finally kicks in and I get power. Now today, I press power and all I get is a beep followed by 3 long beeps.

I can see the power light is on..it just makes that sound. I have to turn off and on power to get it going. Also, I notice my clock is not keeping time. Even after I set it right. I think Milani had this problem once..maybe even made a thread on it. :)

I am thinking I need a new power supply. :cry: If this is the case, how much do they usually cost and what kind do I ask for? :goofy:

BTW, all the comp techs here are the best! I really appreciate all the help you all offer! ( only seems I am sucking up..just being honest) :D

somehow I'm thinking I've had a problem similar to this before. When I took it into the shop, I think it was either the power supply or the motherboard that was fried.

Have you had any storms lately? Sometimes lightning can knock out the computer, even with a surge protector (I had a basic surge protector and the storm still knocked out the modem [dialup at the time]) Now I have a more expensice surge protector and it does good. A more expensive surge protector is definitely a good investment for the computer.

That could be your problem TC.. either that or the internal battery needs to be replaced... it looks like a small watch battery, maybe even a little bigger. That's why our computers keep the date and time. ;)

I'd suggest having it looked at... it's pain in the arse but at least you'll know. :D

Power supplies either work or they don't work. In all my years of computing, I have only ever seen ONE that wasn't putting out enough power to fully run the computer, BUT it was powering up. That has also been about 15 years ago.

There are 3 possible problems here. The power switch could be faulty, in that the switch itself or the wiring to the motherboard is bad, or the motherboard lead itself could be bad (although doubtful), or the power supply "power on" trigger is faulty. The transformers, capacitors, and so forth inside the power supply aren't faulty because it does eventually work, but the electronic part that "listens" for the motherboard to tell it to fire up could be the ultimate problem.

Based on my extensive, long term, excellent technical skills (god I love that line! :D ), I would say the first thing to do is swap out the power supply.

Assuming you have a typical tower with a 250W ATX supply (that is the most common), an average power supply runs $30, but I have seen them as cheap as $20 and as high as $50. Don't get a generic, get a UL listed. Sure, they cost more, but are worth it!

The best way to get the replacement is to crack the case open. Chisel, dremel tool, chainsaw, acid, band saw, whatever it takes.

You will need to unplug the power supply connector from the motherboard (a small rectangular plastic connection that has a clip on one side), then unplug the individual power connectors from ALL drives. Floppy, CD-ROM, hard disk, and anything else.

Take out the 4 (or so) screws in back, and take it down to your local computer store. Tell them you want an exactly replacement. You don't need anything higher that how many watts yours says. Most are 250W. A 300W won't hurt, but costs more $$$. Less wattage might not provide enough power.

I would NOT pay more than $40 for a new one, I don't care if its gold plated. Fry's Electronics carrys decent new ones for $25-$30.

Once you get one, install it the exactly same way you took the existing power supply out. Don't worry about plugging things back in right. There is only one way the molex connectors (the white power connections) will plug into devices. It is impossible to plug them in wrong.

Make sure the black switch on the power supply is turned on, and give it a shot.

If that doesn't work, then more than likely the power switch itself is bad. That isn't as easy to fix. For something like that, I would recommend taking it in to have fixed.

Honestly, there is just as much of a chance that you have a faulty power switch as a faulty power supply, but I would check the power supply first. The motherboard could be the problem, but rarely is that the case.

I highly doubt lightening, fire, flood, earths rotation of the moon, windage, or the last solar eclipse had anything to do with it. The first thing a power spike will do is kill your power strip. I know because I've watched it happen before! Mine ALMOST caught on fire. It was kinda cool!

Next problem: the beeping

This will entirely depend on your computer manufacturer and what BIOS is installed. Even though there is a common table of beeps, they aren't always the same. When your computer fires up you should see Phoenix, Award, or AMI BIOS. If not, you will need to know what brand it is. Also, if your computer is a name brand, like Compaq, HP, or otherwise, that can make a difference.

There is no way to know without having the brand. Especially with custom computers (HP, Dell, and so forth), the BIOS is custom tailored to that specific computer model. For different computers it could mean different things.

Next: losing time

The main reasons for your clock not keeping time have ZERO to do with the power supply. That's right, ZERO.

And actually, it was Imsooosure who asked this before. :lol:

It's either a dead CMOS battery, or a faulty CMOS socket. 9 times out of 10 its the battery. Solutions:

1) Dead CMOS battery? Open the case and locate the round, silver thin "watch battery" dealy (cool name, eh?) that is likely being held down with a small level. DO NOT pull the lever, but GENTLY lift it up (with the computer off obviously) and use something small to gently pull the battery out. Take the battery to a computer store and get a replacement. A new battery should not cost any more than $10. Even that is kind of high. Get another battery and put it in. Make sure that lever holds it down nice and snug. Fire the computer up, and now guess what... ALL of your BIOS settings are gone! YAAAAAAY! But that's ok, you probably don't need to worry about that. All you need to do is set your time and date.

2) If the new battery doesn't fix it, some motherboards come with a lead on them (2 pins) and you can buy small AA batteries with holders and a wire that connects to those pins. It's the next best thing. Does your computer have this and where? No idea. Not all have it. You will need the manual or the manufacturer to find out if you have this.

Again, 9 times out of 10 its the battery.

Oh... before I forget... you said its not keeping time. There is a difference between "its 5 minutes slow every 2 weeks" as opposed to "its WAY, WAY off". My solutions is for it being completely, totally off, which I what I assume you meant. The few minutes slow every few weeks is totally normal. Software can also cause this to happen, I have watched it. Kazaa and Free Agent are notorious for this.

Based on what you have said, this is what I think. If there is more information, I can go from there.

Hmmm I don't think this is the longest message I have done yet. Maybe that could be a record.

Next class session: how to reprogram your microcode using pure assembly language in order to increase your L1 cache another 32K and speed up the CPU pre-fetch cycle.

I had this same problem sometimes the puter started rite up,sometimes i had to push the power button 30 to 50 times before it would start. Replaced the power supply no more problems.

Actually I have seen this before. It took a bit of searching, but I remember now what it was. The graphics card was unseated. This page will give you some background - One long beep and three short beeps (http://www.viciouspc.com/FAQ.html#7).

Take a look at the card and make sure that it is seated correctly. Also check to ensure that your cable is plugged in firmly.

Awesome help guys!!! THANKS!!!! :*

It will take me two days to read aarons post. :lol: It was very nice of you to take the time and help me out aaron . ;)

Originally posted by Shakey
Actually I have seen this before. It took a bit of searching, but I remember now what it was. The graphics card was unseated. This page will give you some background - One long beep and three short beeps (http://www.viciouspc.com/FAQ.html#7).

Take a look at the card and make sure that it is seated correctly. Also check to ensure that your cable is plugged in firmly.

I almost said the same thing about the video card, but re-read what she typed. I made the same mistake Shakey.

One SHORT and 3 LONG beeps is video card if memory serves me. She said one LONG and 3 SHORT beeps.

Obviously its different. :)

Originally posted by aaron


I almost said the same thing about the video card, but re-read what she typed. I made the same mistake Shakey.

One SHORT and 3 LONG beeps is video card if memory serves me. She said one LONG and 3 SHORT beeps.

Obviously its different. :)

aaron, I said...

I press power and all I get is a beep followed by 3 long beeps.
:confused:

Originally posted by TopCat


aaron, I said...


:confused:

My hands got typing faster than my mind was working...

Sorry...

I know what you said, I just repeated it wrong. Whoops!

Normally 1 long and 3 short is the video card, not the other way around. But your case might be different.

Wow. I was just about to go nuts trying to figure out what was going on here. Easy with my mind ya'll. It's getting more easily confused every day. :D Senility, I think. ;)