Why does my estimator power on and then immediately turns off?

Updated: 02/01/2021 by Computer Hope

Power button

If your calculator turns off immediately or even within a few seconds after it is turned on, there could be several possible problems. To proceed, we recommend going through each department beneath to help find a solution to your problem.

Caution

Some of the steps below require you to open up the figurer case. While working in your machine, always be aware of the dangers of ESD.

Loose cable

Make sure all cables inside the computer case are firmly attached to the motherboard and each component. Check the IDE cables and SATA cables, which are connected to the hard bulldoze, CD or DVD drive, and floppy bulldoze (if present). Bank check both ends of each cablevision and make sure they are firmly attached to the component and the motherboard. Turn on the figurer and test to see if this resolves the result.

  • How do I open up my computer case?

Tip

Sometimes, the best manner to verify a cable is not loose is to disconnect and reconnect (reseat) the cable on both ends.

Surge protector issues

Surge protectors and battery back-upward units tin become bad over fourth dimension, causing reduced ability period to the estimator. Every bit computers require a specific amount of power to operate, as well great a reduction can force the computer to shut down.

If this situation applies to your estimator, unplug its power string from the surge protector or battery back-up unit, and plug it directly into a wall outlet. Turn on the computer to see if the problem persists. If the computer stays powered on, the surge protector or battery back-upwards unit is bad and needs to be replaced.

Electrical short

An electric brusque in a computer, which may cause power issues, happens when pieces of metal cause a path for electricity to menses through that shouldn't exist. Computers are full of screws, every bit they hold nearly every internal component in place, and from time to fourth dimension, they can come up loose. Lift your reckoner and gently rotate information technology while gently shaking information technology from side to side. If yous hear what sounds like small-scale rocks banging around, you likely accept loose screws inside the case. Open the computer upwardly and remove them.

  • How do I open my computer case?

Retentiveness issue

Verify the retentiveness modules are properly seated in the retentivity slots on the motherboard. To practice this, open up the reckoner, remove the memory modules from their slots, and gently reseat them. It also is of import to note that memory modules are installed in pairs, and sometimes in matching slots, which are designated by matching colors. Brand sure the modules are firmly seated and the clamps on both sides of the modules snap into place. Plug in the power cord and turn the computer on to see if the issue is resolved.

  • How do I open my computer instance?
  • How to install figurer retentivity (RAM).

Power supply problems

Power supply voltage switch

The power supply voltage switch, a pocket-size ruby-red switch on the back of the power supply, may be on the incorrect setting. If this switch's setting is not correct for your country, your figurer may automatically power downward. The beginning thing to do is to consult the Voltage Valet website to discern your country's correct voltage settings. Then, make sure your power supply voltage switch is set up accordingly.

Possibly defective power supply

Verify the power supply is functional. A faulty ability supply tin can result in not enough, if whatsoever, power getting to the motherboard, causing the figurer to shut off immediately or not turn on at all. Many online estimator retailers sell power supply testing units for under $twenty. In the upshot of a bad power supply, the only remedy is to replace it with a new one. Fixing a power supply is not an economical solution, if possible at all.

Overheating

If your computer is new or the motherboard was recently replaced, brand sure the thermal compound is properly applied to the processor. If the oestrus is non existence properly transferred from the processor to the heat sink, it can overheat very quickly. Because of the potential of damage to hardware that overheats, if the calculator exceeds a ready temperature, it is automatically turned off.

Motherboard outcome

The last thing to check is the motherboard; however, this tin be rather difficult since the result could exist anywhere in the circuitry. A faulty, declining, or malfunctioning circuit or component (due east.g., capacitor) tin can cause the computer to shut off immediately or not turn on at all. If none of the recommendations above help resolve the consequence, nosotros propose sending the figurer to a repair store or replacing the motherboard.