Computer powers on but doesn't boot...sometimes
 

Okay, I put together a computer a few weeks ago and I have this problem that occured 3 times in the last two weeks.

The problem is that when I turn the computer on, the power light and fans come on but it doesn't boot. The hdd lights do not come on and I get a "no signal" message on the monitor. Also, the reset button doesn't do anything.

If I turn the power off by holding down the power button and turn it back on I get the same results. However, if I switch on/off the surge protector or unplug/plug-in the power cord and then turn the power on, the computer boots up like normal.

All 3 times that this happened it was in the morning after it's been powered off overnight.

Anyone know what might be causing this?

It sounds like the power switch is signaling the power supply to come up, but the power supply is failing intermittently to signal the mainboard to initialize.

The trouble occurring after sitting powered-off overnight could be significant in two ways. First off (and hopefully not what is going on), if the controller in the power supply is in the process of failing, it could only be showing symptoms right now when it is cold. Secondly, if it is a connection issue (which is what you want it to be), then any one of several connections could be relatively tenuously established and not immediately reasserting itself after sitting and depolarizing all night.

Try reseating the ATX power supply connections to the motherboard. (Both the two main power bus connections and the four pin connector.)

While you are at it, remove the CMOS battery, set the reset jumper, unset the jumper, and then replace the CMOS battery. (You will, of course, have to go back in a set the BIOS settings as you like them.)

If the problem persists, the power supply may be failing or faulty.

Was this machine from new of used parts?

All the parts were brand new--cheap but new.

I hope it is just a connection problem. I will reseat the connections and reset the cmos and see how it goes. Hopefully, it won't happen again.

Thanks.

Dear friend

I also received same problem not only linux desktop but also on windows.
i also see that there is no display or message on monitor "no signal".
I found the reason due to RAM, i pull out the RAM clean its connector with rubber and then again properly plug it into the board then fine,
when ever i face this problem i use same technique.
I also solve this issue of my neighbors.

Thanks for that suggestion, sohail.

I'll try reseating/cleaning the ram if I encounter the problem again.