I have an XP machine. When you push the power button, it beeps, seems to boot up for anywhere from 1-5 seconds, then shuts off. Here's the curve ball: It randomly starts up correctly! Whenever I come and try to reproduce the error it works fine. Anyone have a clue as to what's going on?
It's a desktop machine, not a laptop. Which means it's plugged into the wall and I'm fairly sure It's getting a steady supply of power.
It could be, in order of suspicion:
It would have nothing to do with your software. This happens straight away when you power it up, so something hardware related is causing the problem. You may want to look up your motherboard and find the manual for it, chances are they have an index describing what each beep code means. My bet is a loose connection or power supply issue. Is the machine connected directly to the wall and getting sufficient power?
Since it works 'sometimes' I am going to rule out bad ram or heat issues. I highly doubt it's your hard drive or video card. Whatever the fault is, it's soon going to die completely unless it is just a loose connection.
When it works 'sometimes', are there fewer devices drawing power from the same source as the machine?
A good cleaning won't hurt. You'd be surprised how much dirt and crud can collect inside of systems. While you are cleaning, also take a look at all of the cards and cables to make sure they are seated correctly. Look for any signs of damage such as failed capacitors (they often have puffed or leaky appearance).
Check the power button also. If it is spring loaded, it can sometimes get stuck in. Many computer will turn themselves off if the power button is held for 4 or 5 seconds.
I had this same problem and I took the CPU out and it was the heatsink there were 4 screws that hold it in place and two were broke so that made it tilt to one side uneven so I replace the plastic with new and clean and repasted and screwed it down even not to tight and bam it work and it cost me $10.
