Adam wrote:
I have a hardware problem here, but can't figure out whether the problem is the power supply or the motherboard. Either way, I'm aware something is very wrong and I'm already shopping for a new system. However, if this one can be repaired inexpensively enough I'd like to keep it as a second system.
Thanks to all who replied for your advice! And special thanks to Allen for offering to lend me a power supply for swapping. I did a web search, and this same problem has happened with other HP/Compaq desktop systems. The best suggestion on the web for a temporary fix was to aim a hair dryer at the power supply for a minute or two, and dozens of people swore that it worked. I thought that sounded ridiculous but figured it couldn't hurt to try... and it worked! After about a minute, the power supply LED went from flashing to on and the system powered up normally, and stayed on.
Obviously that's not a permanent solution, but it does tell me that it's some kind of thermal problem, and, more important, it's a power supply problem. My next step is obviously to buy and install a new power supply. Fortunately it's a standard ATX12V form factor. BTW this system (including the power supply) is almost four years old, so its original power supply probably lasted over 10,000 hours. Thanks again to all who helped!
Adam _______________________________________________ Mid-Hudson Valley Linux Users Group http://mhvlug.org http://mhvlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mhvlug Upcoming Meetings (6pm - 8pm) MHVLS Auditorium Dec 7 - An Intro to Chef Jan 4 - Recovering the Brownfield: Revitalizing Open Source Projects Feb 1 - Home Networking Made Simple with Amahi Home Server
