PC sometimes cannot start

Hi
I have a PC running Windows XP. I have intermittent problem in starting the PC. Sometimes when I pressed the start button the PC started to run and the indicator light is on and then switch off in the next second. But sometimes the PC can start as normal.
Can some guru advise what is the problem ?
Answer #1
Some sick hardware there by the sound of it..
Most likely a faulty PSU (power supply).
If you have another, you could swap it.
Answer #2
i’d bet dust and heating problem.
have you tried cleaning?
Answer #3
I’d say either the power supply or motherboard has bad capacitors. if it’s running Windows XP, it must be really old..
Answer #4
This shows some examples of bad capacitors. They could be inside the power supply too..
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=bad+capacitors&client=firefox&hs=Eci&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:unofficial&chan=sb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=EleNU8D3Mc7jkAW40IGgCw&ved=0CCMQsAQ&biw=1428&bih=754
Answer #5
Sometimes vibration causes connections to loosen up over a period of time, so check all your wire connections inside your computer, especially those leading from the motherboard to the power button.
Also check the wires inside the plug you put into the wall socket for electricity supply since pulling on that plug over time can cause wires to loosen up if the little screws holding the wires in place were not tight up enough when the plug was put on.
Answer #6
Hi all
I had cleaned the PC and retightened the connections. I had also checked the capacitors on the motherboard and power supply and all seems well.
Answer #7
Hi,
would you probably have a replacement PSU to verify?
Answer #8
is your cpu overclocked?