[spoty]

For the last 3 weeks my pc can not just be turned on.

I press the on button, which does not lite up, but the fan can be heard and it sounds normal. The moniter says 'Going into save mold'
I then have to unplug it at the mains and plug back in fast 3, 4 or 10 times. Then the blue light comes on and the pc works great, like it is now.

Does anyone have any idea what I can do, or is it on its way out? Its an Acer and I have had it over 3 years. Love the thing and it has always worked well before.

Thanks for any advice.

ps. I have to take the plug out and put it back in, it will not come on with the switch thing.

[whoever,hey]

Sounds like the PSU is 95% dead.

[spoty]

Originally Posted by whoever,hey

Sounds like the PSU is 95% dead.

Cheers, I will look that up at least I have something to go on now. google here I come.

[Johnbee]

My guess is that the switch is manked. Perhaps you switch it off and on a lot, or you bang it too hard, or you have spilt tea on it etc. Also it does sound a little like something is loose, so you could give everything you can get at a push and a wiggle. Gently of course. While it is switched off.

[max99]

It's definitely a hardware problem. There are a few parts which could cause it, but PSU and motherboard are the most likely. As the PSU is the easiest to test, that should be the starting point.

However, there are a few other things which can cause it. What is your technical level and how confident are you with opening up the case and fiddling with parts and cables? Standard diagnostic procedure is to start by removing/disconnecting everything bar the essentials (CPU & HSF, one stick of RAM and graphics card (if present).

[stevensdrs]

With these symptoms the first thing is to remove the switch cables from the motherboard and see if it will start by shorting out the two pins. If it starts then the switch is faulty.
Next would be to check the PSU to see if it is providing all the correct voltages. Easy if you have a PSU tester, a little more difficult if you don't. If in doubt swap the PSU over for a new one or a known working used one.
If that doesn't work you might as well buy a new pc.

[spoty]

Thanks for all the advice, I have an idea about the motherboard and the two pins/start thing

My teenage daughter 'knows' someone and they are coming to have a look.
At least I can point them somewhere and sound a bit knowledgable [if I could spell it]

Saying that it's still going and every day it works seems like pure luck.