Computer powers on and off in quick cycles when power attached...

[YLSF]

I tried googling some solutions and basically the google results say to disconnect everything possible and then just swap out essential components until you find the part at fault.

Here is my issue. Before the machine would power on for 10 seconds or less (fans run) and just power off again when I hit the power button.

Now, when I connect the power cord the computer will power on and off quickly in continous loop.

The issue with me testing it is that I don't have other components to swap in and out. My case is small (an Intel home theater case) and it is hard to work around in there. I am debating whether it is worth while for me to fix it of just get a new system as it is an older P4 system (although, it does everything I need for a home theater box)

I have tried disconnecting/removing HD, RAM, optical drives, etc. Next I will try removing the video card and some other components (which are harder to remove) but if anyone has any ideas please post.

I don't really want to throw money at it trying to solve the problem but if anyone knows of a qualified computer store in the Oakville area that won't rip me off I might take it in to check it out. I have a buddy that is better with hardware stuff (I can figure out most software related things but don't have a lot of experience diagnosising hardware related problems) and he suggested the swap method but I don't have other components I can use to test with.

[dstefan]

I tried googling some solutions and basically the google results say to disconnect everything possible and then just swap out essential components until you find the part at fault.

Here is my issue. Before the machine would power on for 10 seconds or less (fans run) and just power off again when I hit the power button.

Now, when I connect the power cord the computer will power on and off quickly in continous loop.

The issue with me testing it is that I don't have other components to swap in and out. My case is small (an Intel home theater case) and it is hard to work around in there. I am debating whether it is worth while for me to fix it of just get a new system as it is an older P4 system (although, it does everything I need for a home theater box)

I have tried disconnecting/removing HD, RAM, optical drives, etc. Next I will try removing the video card and some other components (which are harder to remove) but if anyone has any ideas please post.

I don't really want to throw money at it trying to solve the problem but if anyone knows of a qualified computer store in the Oakville area that won't rip me off I might take it in to check it out. I have a buddy that is better with hardware stuff (I can figure out most software related things but don't have a lot of experience diagnosising hardware related problems) and he suggested the swap method but I don't have other components I can use to test with.

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"Before the machine would power on for 10 seconds or less (fans run) and just power off again when I hit the power button"

This would suggest that the cpu is overheating. Check if the heatsync has come loose and that it's making good contact.


The other is to check the capacitors on the motherboard to see if they are swollen or leaking. see. www.badcaps.net


Another reason could be the PSU. I know you have no other to try but as a last resort you might have to find a cheapo. You can get them as cheap as $20.