Needing to unplug the comp all the time b4 it starts

[rv15m]

Ok I have problem with my old Pavilion HP 8380 (all original hardware intact). When I turn on the comp using the power button, the leds blink off for a fraction of a millisecond. Like when you turn a switch after the power goes and there is just a little 'excess' current on the line. I have to pull the plug out of the back of the case, leave it off for about 30seconds or so and then plug it back in the case. Only then would the comp come on when I push the power button. Any idea why or how to fix this? The comp works good otherwise, no weird freezes or anything.

Pentium Pro 500Mhz processor (slot 1)
Intel 440BX Chipset
WD 8.5 GB HD

[ktkendall]

Sounds like a power supply or motherboard problem.

[rv15m]

anyway to easily discern which one it is? I dont have any spare parts lying around to change and test though

[Jaggannath]

The plug at the back isn't working loose?? It could be a bad connection, and pushing the plug in is rejoining the link

[rv15m]

The plug is good. sometime when I turn it off and turn it on immediately it comes on. It's only when it's off for a while that I have to unplug, wait and then plug back in. Bad capacitors somewhere I guess, don't know if it's the psu or the mobo

[Panama Red]

Examine the mobo closely and see if any of the large, brown capacitors show signs of bulging on top or any leakage of a dark material. If so, it's time for a new mobo. If that's one of those Micro form factor Pavilions, it probably has a miniature size power supply installed. Check the dimensions before you buy a new one (if you go that route) to make sure it will fit.

[ktkendall]

I've had that same thing with the el-cheapo power supplies, soon as you plug power back in the PC starts..

[rv15m]

it's not cheap. The comp is 6yrs old. It now started doing this a few weeks ago.