Why would a computer shut down 10 seconds after power button is pressed?

Question

I have a friend who's computer will shut off approx. 10 seconds after the power button is pressed. If he presses the power button again, he gets no response. If he unplugs it for 5 seconds or so before pressing the power button again, it will again attempt to start and shut off again. It does not stay on long enough for the moniter to show anything. It is an E Machines computer with XP.

Answer 1

It could be a lot of things...

Sounds like a bad power supply to me though. I would start there. You will save money buying that online somewhere (search on pricewatch.com). Listen for any beep codes or flashing LED lights before it shuts off. The motherboard will usually do one of the two to give you a clue as to what's wrong. When it doesn't, then the power supply itself is failing.

It can't be a virus if you're not even getting into the operating system.

Answer 2

If your computer is Windows XP (I don't know about other computers) it is a safer way to turn off your computer, because it will save your information, instead of just turning off like there's a power outage. If you want it to just turn off, and not save, press and hold the power button until it goes off. Should be faster, but not as safe as waiting the ten seconds. Hope this helps :)

Answer 3

Aloha from Down Unda! The point of having a 'power button' is usually to turn power off or on. If the power button is often engaged inadvertently, perhaps the area should be rearranged to avoid the issue. 'Brushing' the power button may be avoided with exercise of more care, general area organization &/or a makeshift shield from cardboard & adhesive tape... Best wishes~ .

Answer 4

Sounds like you have 10 seconds in which to try getting into Safe Mode where Windows will not be loaded. Try it - it can't hurt. As soon as you see some action, press Ctrl+Alt+Del simultaneously. Try a few times. If you can get into Safe Mode, I suggest:

1. Run your antivirus software.
2. Check Power Options in the Control Panel
3. See if you can Repair

WindowsXP System Restore – excellent link – explains with graphics
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

WindowsXP Repair Explained
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/options_to_use_when_a_system_will_not_start.mspx?mfr=true

WindowsXP Repair Tools
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm#How%20to%20Repair%20Windows%20XP%20by%20Installing%20Over%20top%20of%20Existing%20Setup:

http://www.download-download-this.com/4.html?OVRAW=Windows%20Installer%20corrupted&OVKEY=window%20installer&OVMTC=advanced

Fix and/or Repair Windows
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm
http://www.onsitechicago.com/support/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=23&nav=0

Answer 5

it's either your processor overheat or power supply unit short circuit.
first i would open the computer and take a vacuum to clean the guts. especially the fans on PSU and on top of processor. then turn it back on again to see if the problem solved.
if not, try to buy a PSU and replace it to see how it goes.
according to your description, it's usually one of these 2 things.

Answer 6

1. It is an e-machine

2. probably is a bad power supply

Answer 7

Could be a Virus or a bad Power supply.

Answer 8

If it keep shuts down before show any picture so that mean the hardware's fk up.. He ll need to replace it..

Answer 9

It's an eMachine- mine always has power supply problems, I trashed it. It could be a virus or hardware problem.

Answer 10

It is a hardware problem you probably need to have something replaced he needs to send it in for repairs.

This could be a number of issues its impossible for me to give you an answer because I would need to be there. But you would still have to send it in to be fixed its not a problem you could fix on your own (even if you could it would not be worth your time and effort).