PC starts automatically when plugged in or shut down

Question

Anytime I turn off my desktop, it automatically comes back on after a few seconds. I have to unplug it to keep it off. Otherwise, it boots back up if I shut it down. Even when I unplug it, I still hear a sound that seems like the fans are trying to start up, but then quits. The only way I can turn it off and it will stay off is to hold down the power button when running.

I've already checked my bios to see if there is a setting telling it to turn on for any random reasons, like bc active nic. I've tried cleaning my nvram b/c I read somewhere that it might help.

I posted this problem before and was told to check the crash control option. I've made sure that the "Automatically Restart under System Failure" option is not checked.

Also, I tried installing an OS on my secondary HDD and booted up with it, and that did not fix it either.

Sorry if this is the wrong forum. I'm not really sure what is causing the problem, hence wasn't sure exactly where to place it.

Thanks.

Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
System Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
System Model: Dimension 8300
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A07
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 1022MB RAM
Page File: 733MB used, 1218MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)

dbramlet · Answer

Just curious if you have checked the power options in control panel and under advanced to see what it says for when you push the power button. Does it say shutdown?

The_Namek · Answer

artacus,
You said you checked your system's BIOS to see if there's a setting telling it to turn on for any random reasons but not what the results of your search were. Did you look at the settings in the Power Management submenu because there's something in there that could cause the issue you posted about. It's called AC Power Recovery and it should be set to off by default.

dbramlet · Answer

Almost sounds like maybe the power switch is stuck to on. You have a surge protector in line with the wall outlet for this PC? Use a surge protector to just turn off power to the PC when you shut it down. That will cut the power the same as you unplugging it.

In bios under power options you got anything like power up on modem or others set to on? Disable any of that

Go here and setup you bios just like the defaults are listed for all this stuff or if you see an option to reset everything to default select that option. Save any changes before exiting.

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

You could also open the case, remove the system battery, the little button battery. Press and hold the power switch for say 30 seconds. Replace the button battery and then see if that corrects the problem.

Message Edited by dbramlet on 01-09-2008 04:03 PM

artacus · Answer

I checked my bios settings under Power Management for the AC Power Recovery option. It was on. I turned it off, then rebooted and it still did the same thing... turned itself back on a few seconds after it was turned off. I rechecked the bios settings and it was still off. I might have turned it on to try to fix the problem, but forgot to switch it back.   Help is greatly appreciated.

artacus · Answer

Sorry about the slow response to you all answers. I was out of town when I posted and didn't realize I was going to be gone until now.   And yes, under the power options it does say shut down.   I usually go to start --> Turn off computer --> Turn off though.

artacus · Answer

dbramlet, Thanks! Taking the battery out of my computer and holding the power button for 30 seconds seems to have fixed my problem. Thank you very much, ~artacus

dbramlet · Answer

Hello artacus   Great news then. Hope it keeps working for you! Let us know if it don't and you are welcome for the help. Glad I was able to offer something.

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PC starts automatically when plugged in or shut down

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