shutdown on startup

Question

When I push the power up button, the computer starts to power up and then shuts down, Sometime with in 2 seconds, sometimes 20 or 30 seconds later, I tried to get into setup but could not, repair utility ran and found no problem. After it shutdown, the computer shutdown after only a few seconds of startup.

faizalenu · Answer

Run, diagnostics -- but I have a feeling that if you can't boot and can't get to F2 Setup, you may not be able to run diagnostics.

Also, what color is the power button. Are there any diagnostics LEDs (1-4) lit up? It may be a NO POST issue...

DELL-Deb B · Answer

Hi,

Before we proceed with the troubleshooting steps would request you to provide me with the following information so that I can assist you in the best possible manner.

As you have mentioned that the system shuts down within 2 – 25 seconds, would like to know if you are able to get past the Dell logo screen or Windows logo screen?

Does the computer starts on its own or not?

Which repair utility did you run? At what point during the startup of the computer did you get the option to initialize the utility?

Is it the option you got after the Dell logo that said something like, “Run Startup Utility?”

Did you run the hardware diagnostics? If not then kindly follow the below mentioned steps to run the Hardware

Diagnostics Test (PSA):

-- Restart your computer and start tapping F12 continuously on the Dell Logo Screen.

-- It will show the One Time Boot Menu.

-- Select the Option Diagnostics form One Time Boot Menu and hit Enter.

-- If you get any error code, kindly reply back with the error code

Did you try booting the system in "Safe Mode"? If not, then try to boot your system in "Safe Mode". See if your Dell computer works fine in Safe Mode.

Do reply with the results.

Thanks & Regards
Debbie B
#iworkfordell

peach100 · Answer

The Dell logo screen come up sometimes. Several start attempts the power button turns blue, two seconds later amber, the the system turns off.

The system does not start on its own. At one point the system started a memory check and shutdown half way through.

I logically will buy a new power supply and try to fix this by replacing this first part. Part is YX302 or YX300

RoHe · Answer

Always include the PC model and version of Windows in your posts!! Could be over-heating. Check to be sure all fans are working, eg power supply fan, cpu fan and video card fan before spending any money. Power off, unplug and press/hold power button for ~15 sec. Open the case and use canned air to blow out all the dust bunnies, and make sure the fans blades are clean and turn freely. Check that the heat sink (may be HOT!) is properly locked in place. Since you didn't indicate the model, I can't tell you what type of heat sink retention mechanism your system has, but don't remove the heat sink unless it's necessary. It's possible the thermal paste between the CPU and heat sink dried out. so you may actually want to consider removing the heat sink, cleaning both surfaces, and applying a thin layer of fresh thermal paste (eg, Arctic Silver) and then reinstalling the heat sink. You only need a small tube of thermal paste which you can buy at a local PC shop, RadioShack or on line. (Do not remove the CPU from its socket.) There are lots of good youtube videos about cleaning off old thermal paste and installing fresh paste so google for them.

peach100 · Answer

The system is an inspiron 531s desktop, running Vista, Overheating is doubtful, all fans work, and with the system cold, shutdown occures in only a few seconds. Dust also would not react this fast. Dell sale indicated Tuesday 8-14-2012 that the 250  watt supply XY300 was temporarily out of stock, I can hope the quality control dept. takes note, --this is probably not a conicidence. I sniffed around too, there were no burned electrical smells, so component like a cd/dvd failure resulting in some sort of short was not found. Replacing the power supply seems likely-- the power on switch is suspected of being the problem, inside the power supply, too small to smell.

RoHe · Answer

You may be right that it is the power supply, but you'd probably also be amazed how fast a CPU heats up and overheats if the heat sink isn't properly seated or the thermal paste is toast.

Don't know if you're in US or not, but there are vendors that sell new/used/refurbished OEM Dell parts, including power supplies. It's also possible that a standard PSU will fit this case, but that will take some research on your part. You can try, in alpha order:

http://www.ambry.com/page/dell.html

http://www.ascendtech.us/index.asp

http://www.centrix-intl.com/

http://www.discountelectronics.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=1

http://www.impactcomputers.com/dellparts.html

http://www.txcesssurplus.com/servlet/StoreFront

And there's always eBay...

peach100 · Answer

Hi,

I have a Dell 531s desktop running Vista that has computer shutdown on startup.

When I press the on button the system boots up and just about then , maybe 30 seconds

it shuts down,

the second start only goes 20 seconds and the system shuts down,

and the third try the button turns blue, then turns amber, and shutsdown in about

5 seconds,

I suspected the power supply and changed it, same problem,

I suspected a short in a cd/dvd or a drive but nothing smells hot,

I suspected a cpu heat sink loose but it is firmly attached and all fans are running,

The system could not be brought up to use a F2 key or a F12 key and access software

to run dianogistics or safe mode.

Since then the system degraded, now the amber start light comes on and

that is all there is, system has no other responce, but sounds ---one--- beeb

disconnecting the hard drive, A drive, or cd/dvd changes nothing.

This leaves faikure of the CPU, the motherboard, or the memory chip.

Which is best to replace next???

Tom

peach100 · Answer

Hi,