PC power button doesn't work right

[raven290]

I recently got a new computer and like the thread title says, the power button doesn't work the way I think it should. It doesn't do ANYTHING most of the time. When ever I want to turn on my computer I have to hit the power button on my motherboard. I always try the power button first and on rare occasions it does work but most of the time it is non functional. The same thing happens when the computer is in sleep mode. I can't figure out what's different about the times when it does work. Can anybody give me some advice on how to fix this? I'm afraid I'm going to break something or damage it with ESD when I reach in there.

[bigbearbear]

If it is new and under warranty, why don't you simply send it back to the manufacturer for service?

[jdben92883]

Are you holding it down long enough? Some of them take several seconds to work because a quick push is SUPPOSED to put it to sleep where a long hold actually turns it on/off.

[raven290]

Well, the button isn't doing anything. Not making it sleep or turn off. I'm really more concerned about start up though. I feel like I might be able to change this in the BIOS, but I'm not sure and I don't want to go rooting around in there and accidentally mess it up.

[NastyNate]

Inspect the wiring from the power supply, if it's good then you need to replace the power supply.

NastyNate

[Kokopelli]

Check the website of your computer's manufacturer for a BIOS update for your model. It may be as simple as that.

Good luck!

[the86d]

Does the power button turn it on 1st try every time? That should let you know if it really works.

Some BIOS's can be set for immediate, or 4 second hold for power-off, and some are set static (immediate OR 4Second hold, but can't be changed on some models of Dell, HP, Etc.).

If you hold the case, and the case is grounded, then the chances of ESD is MINIMAL, as you would have the same charge as the ground of the computer.

[raven290]

Thanks for the suggestions, i'll get back to you with the results.

[glockantor]

It really sounds like a faulty power button, you can use the restart button if your system has one. Good luck

[the86d]

It really sounds like a faulty power button, you can use the restart button if your system has one. Good luck

Restart button?

Do you mean "Reset"?

[ExtremeX]

Troubleshooting the problem is simple…

Just get a DMM and use the continuity test function to check if the button is completing the circuit when pushed…

If it fails, replace the button, swap jumpers and use the reset button, or drill a hole in the case and install a new momentary push button…

[antiseen]

Check the case connections:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE2y30bIejE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Long video, I didn't watch it all but it should give you an idea of what I'm talking about and how to connect them if you have no manual. Easy stuff. If the power button is really fried, you can connect the reset switch to power and use that as the power button. As mentioned here:

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/troubleshooting/56271-power-button-doesnt-work-but-power-button-motherboard-does.html

[SonofWWIIDI]

Just make sure you aren't this guy!

[the86d]

Just make sure you aren't this guy!

Similar devices to this are present within our department, and if a vendor is giving us grief about a product, or returns it stating that it is functional when it is not, then the "Warranty Compliance tool" is deployed to verify we will not get the same faulty hardware back, as replacement parts WILL comply with the warranty, post "warranty compliance tool use... I have one of these, and it is SCARY-LOUD compared to the video audio, but I am sure that it would function similarly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO7Pqw-DQhU

[monk]

The power button actions are set by the OS. This only applies to actions performed inside the OS. You can change these actions under power settings in Windows. BTWn you shouldn't push and hold the power button to power off the computer as this causes a hard shutdown and can damage components.

It sounds like your power/reset switch might be jacked due to the button not working even when it's off. The good thing about PCs is that this controller is easy to change; it should have a pin header on the motherboard. The case manufacturer should be able to get you a replacement.

I am curious about what you meant about turning it on the motherboard.