problem starting computer

[jamess]

I have a computer that has a problem and I can't figure out what it is. The computer won't start up until you cut it off and on for about 10-15min. If I reboot during the time that the computer is running it won't come back on and it also will display sometimes after I do get it to start the bios displays that it can't find my hard drive. And it usally takes awhile to get it back up. Any suggetstions or help on this would be appreciated. Thanks.
James

cel.500
slotcket adapter(generic)
abit bh6
128pc100
creative ann. pro
linksys 10/100 NIC
hp 8250i cdr-w
maxtor 20gig

[wtp]

probably your power. it starts because all the power is like forced to your computer when do turn it on. but after awhile, it gets weak. check out your power supply, it's probably dying.

[jamess]

what would be the best way to find out if the power supply is going bad before anything get messed up? Thanks for the quick response wtp.

[wtp]

well, your computer might turn off for no reason, and yes, like your problem, it might not even start, you could tell if everything is plugged in, and your computer LED doesn't light (the harddrive indicator), and the (power indicator). i do not guarantee it's the power supply, but it's a good chance it is.

[jamess]

The hard drive and cdrom spin up and the lights come on but nothing after that. thanks again wtp for your help. James