Computer help forum: Help troubleshooting an Emachine desktop

Most of the 'over the counter' type computers come with very small wattage power supplies that wear out quickly trying to power up modern hardware. Powersupplies are relatively cheap so get at least a 450watt or higher....and they're easy to replace. Just make sure that you have the 'map' of the pin connections for the power led, reset, spkrs, etc. that all located together on the motherboard (usually down in one of the far corners).

While you have the case open, check for dirty fans and replace ones that can't be cleaned up with regular rubbing type alchohol and a q-tip swab. Also an inexpensive item.

Before you replace the powersupply, look at the back of the computer for an I/O (it's actually a 1/0) switch. Unplug the computer, and move that switch back and forth to where it is again in the correct position of having the "I" pressed down....then plug the computer back up and try the power switch again. I just recently had a computer that for some reason had reset itself out of the blue even though the switch hadn't changed position and also wouldn't power up. I tried that, and it turned on again and never gave the owner anymore problems after that, so you could get lucky.

TONI