I have a Gateway Essentials computer, Pent. III, 128 ram with Windows ME that I bought in 2001. Everything was working fine . I used the computer Friday night, shut it down normally and then Saturday night tried to turn it on but when I pressed the "on" button, nothing happened. I tried several times and still did nothing. I moved the computer to a direct outlet (was on surge protector) and got a power light for a split-second and then went out again. I continued to unplug and replug and 1 out of 6 or 7 trys I would get a light, again for just a split-second. I took the cover off, pulled off the connector wires that run from the power button the the mother board and put back on again, then I plugged the computer back in again and tried the power button again, still nothing. I did however get a faint smell of something burning. But it was gone before I could be positive. I waited several hours and tried again. Still nothing. It has since then done the same thing with the power-up, every 6 or 7 times I will get a power light but by the time my finger goes off the button, it's out again.

Can anyone please help me with this. Is it a power-supply issue.

My friend had this problem to,
It is the power supply,his was dead as a skeleton :)
so i think yours is dead to.But don't go out and buy another one right away.Try borrowing psu from a friend and try it.

If you're handy with a voltage meter, you could check to determine that your power supply is putting out the appropriate amounts necessary.

I would agree with Sunsnukis, that it would be advisable to try a known working PSU before going out a purchasing.

You might want to inspect your motherboard for possible bulging or leaking capacitors.

Also, what type of housecleaning have you been doing on your computer's innards?? Have you been routinely cleaning, especially your heatsink and fan assembly with compressed air to allow it to "breathe" properly?

I don't know that the PIIIs had the built-in heat protection where they'd power down if overheating...if your heatsink had an accumulation of dust, it's possible that your CPU went bye-bye! http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/frown.gif

I would assume at this point that you're well beyond warranty. You might want to pop the sink/fan assembly and check on the welfare of your CPU. If you do, however, you'll want to have replacement thermal tape, or something like Arctic Silver before reassembling.

Thanks, I am beyound the warranty but unfortuantely, It's a gateway and they aren't compatible, I have thought about trying it with this computer's PSU but I don't want to make a bad situation worse. I don't think I have another option but to buy.

I checked the motherboard, they all look good. I'm told there hasn't been alot of cleaning on it at all. I used the pressed air to clean it the otherday but would be too late I know.

Thanks

"Deferred Maintenance" can be costly when it comes to electronic components...heat is definitely their major nemesis! Unfortunately, proprietary products are designed to force you back to the manufacturer for upgrades and parts...

The dust accumulation could have been overwhelming for the power supply to expell hot air resulting in its demise...however, it is possible that the CPU is fried also...

I would suggest popping off the sink/fan assembly and looking for any signs of scorching or discoloration around the processor, or smell...

You're kinda caught between two possible causes...PSU or CPU (or, the motherboard might be toast). Either way, discovery might be a little expensive. But, before going out and purchasing a new PSU, I would check on the CPU first....

There was some smell from the PSU the last time I tried to plug it in yesterday.

On that particular PC the power supply fan is also the case cooling fan, there is a duct that takes air from the CPU passive heatsink through the PS and outside the case.
Some Gateway computers used a generic power supply, some used proprietary ones.

On that particular generation PC the power supply fan may also be the case cooling fan, there is a duct that takes air from the CPU passive heatsink through the PS and outside the case.
Some Gateway computers used a generic power supply, some used proprietary ones. I would suspect a bad power supply itself. Just an opinion.