My computer is an HP store bought 2800 with WinXP. It was working fine for a long while and suddenly it would not fire up any more. At first it worked with the start button and now it won't. When I disconnect the power wire and re-connect it the fan turns for about 5 seconds and then shuts off. I never even get to the boot up. I tried removing the memory one at a time and I am still having the same problem. There are a lot of good suggestions I have found but none that apply to my problem. Since this computer is not that new, I would not want to start putting a lot of money into it especially if it doesn't get fixed. Thanks in advance for any help you may give.

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It's a short-circuit. Could happen, if a card, e.g. graphic card if not plugged in into the slot correctly. Check this at first. On no succeed: I suggest to remove all cards, except the graphics card. Then, try to start the machine. If this woun't work, also remove the graphic-card and start the machine again. Normally, if it powers on, you'll get several beeps, e.g. 8 beens means, no graphic-card found. If this happens, you'll have to put in another graphic-card and try again. After that put in the rest and feel happy. Paul

Failing power supplies are common and can cause your symptoms. Check your PS. See response 4 in this: http://www.computing.net/hardware/w...

@Tubesandwires I think, that this couldn't be the problem, because the fan runs for about 5 seconds. In this time the internal electronical short-circuit fuse turns on. @ozeepat If you hear a low noise ticking of the power supply. If so, that's the working short-circuit fuse. If you want to try whether it works without e.g. network card, you must switch off the power-supply at the back side of your computer for at least 60 seconds. Otherwise the fuse is still working and you'll hear that ticking noise. Paul

A failing power supply can do anything. It often partially works but won't boot the computer fully.