Member Avatar for cgarlo

my compaq has been trouble free until yesterday. i did a restart and it just set with the fans running. i could hear the hd find its home track. no disk lights no buzzer. if it sets turned off for 1/2 hour it will restart and run fine untill turned off again. the sensors show the voltages and temp are fine when running. all connectors have been reseated. no componets feel hot not even real warm.
any idea apperciated.
thanks
conrad

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by raybay

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Intermittent boot (works only after sitting for a while) can come from two broad areas: failing storage or a power/motherboard fault that needs time to discharge. is correct that the hard drive is a common cause, but a weak PSU rail, bad capacitors on the PSU/mobo, or a shorted component can give the same symptom. First priority is to secure data; after that, use tests that separate the drive from power/mobo issues.

  • Backup now: if the drive is mountable, copy critical files or connect it to another PC or a USB-SATA adapter. If copying is slow or fails, treat the drive as suspect.
  • Minimal-boot test: remove the HDD and all nonessential cards, leave CPU, one RAM stick and video. A reliable POST without the drive points at the drive or its power/cable.
  • Power-bleed test: unplug mains, hold the case power button 15-30 seconds to discharge capacitors, then plug in and try. If that fixes it temporarily, look for leaking/shorted caps or PSU faults.
  • Visual inspection: check PSU and motherboard electrolytic capacitors for bulging or residue. Replace the PSU first if you see damage.
  • SMART and diagnostics: run short SMART tests (Windows wmic diskdrive get status or Linux smartctl -a /dev/sdX) or vendor tools to confirm drive health.
  • Swap components: if possible, try a known-good PSU or HDD — swapping is the fastest way to isolate the failing part.

These steps will confirm or refute 's HDD theory and point to replacing the drive, the PSU, or the motherboard. Safety note: unplug mains before opening the case and ground yourself.

Member Avatar for raybay

Most likely the hard drive is beginning to fail.
What model of Compaq is it? Your underline does not take us to a useful place.

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