Having problem powering up PC

This just started happening within the last couple of weeks. I own a HP a706n pavillion PC. When I push the power button sometimes it will power up normally and most of the times now it will not do anything at all. No fans, no noises, nothing. Repeated pressing does not help. The only solution seems to be to just wait anywhere from an hour to a day then magically it starts like it should.
Any help would be greatly appreciated....

 

How old is your pc your power supply might be bad and might need a new one.do you all so have lots of stuff hooked up too your pc like one or two hd's or one or two cd roms.It my not have the power to run every thing any more.

 

I'm going to agree with Xcom46 on this one. It does sound like your PSU is ready to go 'south.' If that that's what it is, consider yourself lucky because most PSUs give NO warning! However, when, or if, it does go it could get expensive. When PSUs go they have been known to take motherboards with them. Along with other assorted important items like RAM and the CPU. Not always the latter, but it IS a possibility. Trust me, I speak from experience:cry I would seriously consider a new PSU. Hope this helps!!

 

The Pc is approx. 5 years old. Nothing hooked up except the usual stuff like printer, scanner, etc.

 

Have you checked the front power switch's connection to the motherboard? I've had it happen when I've done some work inside the case and didn't see that the connector was lifted a bit and was intermittent. Something else to consider while you're at it.

 

augiedoggie
The power switch's connection to the motherboard could be it but i still think it's the power supply going bad.Zippy0136 said the pc is five years old so i thinking it's the power going bad.

 

Ya, I just noticed. I've always hated OEM PSU's.

 

Hey, an old Socket A! I recall having a similar issue every once in a while with my old HP Socket 423, but it only happened rarely, I'm talkin' maybe twice, three times a year, usually after a lockup. So, it was never something I was overly concerned about, and the PSU tested OK. Just retired it a year and a half ago, matter o' fact. Still have it, it was my first P4!

I do have to ask how clean do you keep the inside? Is it free of dust and somesuch?

I'd definitely find the PSU suspect at it's age, and be wary of that. As Stubby said, they can do alot of damage when they go.

At this baby's age, you can't be too careful!!!!!

 

The first time it happened I opened it and cleaned it out. It's still doing it.
I'll check the switch and if that's not it, I'll replace the PSU.
Thanks to all!
Much appreciated for all your help....

 

You're welcome, and best of luck with her, she's a classic!