I Wish Computer Would Start Up When Power Strip Is On

i wish broken computer would start up when power strip is on like this one does

if i could figure it out i guess i could hit those pins with screwdriver? then it starts?then configure it so it acts like the one im on now

because the power button is broken

 

??

to use a paperclip seems bad better to have insulated handle like a screwdriver

 

Your posts are very cryptic. I really have no clue what the problem with your computer is, so I will just make a couple comments based on general observations and knowledge.

"IF" the computer boots fine when shorting the two pins on the motherboard that connect to the case's front panel power switch, that would suggest the power switch is bad. That is not uncommon. In fact, you can buy replacement switches cheap. However, they may not (and probably will not) properly mount to the case so may have to just "hang" out of the case. That is still better than sticking a highly conductive screwdriver (or exposed metal wire) in there every day.

"IF" it is the switch and "IF" your case also has a Reset button switch, the better solution is just to swap the two wires on the motherboard from the reset switch to where the two wires for the power switch go. Then just use the Reset switch from now on for power. Abandon and tie back out of the way, the two, now unused, wires.

Side note, I hope you always (as in every single time) properly shut down the computer through the Start button before killing power with the power strip.

That said, IMO, it is just best to let the computer go to sleep instead of using a power strip. In this way, you only have to press a key to wake it. Letting it sleep also allows the computer to perform necessary housekeeping, security, and updating chores when you are not using it. That's a good thing.

In the BIOS setup menu, there typically is an option for "Wake on Power Restore" (it may not be worded exactly the same). This option is normally used for "unattended" computers. They allow the computer to power up on their own after power returns after a facility power outage. The problem is, this may be a security risk because to complete the boot process, login passwords have to be disabled. Not good.

If the computer fails to start by shorting those two pins, something else is wrong. I would start by swapping in a known good power supply.

 

yes it could be the power supply---what happened was i went to hit power button on this Lenovo and it sort of sagged down so i just ripped it off and under it is a green strip like computer board so i tried pressing a black button with screwdriver but it didnt work so maybe its the power supply or that green strip is fried

i guess i should just rebuild it all or get a better one-its a tower from windows 7 days

 

That's up to you. Good luck.

 

i wonder if i have to research power supply numbers or will any pretty much work?

 

Can't help you. We know nothing about this computer other than it is a Lenovo.

"IF" the current power supply is a standard ATX compliant PSU, then just about any will work AS LONG AS it is big enough (provide enough wattage). But factory built computers often use proprietary components so it may not be compatible with industry standards.

 

I put it back together and where the plastic button was ripped off I just touched it barely and it came on...i think if you press too hard with screwdriver it won't work

Yet it seems the power supply fan won't spin..only the other below it

It's a tower ideacentre s500

 

tower ideacentre k300 rather

 

this page says its normal...weird---i know little

https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/so...-fan-does-not-rotate-thinkcentre-thinkstation

 

so i changed some settings- i just shut down and then turn back power supply button off and on and hit any key amd it comes on and i do have to type in windows password.so guess i can cover that hole for switch with duct tape

but this thing is old so i need a new computer but i dont want one=the google chrome book works ok and i have no car and i want to move

thanks

 

it seems sometimes i have to turn power strip off and on

 

Pressing too hard with the screwdriver shouldn't matter. In fact, harder would ensure better connection than too light.

Many power supplies have temperature controlled fans. So it may not be spinning up because it does not need to. Once the temperature crosses some predetermined threshold, it should start spinning. This is an energy conservation thing, as well as a method to cut down on objectionable fan noise.

Otherwise, nothing has changed as far as my recommendation to try a different PSU. Or, since you like your Chromebook, stick with it.

 

theres two places to press the screwdriver on the mother board or on the case where the little flimmsey plastic button was ripped off after i took off the front panel because i thought it was useless,which maybe it wasnt...it has 2 ends on it and it was just glued to inside and it was half broken off so just as well that i tore it off

under the old button is a green light that comes on and a tiny black button that i think i have to just barely touch with screw driver--it was a shoddy design in 2010

does this expain it all?

 

I wasn't confused. I was simply telling you pressing too hard, unless you are standing on it, doesn't matter. The point is, you just need to momentarily short the two pins (or switch contacts) together. That signals the system to boot up.

 

yes for the motherboard pins, but under the broken button is just one black button