computer not turning on

[agent4]

Hi i have had a problem with my computer for over a week. For some reason when i turn my computer on it starts up but wont load up. I have to keep switching it on and of at the wall about 10/30 times before i get the beep and then its ok. Any ideas anyone cheers

[agent4]

Also forgot to say i re installed xp on saturday to see if that would help but its still the same

[Gard]

At what point does it not load, do you see anything on the screen before it gives up?

[agent4]

No the monitor dose not even turn on

[Llamatron]

Broken CPU Fan?
The CPU fan is a critical componant and many motherboards will detect when it's not working and shut the machine down.
If the fan has seized up then it's possible that sometimes it'll start up and other times it wont quite manage it.
It would also explain why Windows wont load as the CPU would overheat and the computer would lock up.

When you say Windows wont load what happens? Does the mahince switch off? Are there beeps? Does it just lock up? Try pressing numlock and see if the numlock light changes.

[agent4]

yes num lock works i can hear the fans working dont know if this could have anything to do with it but when i do manage to get it on the clock is always years out and the time is always 12.00

[Llamatron]

BIOS resetting itself?
That doesn't sound good.

If I ever have weird PC problems the first thing I do is look for a motherboard BIOS update but you don't sound like a techy so that wouldn't be a good idea. Besides it doesn't sound like this might be a fix.

Unless somebody comes up with any better explanations I reckon it sounds like a faulty motherboard.

Is your computer under warranty?
Do you have any techy friends who could help out?

[BillyBB]

How about the system clock battery on the motherboard? Look for a small watch battery and change it. For the cost you've nothing to lose.

[stevec46]

How old is it?
It does sound like the Motherboard CMOS Battery, it is laptop or desktop,desktop bit easier to change if you are happy to do your self.

Make \ Model?

Steve