computer won't power on unless monitors disconnected
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 45
I have a Dell computer that after it is shutdown it acts like it is not plugged in. Pressing the power button does nothing. If I disconnect the monitors, then unplug the power, then plug the power back in I can press the power button and it boots. Then I reconnect the monitors and everything is fine. The monitors are the ones that Dell shipped with the computer. Any ideas what is going on?
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 37,190
How long have you left it powered off without doing all the unplugging? Most likely you have a connection that is loose or a power supply that is going bad.
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 45
It has been left powered off overnight.
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 37,190
That is weird. I'd be tempted to just leave it on, that's what I do with my Macs, until the power supply dies.
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,018
does this computer have integrated graphics or a discrete card? if discrete, and if it has integrated graphics as well, try the integrated to see if the problem persists.
i have a dell computer that exhibits somewhat similar symptoms except that, after initial failed attempt to turn on, powering it off and on again typically allows it to boot. my dell has a discrete card and, after much testing, i'm reasonably confident that the problem is the graphics card.
as kerowo said, definitely check all of the connections (inside and out). it could still be power supply, but graphics card (if discrete) is a little easier to test and potentially fix.
