Reference number: CH000776

My computer does not start unless I restart it multiple times.

Question:

My computer does not start unless I restart it multiple times.

Cause:

If a computer is able to successfully startup if it is restarted several times, it is likely that the computer is encountering one of the below issues.

1. Computer not passing POST
2. Bad power supply or inadequate power supply
3. Bad hard disk drive
4. Other hardware issue

Answer:

Computer not passing POST

If your computer is not beeping or beeping irregularly when it is not starting see document CH000607.

Bad power supply or inadequate power supply

A bad, failing, or inadequate power supply is often the cause of this issue. If the hard disk drive is not getting enough power during the first time the computer starts, it will be unable to spin the hard disk platters fast enough to start the computer. However, if you restart the computer two, three, or more times, because the platters are already spinning, it is able to get the drive up to speed and able to boot off the drive.

If you're encountering this issue after installing new hardware in the computer, it's also possible the power supply in the computer is not supplying adequate power to the computer. For most computers we recommend you have at the least a 300-watt power supply.

Our first recommendation is to replace or replace and upgrade the power supply in the computer. Additional information about installing a new power supply can be found on document CH000422.

Bad hard disk drive

This issue can also be caused by a failing or bad hard disk drive. Similar to the above issue, if there is a failure within the hard disk drive that is causing the disk platters to not spin up fast enough during the initial power up, you may also encounter this issue.

If after replacing the power supply you continue to experience the same issue, it's likely that the hard disk drive is at fault and we suggest the hard disk drive be replaced. Additional information about installing a new IDE/EIDE hard disk drive can be found on document CH000413.

Other hardware issue

Although not as likely as the above two causes (bad power supply or hard drive), other hardware can potentially cause this issue to occur. Below are some other possibilities that may cause this issue.

Cable

Replace the IDE/EIDE interface cable connected from the motherboard to the hard disk drive. If the cable is defective it could cause various issues with your hard disk drive. 

Motherboard

Finally, if the computer continues to exhibit the same issue after following all of the above steps, it's likely that the motherboard is defective and that it should be replaced.