Hello,

My dell OPTIPLEX won't start after i shut it down.  I have to unplug the computer and plug it back and i must click on the start button within 1 or 2 seconds to start the computer again.  If I wait any longer after I plug the computer back into the JACK, the computer remains shut down.  I have also noticed my computer becoming slow (any programs I run are slow as well as the internet is becoming slow).  Is my computer on its last legs?  I have had it for about 4 years.  I have windows xp if it helps.My name is JOHN, and I work as a support analyst at Dell headquarters.

You're actually describing two different problems: the slower performance, and the power issue. The slower performance can easily be resolved by a reformat/reinstallation. If it's been 4 years, it could probably use a software rebuild.

The second problem is a LITTLE more complex, and could be virtually anything. Have you added any new hardware recently? To me, it sounds like either your power supply has gotten weak, or that some other COMPONENT is drawing too much power. I would suggest running a full diagnostic from the Drivers and Utilities CD that came with the system. If you boot to that CD, it should give you the option. If anything fails the diagnostic, that's where I'd start.

The system is probably fixable. It really depends upon how much time/money you're willing to invest.

John
Dell Customer AdvocateWelcome Back, John.Thank you