Power outage question about my PC / Power supply damaged?

[Sivarg]

Hi, I tried long ago, atleast 2-3 power outage's in my home and it cut my pc off immediately. First times it ran just fine afterwards, but last outage must have damaged my pc somewhere.

The issue:
When I turn my PC off and unplug it from the wall/or turn power switch off, and then sometime later, could be within the hour, hours or days later, I plug the pc back in, turn it on, it gives me a weird error, that says something has happened and have to (possibly) reset my whole pc. First time this occurred, I decided to shut down the pc by the power button as I didnt know what to select on the screen. It worked and has worked ever since, the method, that is. I have lost no data and the pc loads up just as it use to.

So my question is, what is causing this? Does anybody know? Is it the power supply that is damaged? And if so, why does it do this when its unplugged?
I usually keep the plug in on every days and only take it out when I go to travel for days away from the home.

[Illusion of Progress]

What is the exact message you're being presented with. It's hard to determine if this is a BIOS message or a "Windows was not shut down properly, how do you want to proceed" message.

Also, does this only happen if you unplug it, or also if it's turned off but left plugged in? I ask because when unplugged, it relies on the CMOS battery to save BIOS settings. If it's only happening when being unplugged, it might be the BIOS giving a message about that.

[Raoul]

Might need cmos battery replaced.

[Sivarg]

Originally posted by Illusion of Progress:

What is the exact message you're being presented with. It's hard to determine if this is a BIOS message or a "Windows was not shut down properly, how do you want to proceed" message.

Also, does this only happen if you unplug it, or also if it's turned off but left plugged in? I ask because when unplugged, it relies on the CMOS battery to save BIOS settings. If it's only happening when being unplugged, it might be the BIOS giving a message about that.

Hi, thanks for reply both of you.
Only when I unplug, and I usually always turn the switch off too, before unplugging. I never have this issue when its plugged and powered. But, if i press the switch off (the power access) and its still plugged in, then yes, it will do this.
I'm not 100% sure, but i still think it was the "You pc must reset, what would you like to do?" and first time I was very unhappy and after several minutes of deciding, i tried turning off the power on the power button, and thats how i found out that it works normally again when I turn the power on afterwards, loading up everything, all my programs etc are there.
As for cmos battery, ill have to take that into consideration too, I guess I have to backup everything and then take it to be checked, but was hoping for some clarity beforehand.

[GOD RAYS ON ULTRA™]

Originally posted by Raoul:

Might need cmos battery replaced.

This is most likely happening, a shorted out cmos battery or a poor performing one.

[_I_]

cmos battery should last 10+ years

how old is the build?

[Bowgie]

Two possibilities:

1. The hard reset with Windows running caused a temporary Windows error on your next restart. If so, you are now good, but try not doing a power off by unplugging or using the shut down button on your case. Shut down through the window screen only. I realize you can't control what happens with electrical outages, which you mention.

2. Weak CMOS batteries. This means Windows (or whatever operating system you are using) is using the boot defaults set by your MB mgf. Windows will still work because it adjusts whatever defaults it needs when Windows starts. But this is not good because you'll have long boot times and a slower system. For example, RAM speed is set low in BIOS by default. Fortunately, this is an easy fix: Replace the stack of two watch batteries that are sockeded on the MB, and reset any settings that need resetting on the BIOS screen. Or find someone who can help you.

[Sivarg]

Originally posted by _I_:

cmos battery should last 10+ years

how old is the build?

I bought the whole thing in summer of 2014.
And thanks for the replies, guys <3 I appreciate it.
I'll take it to repair then soon enough after ive backed up everything and mention the CMOS Batteries etc. I might replace the batteries myself too, i found an online guide how to: https://www.elluminetpress.com/2020/12/30/replacing-the-cmos-battery/

[_I_]

its a cr2032, only a few bucks
most are easy to replace, may need to remove the gpu if its under it

[Sivarg]

Originally posted by _I_:

its a cr2032, only a few bucks
most are easy to replace, may need to remove the gpu if its under it

Yeah I found a site that sells them, thanks alot guys! I really appreciate the replies!
I'll buy one and give it a try myself, I read though, on the battery selling site, that touching the battery with my fingers might lower the quality of the battery itself and should use toilet paper or such to touch it when i take it out of the wrapping. Is this true?

[_I_]

its fine to touch
just dont eat it

[Sivarg]

Originally posted by _I_:

its fine to touch
just dont eat it

alright thanks for the replies!

[Cathulhu]

Those are like any other batteries designed for households, touching them is fine.
You don't have any issues touching AA or AAA batteries, right?
Those CR2032 just have a different shape.

[Sivarg]

Originally posted by Cathulhu:

Those are like any other batteries designed for households, touching them is fine.
You don't have any issues touching AA or AAA batteries, right?
Those CR2032 just have a different shape.

alright thanks!

[Ghost Robertson]

Well the power might go out again (we've had heaps of power cuts throughout my life) So make sure you have a good surge protector or if you wanna be slightly more safe you can get a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) that will give you something like 60 seconds when the power goes out to shut down your computer.

[Sivarg]

Originally posted by Ghost Robertson:

Well the power might go out again (we've had heaps of power cuts throughout my life) So make sure you have a good surge protector or if you wanna be slightly more safe you can get a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) that will give you something like 60 seconds when the power goes out to shut down your computer.

Thanks for the advice, def need that :D my pc goes immediately if the power is shut off.