I think the explanation lies in the fact that computers since the advent of the ATX motherboard technology utilize a "soft power switch" vs a "hard power switch." I.e. the older computers had an actual make/break switch that positively opened or closed the power circuit. The new ones rely on logic on motherboard so that the "power switch" now is merely a normally open/momentary close switch (functionally the same as a reset switch) which is attached to the motherboard, not the power supply. Closing the switch sets the necessary pin high (or low as required) to switch the power supply on. If something gets screwed on the motherboard from static or a low power state, the switching doesn't happen. The fix on a motherboard is frequently to clear the CMOS so that it resets to the default. This power drain sequence is probably accomplishing something similar so that the logic is reset and "all is well with the world" again.<br>
<br><div>GC</div><div><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 8:02 AM, Geoffrey Myers <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:lists@serioustechnology.com">lists@serioustechnology.com</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex;">
<div class="im">Chris Fowler wrote:<br>
> HP laptop will not power on. I contact HP for support.<br>
><br>
> This was the solution:<br>
><br>
> Step 1: Power Drain:<br>
><br>
> 1. Disconnect the AC Adapter.<br>
> 2. Remove the Battery.<br>
> 3. Hold the Power button down for 30 seconds to 1 minute.<br>
> 4. Reconnect the AC adapter and reinsert the Battery.<br>
> 5. Switch on the Notebook power.<br>
><br>
> Why does this work?<br>
<br>
</div>I don't know, but the bigger question is, why is it necessary?<br>
<font color="#888888"><br>
--<br>
Until later, Geoffrey<br>
<br>
"I predict future happiness for America if they can prevent<br>
the government from wasting the labors of the people under<br>
the pretense of taking care of them."<br>
- Thomas Jefferson<br>
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