[ale] I'm confused

[Greg Clifton]

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.

GC

On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 8:02 AM, Geoffrey Myers <lists at serioustechnology.com
> wrote:

> Chris Fowler wrote:
> > HP laptop will not power on.  I contact HP for support.
> >
> > This was the solution:
> >
> > Step 1: Power Drain:
> >
> > 1. Disconnect the AC Adapter.
> > 2. Remove the Battery.
> > 3. Hold the Power button down for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
> > 4. Reconnect the AC adapter and reinsert the Battery.
> > 5. Switch on the Notebook power.
> >
> > Why does this work?
>
> I don't know, but the bigger question is, why is it  necessary?
>
> --
> Until later, Geoffrey
>
> "I predict future happiness for America if they can prevent
> the government from wasting the labors of the people under
> the pretense of taking care of them."
> - Thomas Jefferson
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