Hi Paul, Packard Bell and the other machines from PcWorld all use the moulded power switch in their computers. These switches are very crude in that they are simply a push button that has a small strip of metal behind it, which when pressed makes contact with two metal pins inside the switch assemblyto complete a circuit. Sometimes the gap inside this switch gets blocked up with accumilated dust,fluff etc and can be sorted by blowing it out. Other times it involve transferring the whole components structure into a new case. This sounds worse than it is to be honest, but then i do this all the time! You could try the dust clearance bit first if you like. Take off both side panels, release the screws at the back of each side panel and just slide the panel backwards and out.look at the front of the case in the gap between the metal chassis and the back of the front panel. You may be able to see dust/fluff crap etc in this bit. If you have then try blowing it out and press the swith at the same time ( power cord disconnected) The front panel do come off although some are not easy. They are only held in palce by some small screws or expanding plastics tubular clips. Give me a call if you want more info.
number on website www.motherboardsrus.net
chris, October 2009
