Just a quick update.

Did the thorough clean I wanted. Removed fans where possible and cleaned, just a general internal tidy up - more regular maintenance than anything.

Loaded up first time, no problems. Then I restarted it as it was not recognising the printer for some reason.

Anyway before it gets to the XP screen it just stops. Power button does nothing, screen black.

I flick the wall switch on and off and start up again. Same thing.

Finally after giving it a few minutes, try again. It starts, I'm on and typing this.

Few extra points. I could swear that the power fan is louder than normal lately (and not since today's clean). I always feel you have three 'levels' of fan noise - normal, louder and oh my God! what's up!

I get the feeling that normal is no longer the lowest level. Could that be an inkling that the supply is struggling?

Also the straight forward 'power outs' recently seem to point that way.

Currently sizing up if it is worth buying a new PSU as a last resort - can get one on eBay for about Ł30, same type etc.

Just wondering again if anyone has been in the same boat.

Thanks again for getting back. Very welcome.