On Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 9:06:13 PM UTC-8, wrote:
Funny outcome:

mention of capacitors made me think,
"What if I leave it on a long time?"

Indeed, After like six hours, it turned on (the GW2k P5).

I'm using it now to dialup to unix
Now, I'm afraid to shut it off.

What cause dit to "die" in the first place
was I hadn't used it in a long while

Yes, one sees this a lot on the (Apple II type) early switchmode supplies.
The startup sequencing is critically dependent on some part of the (presumably)
capacitor impedance, and good but stale-on-the-shelf capacitors make
the startup fail. You just hear tick...tick...

I've tried replacing the big output filter capacitors (usual culprits for high-ESR
failure mode) with no success, it's presumably NOT those, but one of
the 'minor' parts. And, in at least three cases, let it tick overnight, and
the next morning it's working. Will work for years. Use and enjoy.