"Al" wrote in message
. ..
In trying to figure out why this atx pc won't start, I carefully look ed
at the motherboard. Some of the blue 'can' capacitors are straight across
the top, with the X shape. But others are bulged up. Some have a smudge
of some yellow material on the bulged tops, and one has a smudge of
black. Is this normal, or a sign of failure? Thanks.

You've got a board made during the bad electrolyte fiasco, replace all the
electrolytics on the board, the bulging ones are completely shot, the rest
of them WILL fail shortly. Be sure to clean up the electrolyte that leaked
out, it's corrosive.