PC won't always boot

dartiss · 08-07-2006, 09:46 AM

Hi everyone,

I'm having a problem with my PC. After having it turned off for a few hours, when I turn my PC back on it goes past the initial memory test but then hangs on a blank screen with the cursor in the top left. Nothing gets it past here. The next sequence should be to display the drive information.

I have to turn the PC off and back on again - this time it works fine.

Any suggestions as to what the cause might be?

I'm running an Abit AX-8 3rd-eye, with a 3200+ AMD 64 processor and 1Gb Crucial RAM.

David.

**jnob** · 08-07-2006, 11:07 AM

If possible, while your computer is off, open it up and make sure the IDE cables (hard drive ribbons) are plugged into the drive and motherboard securely.

Check the manufacturer of your hard drive's web site for hard drive diagnostic utilities. Your hard drive may be showing the first signs of failing.

Also, please post your Power supply specs including brand, wattage, and amps.

dartiss · 08-07-2006, 11:15 AM

My PSU is a HiPer Type R 480W.

The specs can be found here:
http://www.hipergroup.com/English/pr...hpu-4s480.html

Does that help at all?

I've seen some reviews of other Hiper PSU's and there's been issues over the voltage regulation. Additionally, although I believe this may be a fault with the AX8 motherboard, I have problems with the BIOS settings being retained when using Windows' hibernate or standby functions (although the hang during reboot is new).

David.

dartiss · 08-07-2006, 11:45 AM

Have a Maxtor Diamondmax, so went to run their Powermax utility. Unfortunately, my SATA drive is running off a controller that Powermax doesn't support, so it won't work

David.

dartiss · 08-07-2006, 11:49 AM

Just investigated why my fans were running louder than normal... it would appear that the BIOS settings had reset and they were no longer under software control. This is what happens when I use hibernation and the BIOS resets itself.

Could this be something as simple as the CMOS battery requiring replacement?

David.

dai · 08-07-2006, 01:05 PM

yes it sounds like it is that simple a fix

daz215 · 08-07-2006, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dartiss

Could this be something as simple as the CMOS battery requiring replacement?

David.

If that fails you should try upgrading the BIOS, but read all documentation before you do

08-07-2006, 09:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
dartiss Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 11 OS: Windows XP	PC won't always boot Hi everyone, I'm having a problem with my PC. After having it turned off for a few hours, when I turn my PC back on it goes past the initial memory test but then hangs on a blank screen with the cursor in the top left. Nothing gets it past here. The next sequence should be to display the drive information. I have to turn the PC off and back on again - this time it works fine. Any suggestions as to what the cause might be? I'm running an Abit AX-8 3rd-eye, with a 3200+ AMD 64 processor and 1Gb Crucial RAM. David.

08-07-2006, 11:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
jnob TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: CA Valley Posts: 692 OS: XP Pro, SP2 My System	If possible, while your computer is off, open it up and make sure the IDE cables (hard drive ribbons) are plugged into the drive and motherboard securely. Check the manufacturer of your hard drive's web site for hard drive diagnostic utilities. Your hard drive may be showing the first signs of failing. Also, please post your Power supply specs including brand, wattage, and amps. __________________ Everest Memtest86 Last edited by jnob; 08-07-2006 at 11:09 AM.

08-07-2006, 01:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 53,565 OS: vista 32x 64x ultimate retail	yes it sounds like it is that simple a fix __________________

08-07-2006, 11:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
dartiss Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 11 OS: Windows XP	My PSU is a HiPer Type R 480W. The specs can be found here: http://www.hipergroup.com/English/pr...hpu-4s480.html Does that help at all? I've seen some reviews of other Hiper PSU's and there's been issues over the voltage regulation. Additionally, although I believe this may be a fault with the AX8 motherboard, I have problems with the BIOS settings being retained when using Windows' hibernate or standby functions (although the hang during reboot is new). David.

08-07-2006, 11:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
dartiss Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 11 OS: Windows XP	Have a Maxtor Diamondmax, so went to run their Powermax utility. Unfortunately, my SATA drive is running off a controller that Powermax doesn't support, so it won't work David.

08-07-2006, 11:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
dartiss Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 11 OS: Windows XP	Just investigated why my fans were running louder than normal... it would appear that the BIOS settings had reset and they were no longer under software control. This is what happens when I use hibernation and the BIOS resets itself. Could this be something as simple as the CMOS battery requiring replacement? David.