Computer Won't Boot -- Tricky Problem

[azztoyou]

OK, here's a tough one. I'm using Windows XP home -- installed perfectly, except when you reboot. If the computer is warm and you choose reboot, everything works fine.

However, once the computer is shut down, and restarted....windows does not load. No POST, No Monitor, but a constant Hard Drive light for 30 seconds -- then NOTHING.

If the CMOS battery is left out and the power plug is removed from the back of the computer for 10 seconds, all works well, the computer boots. But again, if the computer is shut down -- it will not reboot, even w/o the battery -- the only way it will reboot after shutting down is with the battery removed, and the power plug unplugged for 10 seconds.

Keeping the battery in has the same effect -- only computer never boots when shut down regardless of if the power plug is in or not.

Checked the BIOS, everything looks good. Primary Master is a HD -- Secondary Master and Slave are CD Roms. Give it your best shot for me, becuase I'm fresh out of ideas.

 

[ski]

Install a new CMOS battery, and make sure that the MB contacts for it are clean(use an eraser for this).

If no luck, then there may be a problem either with the BIOS chip, the MB, or the power supply.

 

[shtick]

I'd check for viruses first. I'd also try to install a different hd w/a diff OS. fdisk /mbr will refresh the master boot record w/out losing anything.
Rotza Ruck.

 

[SYAR2003]

I guess it is the spinup time for the harddisk(s)
when the system is down.
Check in the bios if you can set something
like ide init delay , hdd delay or similar.
Set this to 3 seconds .

 

[mainegeek]

Hello azztoyou,
Try it with the cdroms disconnected. Sounds like one of them has failed/failing.

 

[nomadtech]

ill go with ski on this one, sound more likes its the power supply who's having some personnality problems.