difficulty starting computer: chronic lock-ups

[dynamicfluids]

My custom-built dual processor computer has worked relatively flawlessly for two years, just recently I have had repeated problems starting the computer. The computer goes thru a series of lock-ups and reboots before it reaches a functioning state. A typical series of events trying to start the computer are:

1) Boot-up/restart 2-3 times, where the computer freezes or restarts itself while the BIOS/ hardware info is displayed
2) Restart the computer 2-3 times, where the computer locks up when the windows splash screen appears and windows is loading
3) Restart 2-3 times after windows has loaded, typically 1-2 minutes after Windows has completely loaded and I open my mail or internet application

It seems after each restart the computer will progress a little farther before it locks up again. After 5-15 restarts/reboots, the computer runs fine. Once I shut the computer down, I have to go thru the whole process again. The easiest thing to do would be to leave the computer on 24/7/365; however, the 480 watt power supply would kill my electric bill (not to mention the constant noise from the fans driving me nuts).

After a couple of weeks of this restarting process, I got a “CMOS checksum error” message while booting up. I replaced the lithium battery on the motherboard, thinking that this might be the cause; however, the problems still persist.

My guess is that there is problem with the motherboard; I was just wondering how these problems develop when my computer has sat in the corner of the room for two years showing no problems at all until now. Is there any hope of troubleshooting the problem?

I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

Scott

Pertinent Specs:
Windows 2000 SP3
Giga-byte GA-7DPXDW motherboard
Dual Athlon 2000 MP processors
2 x 512mb registered ECC RAM
Antec TrueBlue 480w power supply
ATI All-in-wonder AGP card
Adaptec SCSI card
Asante network card
Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card
3 SCSI hard drives
EIDE CD-RW drive
EIDE tape back-up drive
Connected USB scanner

 

[franklin97355]

First, remove and reterminate all the parts. Try it. Second if that fails remove all the parts not needed to boot and try that. Then you might try replacing parts one at a time. PSU, HD and memory are good starting points.

 

[mutt511]

I agree with franklin that has worked for me in the past. Also I would try running some antivirus software and spyware software. check smah's faq for some good software. Also clean out your startup

http://www.mlin.net

has a good utility for that.

everyday you learn something new, the day you dont is the day you die....so make someone live longer teach them something.......MUTT

 

[chriseubank]

I would start by recommending a good cleaning with compressed air.. If it's been working fine for two years, and given that you have so many things installed that could create heat (namely 3 scsi disks!! and dual proc's) that the air intakes could be plugged enough to inhibit good air flow.

HTH
C

 

[sixstrings4]

In the meantime you didn't have a bad idea about leaving the pc on. Remember, even though the power supply is rated at 480 watts, that doesn't mean it's steadily pulling 480 watts. That's just the maximum that it can regulate. During idle time your pc would use much less electricity than that. As for the noise from the fans, you could look into getting a fan regulator for 30$ and turn your fans down when the system is idle.
As for the problem itself, I agree that it may actually be a motherboard problem. However, I would start by replacing the PSU first and go from there. Also, seeing as you have 2 sticks of RAM in there, try them one at a time just to rule it out.

 

[pweegar]

It would also be interesting to see how much heat is inside the case. Try removing the side and/or end panels and running air thru the case. My second guess is that the power supply is giving you problems. How long has it been since you've replaced it? 2 years may or may not be a long time for a power supply. Lastly I would suspect either the motherboard or one of the cpu's going bad. MB esp. with the CMOS error. Depending on where you live, you might want to take your pc into a repair shop and see if they can't test componets for you, esp the mb, cpu's and power supply (probably in that order). You also want to make sure that the cpu heat sinks/fans haven't worked themselves lose. I've had it happen to me. Good luck!