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Thread ID: 53193	2005-01-09 23:24:00	Strange Start Up Windows 98	andrew93 (249)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
312674	2005-01-11 01:25:00	Flashing the BIOS is something to do when there is a known bug in the BIOS code, which has been experienced on that computer. It is very unwise to do it on a computer which has worked normally (even if slowly) until hardware is changed, and now doesn't boot reliably. Look for a SIMPLER cause. Is the power cord plugged in fully at both ends? (Silly, I know, but it happens.) IEC plugs can be "nearly" in and "sort of" work. A computer PSU pulls 80 amps or so (briefly) when it's turned on. Or tries to. A poor contact won't let it get that. Are the power supply connectors to the motherboard properly in? Pull them out then push them in again. I'm tending to suspect the power supply area. The PowerOK signal from the PSU holds the CPU reset until the DC voltages are correct and stable. When it releases the CPU, it starts the POST code in the BIOS chip. You can't have a ram stick in backwards, otherwise it wouldn't work ever. The date/time being correct probably eliminates the battery. Before PCs and the wonders of Microsoft software, the first step in computer maintenance was to check every connector. Starting at the wall plug. They were always the least reliable elements.	Graham L (2)
312675	2005-01-12 11:42:00	Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Status update : ¬ no loose connectors or cables ¬ all cables are plugged into the correct connectors (see below re glue) ¬ no crusty or leaking capacitors ¬ changed the BIOS battery but problem still occured ¬ didn't need to flash the BIOS because changing the battery had the same effect to the point where I ended up with an IRQ conflict and the comm port was dropped by Windows such that I couldn't get on the 'net - since resolved I didn't want to face up to reality but in the end I had to look at the RAM again (thanks for the persistence FoxyMX - I too suspected the RAM but didn't want to admit it, particularly to my friend). I removed RAM stick 2 and put stick 3 into the RAM slot 2, did not replace stick 2. The cold start problem seems to have gone away but unfortunately I can't say it with 100% certainty because it is not a problem I can recreate at will. Lastly, I'm not sure if NZ assemblers do this but inside the case, all cables and connectors had a blob of glue on them as well as the PCI cards. I think the assembler must have done this to stop unscrupulous customers swapping components and then claiming the PC doesn't work. Has anyone else come across this? Is this normal practice? I have never seen it in any of the PC's I have bought or handled over the years. Thanks again to everyone. Andrew	andrew93 (249)
312676	2005-01-12 22:19:00	I didn't want to face up to reality but in the end I had to look at the RAM again (thanks for the persistence FoxyMX - I too suspected the RAM but didn't want to admit it, particularly to my friend) . I removed RAM stick 2 and put stick 3 into the RAM slot 2, did not replace stick 2 . The cold start problem seems to have gone away but unfortunately I can't say it with 100% certainty because it is not a problem I can recreate at will . Just see how it goes for a week or so . If it is the RAM you may be able to exchange it if it is faulty or incompatible so don't think the computer has to make do with less . Lastly, I'm not sure if NZ assemblers do this but inside the case, all cables and connectors had a blob of glue on them as well as the PCI cards . I think the assembler must have done this to stop unscrupulous customers swapping components and then claiming the PC doesn't work . Has anyone else come across this? Is this normal practice? I have never seen it in any of the PC's I have bought or handled over the years . Uh oh, here we go again . . . . :eek: <Waits for the PC Company fans to extoll the virtues of hot melt glue . > :D	FoxyMX (5)
312677	2005-01-13 02:35:00	Hot glue on connectors or plug in cards are a Good Idea. If the computer is to be transported for hundreds (or thousands) of miles, it's a way to ensure that it still works when it arrives. I once unpacked a computer which had travelled 2000 miles in a Hercules. All the cards had fallen out. I was pleased that the NiCd cells on the memory cards hadn't shorted and caused a fire. I wasn't pleased with the guy who built the computer, and had ignored my suggestion that it was to be exposed to extreme vibration.	Graham L (2)
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