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| Thread ID: 81173 | 2007-07-19 04:51:00 | Computer hangs intermittenly on startup | annie (6010) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 570222 | 2007-07-19 04:51:00 | This is a new computer, and since we got it a month ago it hangs intermittently during the display of the Dell spash screen at the beginning of startup. It always hangs at exactly the same place, with the little progress bar below the Dell logo about 70% of the way across. Photo here (helenlear.com(Small).JPG) If I hard boot the computer, startup usually then goes ok, with the progress bar starting from where it got stuck before, and then completing ok. This can happen once every couple of days, or up to 50% of starts. The splash screen can't be disabled in the settings, which is apparently a feature of the newer Dells, so I'm not sure exactly what's going on. I ran chkdsk, which was fine, and also ran Dell Diagnostics - takes about 4 hours - also error free. All of the cables connecting to the motherboard are properly seated, and the memory sticks are also firmly in place. Before I go through the rigmarole of contacting Dell, does anyone have any other ideas of anything I could try to help track down the cause of the problem ? Dell Dimension 9200, with Dell motherboard Intel core 2 duo 1.86 ghz 2G DDR2 memory Dell supplied hard drive, DVD drive, keyboard, mouse, ethernet card. Dell monitor XP Pro OEM Thanks |
annie (6010) | ||
| 570223 | 2007-07-19 04:53:00 | Sorry, I had the link wrong - have corrected it | annie (6010) | ||
| 570224 | 2007-07-19 05:04:00 | The Dell logo a feature? Sounds more like an annoyance to me. Do you have a Logitech mouse or keyboard? Mention of those causing hanging problems on Dell's site |
Bantu (52) | ||
| 570225 | 2007-07-19 05:11:00 | Thanks Bantu. Nope, Dell keyboard and mouse. Dell everything at this stage, though I'm waiting to install a better graphics card once this is sorted. | annie (6010) | ||
| 570226 | 2007-07-19 05:21:00 | Well, I wouldnt touch anything, 1 month old, I would be calling Dell! | SolMiester (139) | ||
| 570227 | 2007-07-19 05:23:00 | *sigh*, I think you're right. Will have a couple of stiff drinks tonight and face contacting them tomorrow. | annie (6010) | ||
| 570228 | 2007-07-19 05:24:00 | Agreed, get it replaced under warranty. Apparently they have been doing a bit to improve their customer support and better marketing to improve their image lately. Might be a good time to test some of those theories out. | winmacguy (3367) | ||
| 570229 | 2007-07-19 06:10:00 | The hanging is not something to do with the Dell logo. The logo is displayed then the boot process proceeds, or not. ;) I like to see what's happening, myself. Look in the BIOS setup for something like "Fast boot" and disable it. That might let you see the messages. |
Graham L (2) | ||
| 570230 | 2007-07-19 06:18:00 | I didn't really make myself clear there, Graham - I had tried to disable the Dell logo so I could see exactly where the boot process was hanging (I usually disable the logos asap when I get a computer, I like to see what's happening too). Can't be done at all on the new Dells apparently, there's no option inthe BIOS to let you disable it. When I couldn't disable it myself, I checked the Dell support site, and other people have noted this as well. I agree, much better to watch the computer's waking-up displays. | annie (6010) | ||
| 570231 | 2007-07-19 06:27:00 | You were clear enough, annie. I hoped that it might be just a misleadingly named BIOS option. I think one of my HPs uses that "fast boot" option to turn the logo off and on. You'd think that this must be bad for Dell. Diagnosis over the phone surely must be easier if there's more information available. "It hangs" isn't very helpful. Perhaps they have moved to Asian call centres so they can get staff with better contemplation skills based on older religions. | Graham L (2) | ||
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