PC will not start normally. After a dozen attempts it MAY start and then works fine

[wuns7t--]

System: Motherboard: ABIT NFM2SV

CPU: Athlon 64 4800+ X2

RAM: DDR2 1GB or 2Gb

PC is 4 years old

when start button is pressed the CPU fan starts. It sometimes then stops after a few seconds.

On starting again the BIOS text appears and runs through to system start.

If XP is selected the XP screen appears and the blue loading stripe runs across 3-5 times and then the system switches off.

My son who plays games on this PC perseveres and restarts up to 20 times and often XP will then start and run perfectly. the problem is getting the OS to 'take'.

If OpenSuse is selected from installed the same thing happens. The Linux screen appears and then the system shuts down.

Using Live CD with or without HDD connected, the Linux Kernel starts to load but as soon as it gets to 100% the system shuts down.

 

The problem is not OS dependent. XP Home is installed as is OpenSuse 11.4 on HDD.

I have also tried LIVE CDs (OpenSuse 12.1 and Ubuntu 11)

Using Live CDs I have disconnecte both HDD- so they cannot be problem.

I have also removed PCIe graphics card and tried to start using on board Gforece 6100 chip.

I have tried to start using two single RAM sticks separately.

I have exchanged mouse and keyboard

and also Optical Drive.

also disconnected LAN cable.

Cleared CMOS memory and replaced backup battery.

 

Any suggestions??

[Plastic Nev]

Hi and welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help.

When the normal start button is pressed, the first thing that has to start up is the power supply, if for any reason the power supply is beginning to fail, it may not be fully turning on, and will give the symptoms you are seeing.

 

Can you borrow a similar sized power supply to test that?

 

if not it may mean buying a new Power supply without being sure that is the problem.

 

Nev.

[KenB]

I agree with Nev - it does sound like a PSU problem.

 

nearly forgot my manners ......welcome to ExTS :)

[wuns7t--]

Thanks, Have tried with substitute Power Unit. No improvement. Same Symptoms.

 

Hi - I have several PCs of various vintages. None has had this specific problem before. Anyway i took the power pack out on another PC and tried it. Precisely the same problem.

after reataching the existing PU The faulty PC got as far as 'Window cannot start normally' so I started it in secure mode with network and that worked, including all internet connections. In fact it will generally start in safe mode if it gets that far.

I tried to do a System REstore- but the XP no longer shows any restore points.

Nor can XP find any system details . So something is a bit fisshy there.

From safe mode I clicked on Restart button and it did and loaded XP normally. I left the PC running for several hours and as noted above- once it starts it runs fine. However, after switching off it will not start again.

Because I have tried to eliminate all other components I put this in 'Motherboard' section because that and CPU are only things I have not changed.

cheers wuns7t

[Plastic Nev]

Hi again. OK you have hopefully ruled out the PSU, have you tried the RAM? that is basically the next thing to check out.

If you have exactly the same type of RAM on one of the other computers, then swap it and let us know.

 

If on the other hand you have already tried that, then please list everything you have tried so far, it saves us asking you to try something you have done already.

 

Nev.

[KenB]

If you don't have any RAM to swap you could try the existing ones one at a time.

[wuns7t--]

If you don't have any RAM to swap you could try the existing ones one at a time.

Hi Ken

Alreaady done both installed Ram + another from different PC tried. Same picture. if it starts at all Windows loading page then 3-5 blue loading stripes and then shut down.

 

all changes tried listed in first post +now alternative Power Unit.

 

As mentioned system will not boot from Live CD when HDD disconnected-so HDD cannot cause fault!

From Live CD it runs until Loading Linux Kernel and switches off as soon as 100% reached.

 

This getting urgent. The pained looks from my teenage son are getting harder each day he cannot play Team Fortress! Mario Kart and Janes attack squadron run on any PC but new games seem to drive hardware development. No one NEEDS the modern specs.

Cheers Ancient Amateur.

[KenB]

Hi

 

There is not much left :)

 

It is not an Operating System problem - so not software or drivers

It is not a PSU problem or RAM

It is not the Video Card

 

There is only the motherboard and CPU and left.

 

One other thing to look at.

How dusty is the case?

Pay particular attention to fans and vents.

Use a can of compressed air ( outside ? ) or a soft brush.

 

Take a close look at the motherboard capacitors - you are looking for discolouration or leakage or domed tops.

[wuns7t--]

Where do I go from here?

 

Thanks Ken and Nev

The PC runs with XP once it has loaded. So there cannot be a major component failure.

I have dusted the inside, I use a toothbrush for fan blades and heat sinks. No overheating reported.

 

Would it be an idea to move the story to another thread? Is 'Motherboards ' too narrow. It might not be the motherboard.

But what else is there? CPU? but that works fine once OS loads.

 

Sat evening my son sat and restarted the system more than 40 times- and then it worked until switched off hours later.

 

Perhaps there is someone else on PC help who has had the same problem or recognises what it might be.

Cheers

JR

[KenB]

I am reluctant to suggest this ....... but it could be that a BIOS upgrade is needed.

 

The only thing is ....if it goes wrong you will not be able to boot up at all.

 

If the system runs fine until you shut down again then it could well be a BIOS problem.

 

The other option is to leave the machine on and let it go into Sleep Mode when not in use.

(I do this with my laptop)

[Plastic Nev]

We are getting to the point where it can only be the mother board. One of those odd times when whichever component it is at fault, will not work until it has warmed up a little.

 

Just once only, to prove that or not, try directing some warm air from a hair dryer onto the motherboard, not hot and not for more than a minute, just a matter of getting the motherboard components aired and not stone cold, then try to boot up.

 

Edit to add,

just seen Ken has posted while I was writing, he may well be right about the BIOS too, but give my idea a try also, you never know with these things at times.

 

Nev.

[BreatGritain]

Hi,

 

Have you tried new SATA/ATA leads? Doesn't sound to be the likely cause but I would personally prefer to try this before re-flashing your BIOS!

 

Tom.