My slow computer is driving me mad

GlynD

On warm and softboot the CMOS screen doesn't come up and the computer will not boot up. If the computer is left to rest for 10 minutes then bootup takes place as normal. So far I've updated the chipset software and replaced the BIOS battery in the motherboard. Those steps produced no change.

I've had difficulty tracking down the correct software to flash the bios so haven't done so thus far in fear of bricking it.

MB is an Alive NF6G-GLAN. The BIOS build has the ASROCK tag ASR 73121. Chipset is nVidia.

GlynD

I've downloaded that but I agree with you. I don't think it's the issue. If it boots up at all then there can't be anything wrong with the BIOS. So what would make it behave in this odd fashion. Why will it not reboot from within windows or on the softboot button. Why does it need 10 minutes to reset? The disk spins on startup everytime and HDD activity is noted. What is hanging it?

aliEnRIK

Has anything changed recently? new hardware?
have you tried booting without any USB devices plugged in?
Checked all connections to the motherboard? (ram, harddrives etc etc)

GlynD

1. No new hardware.
2. Have tried booting with all non-essential USB devices off leaving just KB and mouse.
3. Took the RAM out and refitted it, even though it was reporting ok; hardrive was bricked so sent to Seagate under warranty and refitted by me. Full checks done on CD drive connections and other connections on motherboard. Nothing to report on those.

Is it possible I could have selected an instruction for the PC not to softboot? I can find no way to do so (or reverse same) but given the level of recent infection such an instruction could have been a side effect?

aliEnRIK

Id recommend a full format and reinstall of windows

At least this will determine for certain if its a hardware issue or not

GlynD

Hmmm, I think I'd rather soldier on. When booted up the PC runs fine.

spud17

Can't remember, have you tried another psu?

GlynD

I don't have a spare PSU and we're starting to run into the realms of fairly substantial speculative purchase if we go down that route.