Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: Erichw on July 31, 2010, 04:18:58 AM

Title: Struggling to start up/boot pc
Post by: Erichw on July 31, 2010, 04:18:58 AM

I've had this problem for some time now. What happens is that my pc would not start up on the first go. I need to turn on and off and at about the 5th attempt it finally boots up. 

Is this something to do with my BIOS settings?

Title: Re: Struggling to start up/boot pc
Post by: jason2074 on July 31, 2010, 04:39:57 AM

What do you mean won't start-up?
a. CPU powers on but cannot boot?
b. CPU has no power when you press power button?
c.  Freezes while booting?
How do you turn on/off your CPU when it does not start?
a. Pressing the reset button(If available)?
b. Unplugging/Plugging the power cord?
Does it POST any messages or error when successfully booted or while booting?

Title: Re: Struggling to start up/boot pc
Post by: Allan on July 31, 2010, 05:10:52 AM

And please do not post the same question more than once. I've deleted the duplicate posts.

Title: Re: Struggling to start up/boot pc
Post by: Erichw on July 31, 2010, 05:23:26 AM

Hi Jason,

It powers up but would not boot.
I have a reset/power button I press for 5 seconds to turn off.
No error messages however sometimes it sytates my BIOS settings has changed, enter delete to check...

Allan, apologies I wasn't sure which forum would be relevant to my problem. Will not happen again!

Title: Re: Struggling to start up/boot pc
Post by: jason2074 on July 31, 2010, 06:20:59 AM

As a starter, try removing the battery(3V) inside your CPU for 5 to 10 mins. and insert it again. Then Power on your PC. If it's still the same result follow the next steps.
To know more how to boot to BIOS: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000192.htm
To Identify the possible causes of your PC:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000776.htm

Title: Re: Struggling to start up/boot pc
Post by: Erichw on July 31, 2010, 09:27:01 AM

Thanks I will give that a go.

Just to clarify I know how to enter BIOS settings, but I don't know what the settings should be.  Sometimes during boot it states that my BIOS settings have changed, enter and check settings...

Is there a standard list of BIOS settings?

Title: Re: Struggling to start up/boot pc
Post by: jason2074 on July 31, 2010, 10:26:43 AM

Just click on default settings while on BIOS config settings. I'm not sure if its F9. You will usually see it while on the menu. The reason why i want you to remove battery is to reset the CMOS/BIOS and it may take effect.

Title: Re: Struggling to start up/boot pc
Post by: Computer_Commando on July 31, 2010, 12:48:35 PM

Could be the CMOS battery is weak.  CR-2032 3.0V lithium, available everywhere.

Title: Re: Struggling to start up/boot pc
Post by: Erichw on July 31, 2010, 12:55:31 PM

Thanks both I have taken the battery out and replaced again. Seems to be working now hope it lasts.

I've never replaced this battery and had it in for the past 7years... how often should I replace it?

Title: Re: Struggling to start up/boot pc
Post by: Computer_Commando on July 31, 2010, 12:59:51 PM

Quote from: Erichw on July 31, 2010, 12:55:31 PM

Thanks both I have taken the battery out and replaced again. Seems to be working now hope it lasts.

I've never replaced this battery and had it in for the past 7years... how often should I replace it?

7 years?  It's probably weak.  They generally last 5-10 years, sometimes more, sometimes less.  You can get a new one at any drug store, it's almost as common as AA-size.

Title: Re: Struggling to start up/boot pc
Post by: Thomas_Horscroft on July 31, 2010, 04:00:29 PM

Alot more info is needed.
i had this problem a while back, it was a failed CPU, thats AMD for you. edit your post and give us some more details.