PC Pals Forum

Technical Help & Discussion => Self Building, Upgrading & General Hardware Help => Topic started by: Simon on April 01, 2010, 17:38

Title: Start up issue
Post by: Simon on April 01, 2010, 17:38
My computer has developed a strange problem, which used to only happen once in a while, but now seems to happen all the time.  When I start my machine from cold, the post beep sounds, and the monitor fires up, but all I get is a blank screen.  I've sat for ages, thinking it might be installing updates, or something, but I don't think it is, and I end up having to press the reboot button, at which point, I get the 'Windows failed to start...' screen, with the options of Safe Mode, LKGC, etc, and Start Windows Normally highlighted.  I wait the 30 seconds, as the USB keyboard isn't 'live' at that point, and Windows fires up perfectly each time.  I have no additional drives or hardware connected, and no disc in the CD drive.  It's an annoyance, rather than a major issue, but any ideas as to what it might be?
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Rik on April 01, 2010, 17:41
I had a similar fault, and it was the graphics card not booting up correctly.
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Simon on April 01, 2010, 17:48
Really?  Hmm....  How did you fix it?
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Rik on April 01, 2010, 17:51
New card. :(
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Simon on April 01, 2010, 18:04
Bugger.  I'll live with it. 
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Rik on April 01, 2010, 18:08
I take it you're not under warranty? It might be worth re-seating the card.
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Simon on April 01, 2010, 18:33
It might be, worth reseating, that is.  Could be a lot of dust in there.  I'll have a poke about over the weekend.  :)
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Rik on April 01, 2010, 18:35
Make sure the fan is clean while you're in there.
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Simon on April 01, 2010, 18:40
The annoying thing is, I have a cleaner in once a fortnight.  She obviously isn't doing her job properly!   >:(
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Rik on April 01, 2010, 18:41
 ;D

Write a new contract!
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Simon on April 01, 2010, 18:42
I think I'll have to.  She spends her whole hour cleaning the guttering, and never gets anything else done. 
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Rik on April 01, 2010, 18:53
She should at least flush the main drains while she's at it.
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: davy51 on April 01, 2010, 20:23
You can try deleting the drivers and reboot
It should install a new driver
the driver could be corrupted in some way
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Simon on April 01, 2010, 20:47
Possible, Dave. 
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Baz on April 01, 2010, 21:05
a cleaner with a dirty fan?????????????? ;D
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Simon on April 01, 2010, 21:20
:hehe:
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: davy51 on April 01, 2010, 22:41
If that doesnt work you can try fix MBR but it could sometimes cause problems

or fix boot

Directions for both are located on the net
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Sandra on April 02, 2010, 00:57
I have had that happen when  memory stick has been faulty. If you have 2 or more sticks in try it with a single one and see if it corrects it, if not swap with the other one/s and try that.
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Simon on April 02, 2010, 10:39
Believe it or not, it didn't do it this morning!   ::)  It's one of those things which is an annoyance, but I can't be bothered to put too much effort into solving.  I'll pop the case open one day, give it a hoover, and reseat everything.  If that doesn't work, I'll buy a Mac.   :woot:
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Clive on April 02, 2010, 19:58
 ;D  Macs rock.  It's a shame they are so damned expensive!   :(
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Simon on April 02, 2010, 20:55
That's the trouble, Clive.   :-\
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Rik on April 03, 2010, 12:34
We all need to get into higher education...
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Simon on April 03, 2010, 12:36
 ;D
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Rodders on April 03, 2010, 13:42
I wouldn't be seen dead in a mac.
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Rik on April 03, 2010, 13:43
Even a grubby one, Rod?  :o:
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Simon on April 03, 2010, 13:43
Clive has an old one he said I can borrow.  ;D
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Rik on April 03, 2010, 13:44
Mac or woolly jumper.  :o:
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Simon on April 03, 2010, 13:44
 o:)
Title: Re: Start up issue
Post by: Clive on April 03, 2010, 13:56
I have lots.   ;D