Boot problem

Rik · Jun 10, 2007, 09:46:53

He may be right, Mo, see my 'sub conversation' with Inactive above. Some printers which have card readers get seen by the BIOS as a bootable device (ed Canon), while some do not (eg HP). I suspect it's a design issue.

I can't scroll back far enough to check, was the printer a multi-function? If it is, and you don't want to power it off when the computer is off, I would suggest connecting it via an easily accessible hub, and then simply disconnecting it until the computer has booted.

Inactive · Jun 10, 2007, 09:52:38

It is an Epson Photo R300, which does have a built in card reader, so that could well be the problem Rik..

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/epson_r300m.html

Rik · Jun 10, 2007, 09:54:59

Thanks, Inactive. IIRC, Epson recommend direct connection to the PC, because of the card reader, though I never found that an issue if the printer was powered down at boot.

Odos · Jun 10, 2007, 12:25:35

Just as a side issue, years ago I used to have numerous usb items plugged directly into the computer. At that time I started having overheating problems within the case. After much testing I found that the cause was the usb stuff which I assumed was drawing too much power through the motherboard.

During tests, just connecting 3 items, a printer, a scanner and a mouse/keyboard combo, raised the temp inside the case by 5 degrees C. Since then I have avoided usb as much as I can and if I can't then I use a powered hub.

No bearing on the subject at hand so sorry for being off topic.

Cheers
Tony

Rik · Jun 10, 2007, 12:31:32

Nothing's off topic by now, Tony.

You raise a valid point. Wherever possible, I connect USB devices which are not self-powered to a powered hub for just the reasons you give. It's always seemed to me wise to avoid drawing any more power than I need to, especially given today's complex motherboards and graphics cards. The new machine has a combined floppy drive and card reader, and I was a bit surprised to notice that it was drawing the full 500mA. I'd have expected it to have been powered via the power connector, not the bus.

Odos · Jun 10, 2007, 14:56:47

Strange indeed Rik, it would almost seem as if the card reader was a bolt on afterthought.

BTW completely off topic now but how do you get on with built in card readers ? I've tried a number over the years and non work for me as their supposed to, if they work at all that is. It might be the weird configuration I usually run my machines but I doubt it as other people I've talked to have found the same.

I now use a card adapter ( don't know the proper name of them ) but they are like a usb flash drive and the card just fits into the side of them. Never had any trouble since using them.

Rik · Jun 10, 2007, 15:01:27

Hi Tony

Yes, it does 'feel' like they had made the floppy drive and then thought "Can we add something to this as sales are falling..."

This is the first machine I've had with a built-in card reader (other than laptop), and so far it's been fine. It seems more reliable than the separate card readers that I've used in the past, which have varied a lot in quality and reliability (often damaging cards due to poor design). I've never come across the kind of device you describe, probably because I haven't tried very hard.

Lance · Jun 11, 2007, 09:02:18

My HP printer has a card reader - and it works great!

Rik · Jun 11, 2007, 09:06:39

Mine too, Lance, but the Canon...

J!ll · Jun 11, 2007, 21:21:27

Quote from: MoHux on Jun 09, 2007, 12:13:21
I wish I had said that ................... 8)

Our Rik has a way with words 8)

MoHux · Jun 11, 2007, 22:31:12

Quote from: Inactive on Jun 10, 2007, 09:52:38
It is an Epson Photo R300, which does have a built in card reader, so that could well be the problem Rik..

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/epson_r300m.html

It could be so, Inactive.
But I have had the printer connected and 'on' when the PC is, for over two years without a hiccup!!
I have now spread the USB 'load', and removed the Flash Drive till needed.
Boot is now normal, with both 1st and second screens showing for about 20/10 seconds respectively, then moving on.

Thanks to all for your input, it's been interesting to read.
And thanks for the link to Steve's review Inactive. The most comprehensive and easy to read review I have ever seen. Book-marked!

Inactive · Jun 11, 2007, 22:46:09

Quote from: MoHux on Jun 11, 2007, 22:31:12

Thanks to all for your input, it's been interesting to read.
And thanks for the link to Steve's review Inactive. The most comprehensive and easy to read review I have ever seen. Book-marked!

They have a very useful Forum as well Mo ..

Rik · Jun 12, 2007, 09:38:52

Quote from: Jill on Jun 11, 2007, 21:21:27
Our Rik has a way with words 8)

Most people just say I have way too many words, Jill.

J!ll · Jun 12, 2007, 11:59:02

Well I don't think so

Rik · Jun 12, 2007, 11:59:46

MoHux · Jun 12, 2007, 18:00:12

Quote from: Inactive on Jun 11, 2007, 22:46:09
They have a very useful Forum as well Mo ..

Thanks, I will take a look.