Do I have a fault?

Rik · Jun 06, 2007, 12:44:28

I am beginning to feel jinxed.

The new Scan machine has, the past couple of mornings, taken about 2 seconds between pressing the power switch and any activity occurring, eg LEDs or disks spinning up. After that first, physically, cold boot, the system responds normally. There are no signs of problems when the machine is running.

I gave Scan a buzz, they asked me to update the BIOS, but I'm already on the latest version. I called again, they asked me to run Memtest in probe mode, it immediately locked up. I called again, and was asked to run it in normal mode (apparently, it can't run in probe mode with the 975 chipset, as I was talking to the same person throughout, why did he ask me to run it in probe mode in the first place?), it ran and the memory passed.

I called Scan again, I was told it might be a dry joint on the motherboard, or it might be the power supply. I was also told that this motherboard was slow to boot, and they would change it if I wanted them to (so why supply it?). I then pointed out that I had changed the fan settings from silent to performance, and asked if this could have an effect. I was told it might.

So, several hours later, I haven't found anything wrong with the machine, and I am left wondering whether this is a quirk or an early warning of problems to come. I suspect the former, but it would be nice to have the feeling that Scan knew what they were doing - and I don't have that.

Thoughts welcomed.

Inactive · Jun 06, 2007, 13:13:24

Sorry to hear that Rik, as you know, I know SFA about computers, however it clearly seems that something is wrong somewhere, and the Scan Techies don't inspire confidence.

Play it a day at a time I guess.

Fingers crossed.

Lance · Jun 06, 2007, 13:20:34

My guess would be power supply - but I wonder if your UPS is having an effect? Could you try a cold boot plugged straight into the mains?

RobMc · Jun 06, 2007, 13:46:10

Well Rik, as you've brought the subject up, it sounds like a similar problem to the one I'm having. My PC is a home built affair so no one else to blame but me. When I first power up in the morning the system starts and then immediately shuts down and restarts normally. This only happens on the first boot of the day and as, so far, it's always booted I've not bothered to investigate further. The other problem is that as it only ever happens once per day it's difficult to diagnose the problem. I have a Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 motherboard by the way.

I only mention this as your two second delay is roughly the delay I suffer, but only once per day not every boot.

Rob.

Rik · Jun 06, 2007, 14:02:36

Quote from: Inactive on Jun 06, 2007, 13:13:24
Fingers crossed.

Thanks, it's hell typing like that though.

Rik · Jun 06, 2007, 14:03:53

Quote from: Lance on Jun 06, 2007, 13:20:34
My guess would be power supply - but I wonder if your UPS is having an effect? Could you try a cold boot plugged straight into the mains?

I certainly can, Lance... Like you, if there's anything wrong, I tend to lean towards PSU.

Rik · Jun 06, 2007, 14:06:17

Quote from: RobMc on Jun 06, 2007, 13:46:10
I only mention this as your two second delay is roughly the delay I suffer, but only once per day not every boot.

Mine is also once per day, Rob, only when the machine is physically cold. However, I'm not seeing or hearing any signs of life for that 2 seconds, it doesn't appear to be starting up at all - just pausing.

DorsetBoy · Jun 06, 2007, 15:15:16

Sounds like the POST is set wrong/not liking something,you could look to see what the options are for POST in your BIOS list.

Rik · Jun 06, 2007, 15:26:51

From a post elsewhere, I've been told this is normal behaviour when power is removed from the unit over night, ie mains power. Because I use a UPS, the power is effectively switched off and, I am told, it takes a couple of seconds after it's restored before the PSU will activate. I'll change my power-up routine tomorrow and see what happens.

RobMc · Jun 06, 2007, 15:40:35

I hope that sorts it out for you Rik, definately sounds like a plausible cause.

I think my problem may be down to my bios version. I'm using F3 (17-7-06) and the latest is F11 (26-4-07). I don't tend to flash unless I have to

I may give it a try when I'm feeling brave.

Rob.

sobranie · Jun 06, 2007, 15:42:38

This used to be handy;

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/sysperf/fastboot/default.mspx

but they don't do the prog anymore........ really handy

Like others tho., I would blame the psu on this, probably a self check at work, capacitors recharging or something similar.

Rik · Jun 06, 2007, 15:47:33

Quote from: RobMc on Jun 06, 2007, 15:40:35
I think my problem may be down to my bios version. I'm using F3 (17-7-06) and the latest is F11 (26-4-07). I don't tend to flash unless I have to I may give it a try when I'm feeling brave.

I must confess that flashing a BIOS is always something I approach with considerable trepidation. It has that nasty feeling that something might just go horribly wrong...

Rik · Jun 06, 2007, 15:51:01

Quote from: sobranie on Jun 06, 2007, 15:42:38
Like others tho., I would blame the psu on this, probably a self check at work, capacitors recharging or something similar.

Bootvis is still available here, Sobranie, but McAfee does have a question mark about the site.

The PSU doing a self-check/stabilising makes perfect sense. Shame Scan didn't suggest it.

Lance · Jun 06, 2007, 16:37:08

I have bootvis on my home PC, can email it to you if you wish?

Rik · Jun 06, 2007, 16:41:42

Thanks, Lance, but I wasn't looking for it for myself...

mrapoc · Jun 06, 2007, 16:46:53

This happens to mine when:

A bad overclock
Voltage and FSB/ram settings are changed
Power is turned off at psu/at plug

Basically I press it on
It lights up
Turns off instantly
Leave for 2 seconds
Comes on normal

Doesnt seem anything is wrong, just a hardware quirk

Rik · Jun 06, 2007, 16:58:06

Thanks, Sam. As I turn off the UPS output at nights, it's almost certainly down to that. Shame Scan didn't know/think to ask...

RobMc · Jun 06, 2007, 17:47:23

Quote from: mrapoc on Jun 06, 2007, 16:46:53
Power is turned off at psu/at plug
Basically I press it on
It lights up
Turns off instantly
Leave for 2 seconds
Comes on normal

Yep that's exactly what I get (without the overclock bit - I don't do that

)

To test, I've just shut down and powered off and hey-presto I get the restart as above.

So I've just been living with this as it doesn't seem to be a major problem. I think I'll continue to live with it

It's nice to know I'm not the only one this happen to.

Rob.

Rik · Jun 06, 2007, 17:52:03

Isn't it just, Rob. I have got more information on this, with a few minutes online typing, than I did in many minutes on the phone to Scan.

So, not a fault but a feature!

Rik · Jun 07, 2007, 08:02:40

I changed the power-up routine slightly this morning, so that the UPS was on for a few seconds before I hit the power switch on the box. The delay has disappeared. Thanks for your input everyone.

Lance · Jun 07, 2007, 08:08:22

Glad it's all ok Rik! I like getting it right!

Rik · Jun 07, 2007, 08:15:32

Inactive · Jun 07, 2007, 08:36:39

A result...well done everyone..