Power UP Problem

[jetguy1]

My computer when pressing the power on switch will start the power-up process and then stall. The lights for my DVD & CD-RW drives illuminate along with Power Supply fan running and I can hear the initial spinning of my hard drive. The start up process then hangs. If I press my re-set button
the computer will proceed to power up and boot normally. I have swapped power supplies with the same results. I have also double checked all my connections and wires. Is my switch bad on the ATX case? Or do I have a problem with my " soft power circuit" or possibly the Motherboard? System worked great for past 9 months then started doing this.
System is AMD Athlon 950mz Slot A , FIC SD-11 Motherboard, 300 Watt power supply running Windows 98 SE. Thanks for your help and suggestions, Brent

[Paleo Pete]

Several things can cause that kind of problem. Best thing I can do is point you to the Troubleshooting win98 Start Up Problems (http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q188/8/67.asp) article in the MS Knowledge Database.

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[jetguy1]

Thanks for the tip on Windows 98 start up problems. I went through the steps and that didn't solve the problem. My start up problem occurs before Windows loads. My monitor won't come on and Windows dosn't load. I'm wondering if it could be somthing in the "soft power circuit", because if I use my reset button after the power switch fails to do anything, it will power up fine and work peachy. Just kind of wierd to have to push the reset button after the power switch to start up my computer. Thanks Again for taking the time to help me out! Brent

[Bao]

I have the same problem with two of my computers.

The one is has an AT powersupply and will powerup just fine on the first try but will not power up if you have shut down recently. Pressing reset will then allow it to power up.

On another computer that I have recently built. The power up sequence went just fine until I placed the motherboard into a new case with a new powersupply. Now that computer would not start on the first try and I can press reset all I want to no avail. The only way I can get my computer to start is to hold the power button to power off and then power on again. However, once I power on everything is fine. I can even turn off the computer and power on without a problem as long as the computer is still warm (within 15 minutes or so). So I am thinking that the problem is either with the way I have mounted the motherboard or the powersupply that is in the new case.

I also added another case fan to the new case so maybe it is sucking too much power from the powersupply.



Any suggestions?

[Paleo Pete]

Sorry I took so long to get back to this one, it slipped by me somehow...

Jetguy: I think yours may be either the "soft switch" or a weak power supply. I would try another power supply first, it may be weak from age.

Bao: On the AT case I think either a weak power supply or it's dirty inside, and building up heat, so it has to cool down before you reboot. Clean it out good and try it. Opinions on cleaning differ, I use a soft camera brush, and something like a small fan to blow the dust out of the case, and I try to do it outside so I don't have to clean up the floor later. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Others swear by cans of compressed air availabe at electronics stores. Small vaccuum cleaners are also recommended sometimes, but be VERY careful that you don't suck up any jumpers off the motherboard. I prefer to stay away from vaccuum cleaners...

On the other one, sounds like power supply, especially if you have lots of periferals and fans drawing power.

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[jetguy1]

Paleo & Bao,
Thanks for your replies! I think that as you suggested, my problem lies in my power supply. My system is loaded up with lots of power robbing toys. I have a 300 watt unit right now. Should I try a higher rated supply or most likely one that is manufactured better? Appreciate any suggestions on which power supplies are the best. Thanks again for taking the time to help me out. Jetguy

[sleddog]

Originally posted by Paleo Pete:
I prefer to stay away from vaccuum cleaners...


As a general rule, Me too! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

[Paleo Pete]

Don't really know what brands are better, but you might have a weak power supply, so a new one might do the trick, but if you want to get one anyway, you might look for a higher wattage unit to begin with.

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