Computer "Hangs Up" at start up 2

[kiernanf]

Every once in while my computer will hangs up at start up (before Windows 98 loads up). It says that it is looking for the drives ... forever.
If I hit the reset button, the computer finds all the drives and then Windows loads up OK.
This problem happens in about 10% of the time.
Is there a way to cure it?

 

[dinosnake]

A drive is not resetting in the time required. ATA devices can take up to 31 seconds to respond to the POST query; see

http://alds.stts.edu/APPNOTE/IDE/auto1.pdf

for Phoenix Autodetect ATA specs. Try a few workarounds:

(A) Turn off Autodetect in the BIOS and set the CHS info for the drive directly. In this manner the BIOS does not have to wait for the Autodetect reponse - it will wait only long enough to see that the drive exists at all.

(B) Try going into \Start\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Information\Tools (menu)\System Configuration Utility\Advanced (button)

and set 'Disable Fast Shutdown'. Sometimes if the drivers for the device are not disconnected before sending a disconnect to the hardware device the device will lock up, assuming that the prior driver, and its configuration, is still in charge and therefore not allow access except when the interface matches the prior settings.

Speaking of which, is 'Disconnect' checked in the Properties page for the drive in its Device Manager entry (only available to ATA 3 drives and above)?

(C) Turn off 'Quick Power-on selftest' in the BIOS.

(D) Replace the flaky device.

(E) Get a BIOS update, which may modify the time-outs for the system.

Check your drive cables for poor routing (electrical interference) or failures (cracks, etc.)

A or B will usually work. Your mileage may vary...

 

[mudskipper]

I whole heartedly agree with Dinosnake! He has got you on the right track.

Incidentally, if the above options just don't seem to do the trick (although I am pretty sure they will), some people elect to simply increase thier boot time. It is a bit annoying, but less so than the problem that you are reporting.

One such way would be to change your BIOS setting that enables/disables fast memory count (sometimes labeled fast boot or something of the like). Often, this will give your system enough time to spin those hard drives up before the system attempts to completes the POST.

Again, however, I would reitterate that you should try all of Dinosnakes suggestions first, in order to properly fix the system!!!


Good luck

 

[Mshen]

how new is your system.

old hard drive can be sticky.

 

[ntnet]

If one of your drives is alone on it's IDE port, you might want to verify if instead of MASTER it could have a jumper position to SINGLE (not all drives have)

This has fixed the problem for me many times.

Good luck
S. Gagner
MIS
A+ MCP

 

[prajapat]

All previous replies are ok and will certainly correct the problems but just check if CDROM is on the same IDE channel as the primary HDD. If so, put it on secondary channel. Again check if you leave a CD in the drive. If so, put CD in drive after system is booted properly.

Some times, cleaning the CDROM lens help solve the problem and if the problem persist, check the same after disconnecting CDROM.

If the problem remains with HDD, be ready to replace your HDD (some times, Low level Format corrects this problem) as it may be sign of media failure.