Dell sometimes stops during a restart

[DonKlein]

I have a Dell Dimension 4700 with onboard graphics that sometimes hangs on restart. I first noticed it while reinstalling XP Pro when it did not restart after the first automatic reboot. That seems to rule out a software issue.

Now on occasion when selecting restart it shuts almost all the way down but does not restart and the power light remains on. I have reset the bios with out any effect. When it happens the diagnostic lights are yellow green yellow green indicating a possible graphics card failure. I installed a GeForce 6200 card and disabled the onboard graphics in the Device Manager. That also had no effect.

I looked for a way to disable the onboard graphics on the motherboard itself without any luck.

Ideas?

Don

 

[G0AOZ]

Initially three thoughts...

1) Overheating. Check the CPU heatsink isn't bunged up with dust and dirt, the cooling fan is working ok, and the heatsink assembly is seated correctly. If necessary, remove it, clean the CPU and heatsink mating surfaces, then apply a new fresh thin smear of heatsink compound, e.g. Artic Silver, etc.

2) PSU on its last legs. These units can deteriorate slowly, and when a sudden small increase in power is required on one or more of the voltage rails, it can't cope. Try temporarily replacing with a known good unit of the same or higher Wattage rating.

3) Inspect the motherboard for burst or bulging capacitors. See

http://www.badcaps.net/

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[Prydonian]

The DELL workstation and server BIOS automatically diasbles the onboard video when an added video card is detected.

The first thing I would try is to see if DELL has an update for your BIOS. If you use your service code on their website, you'll find all sorts of upgrades tailored for your particular configuration as it left the factory.

Mike, The IT Guy.

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a veteran!

 

[DonKlein]

The BIOS upgrade from A06 to A10 seems to have resolved the problem. Thank you both for the quick responses.

Don