Fixes for long post times

[johnchase91]

Hey everyone,

I just installed Mass effect and the first time I loaded it I got a BSOD. I reloaded it, hoping it was a one time thing and got another BSOD and a memory dump message. This time when I restarted it it took 5-10 minutes to post. I tried keyboard commands to access the bios but nothing seemed to register. After loading up I installed new video drivers, but that doesn't seem to have any effect on the slow post times (i've restarted several times since and it's still taking 5-10 minutes). My buddy just gave me this comp, so I'm crossing my fingers that none of the hardware's fried, but if anyone has any suggestions they would be much appreciated. Below are my system specs.

Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz
Gigabyte P35-DS4
2X DDR2, PC2-6400 (400 MHz), 2048 MBytes, Corsair
XFX NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 (Build 2600)

 

[SJP0tato]

Try resetting the BIOS:

Unplug the computer from the outlet.
Pop out the button battery on the mobo.
Press the power button 4-5x (make SURE the computer is unplugged from the wall).
Wait 30 seconds.
Put the battery back in.
Plug the computer back in.

Try that first and report back.

 

[Swampster]

Hi John,

You haven't responded to the first suggestion, so we don't know if you still have a problem or if the CMOS reset worked.

Long POST times are usually caused by bad hardware, or conflicting cable attachments and/or conflicting jumper settings on your IDE devices. Try removing the data and power cable to all IDE devices one at a time and see it tries to POST.

If you don't get lucky on the first device, leave it disconnected and go to the next device on that channel. If still no joy, go to the next channel, leaving all from the first unplugged, etc. uintil you find the problem child.

Once located, plug the next previous one back in and try to POST, going backwards until you have all plugged in except the one that first allowed you to POST. This will confirm that you don't have multiple problems.

Let us know how you are coming so we can give further suggestions if needed.