Randomly wont POST?

[Hakuryu]

Sometimes when I try to boot my computer, nothing happens. It's like it stops before reaching POST. Powering down then on again, or doing a reset always works to get it up and running, but I cant understand why sometimes it stops before the POST. This almost always happens when I shut my computer down for a few hours like when going to bed. If I just restart, or power down for a few minutes after being up a running and restart, I have no problems.

When powering down and up again to fix this, I always end up in bios with a message "Your computer failed to startup....check settings...", but if I reset I don't start in the bios... it starts up normally. All bios settings are correct.

I just put this computer together and this problem happened on the very first boot. Everything else seems to work fine, but I'm having problems with my cable (unstable connection) which I believe is an issue with my ISP (Comcast). I'm guessing it's either 1.) bad components or 2.)Power issue, but am open to any suggestions.

P4 2.4GHz Prescott
Asus P4S800
512MB PC2700 (generic)
Powercolor 9600 Pro 128MB
Audigy LS
350W PS (generic-came with case)
XP
All latest drivers/bios/etc.

 

[CraigRT]

Do you have another power supply you can test with?
it does sound like some sort of a power issue.

 

[Lonyo]

Had the same problem it was a PSU issue.
It started off vaguely OK, then slowly got worse until it wouldn't do anything at all.
A new PSU fixed it, but as said above, try and find a spare one to double check first.

 

[Hakuryu]

I neglected to mention that my previous comp used the same PSU... a P4 1.6GHz Williamete on a Abit SR7-8X with no problems (same memory/etc). I don't have another P4 PSU to test.

I'm planning on building my dream machine later this year... this one is just temporary for BF Vietnam (was only getting 15 fps on old rig). This one will probably go to a friend at that time. Am I safe running it the way it is, or is damage likely as a side result? It was < $200 for the upgrade (cpu and mobo) and I don't really want to spend any more money on a new PSU since I'm going to be buying a complete new rig worth of parts later.

If it is not safe, do you have any reccomendations(sp?) on a decent PSU < $50?

 

[imported_Phil]

Originally posted by: Hakuryu
I neglected to mention that my previous comp used the same PSU... a P4 1.6GHz Williamete on a Abit SR7-8X with no problems (same memory/etc). I don't have another P4 PSU to test.

However, you're using a Prescott (notoriously hot and power-hungry) with a generic thrown-in-with-the-case power supply.

Look to change it, and the problem should go away.

 

[Hakuryu]

Update :

Got the Thermaltake 480W PurePower, and the problem still exists.

After powering down for a while, the computer will not boot. Everything runs (fans), but no video signal to monitor, and no HDD action. If you restart or reset during this non-boot, it will boot up fine. Restarting from XP works fine.

I notice that 80% of the time I don't get the initial 'Beep' around the time BIOS loads (when you first start your computer). It seems totally random when I do get it. My CDRW seems to be accessing alot during boot (not set to boot to CD).

I'm out of ideas. The computer works fine when it boots, but this problem is driving me crazy. Anyone got any other advice?

 

[stevty2889]

Try re-seating your video card, ram, and CPU and make sure your IDE cables are in tight.

 

[duragezic]

I'd check the seating of the CPU and RAM (perhaps try different banks) to make sure they're snug. Maybe reset the CMOS?

 

[Operandi]

It's most likely an issue with the BIOS or CMOS. Clearing hte CMOS is good idea updating the BIOS might help.