Boot/Startup problem 2

A few weeks ago Tech-Master and Ferret were kind enough to assist me with an intermittent start/bootup problem which was eventually identified as a rogue USB hub. This was quickly replaced and the problem disappeared.

However, the problem has recently returned, and now, even if I unplug all USB devices from all the four USB slots in the system unit, the PC still intermittently 'hangs' during the start/bootup procedure.

Sometimes, just as an experiment, I leave one or two USB devices plugged in while attempting a reboot. Sometimes the PC boots up normally, at other times it 'hangs' part way through. It really is an intermittent fault.

Would I be correct in next looking to replace one or both 256Mb memory modules or is the power supply unit more likely the problem?

Just to check the USB problem again I'd try going to device manager and scroll down to Universal Serial Bus controllers. On all the 'usb root hub' in the list right click---properties---power management tab---and untick 'allow the computer to turn off this device to save power'.
Next log off and disconnect PC from mains. Press and hold the power button for about 30 seconds to discharge the circuits Reboot and see how it goes.
If that fails run a memtest; http://www.memtest.org/ , have a read and I prefer to use the Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip) option. (If problem try re-seating both ram cards).
If memory is good and fault is still there try re-seating graphics card. Borrow another one if you possibly can just to check.
If all fails it would seem that the PSU might be faulty or not quite powerful enough.

Thank you, Fabler, for your suggestions regarding my continuing boot/Startup problems on my PC.

I accessed Device Manager and unchecked the boxes in USB properties, (why are they default ticked in the first instance?) I then switched off and disconnected the PC from the mains altogether. I pressed the start button for at least 30 seconds and then switched on again.

Everything booted up as normal. Result!

Trouble was, the next time I tried to boot up, under exactly the same conditions, it hung part way through. The intermittent fault strikes again.

So, following your further suggestion, I downloaded the ISO version of the memtest program, burned it to a CD and booted from that, in order to test the memory. I could not find any guidance as to how the utility operates, so I just let it do its own thing.

Trouble was, it seemed pretty slow and I had no idea when the test would ever be completed. Eventually, after nine (yes, nine) hours of constant activity involving 17 passes (whatever they are), there were no recorded errors at all. So, I stopped the test at that point as I wanted to get back to using my computer. (Would the test ever have come to an end if left to its own devices?)

From this I think it is fair to say that the 512Mb of memory in my machine is not causing the intermittent Boot/Startup problem.

The power supply is the next possible source of trouble. It is rated at 250w and is powering two hard drives, two DVD drives, four USB ports (one of which is connected to a powered four port USB hub), a 3½" floppy and, of course, the motherboard. The PSU has worked well for over two years, but is it still possible that it could be responsible for my boot/startup problem? Do PSUs deteriorate over time, which could account for the gradual onset of this situation? Or do they just suddenly stop working?

Thanks again, Michael 187

I usually let memtest run for a couple of hours at most so at nine hours I think your ram is ok ! The PSU looks to me to be under powered for what it's running. Another possible heavy user could be a GPU card.Have you upgraded the graphics card lately? PSU's can deteriorate or just pack-up. Maybe replacing it with a higher wattage one will cure it. Sorry can't be more helpful than that, but that's what I'd try next.

Thanks very much to Fabler for your much appreciated advice.

I was about to get a new PSU with a higher wattage rating, thinking that my existing 250w version must be getting overloaded, when I had a bit of a problem with my scanner, resulting in my unplugging all my USB devices except for my mouse and scanner, to allow me to get on with some important scan jobs.

After the scanning was done I replugged all the other USB devices into the slots, powered down and walked away. The following day when I attempted a boot up, (expecting all sorts of problems as previously notified), I was surprised to find that the whole setup booted up with no problem at all. Even my mouse worked straight away, whereas for two years previously, I'd had to unplug, then replug the USB connector, every time after bootup, in order for the mouse to work at all.

My earlier start/bootup problem has disappeared. The PC works flawlessly - better than it has done for years, yet in effect, all I did was unplug all the USB connectors, then plug them all back in.

I cannot understand why this should be. It's no wonder people regard computers as having a mind of their own, etc. I like to think that I have a scientific approach to problem-solving, but this sort of sudden inexplicable 'cure' surely defies logic.

That's a good result. Wonder if it's a combination of turning off the savepower option and removing all the usb devices and reconnecting them? Thanks for the feedback.