[dba-Tech] Another Puzzle - computer doesn't boot all the way

Hi Tina:

Check the BIOS to see what setting you have on the "over-heating" issue. 

Some BIOS will automatically shut down your computer when it over-heats.
That over heating can be caused with a fan, either CPU fan or one for an
onboard built-in video chip fans. Even if the fans are working sometimes so
much dust gets into grooves of the heat-sink, or between the cooling
assembly and the chip that heat just can not disperse properly.

Note: 
1. If you do remove the fan assemble, to clean it you should replace the
heat-sink compound. (If you do not know; that is the paste that is placed on
top of the chips so the chip and fan assemble can transfer heat property
between them.)
2. Make sure the fans are running steadily and quickly. Sometimes dust and
grit can cause them to not work properly. Carefully removing the lable (and
replacing it...should be a perfect seal), on top of the fan, can gain you
access to the fan bearing and a very small drop of three-in-one oil can do
wonders.
3. You can also use a Can-of-air to blow away dust and dirt in small places
around the fan assembles; just remember to have the computer turned off and
cool before using the Air as the cold blast can damage a hot chip.

HTH
Jim



-----Original Message-----
From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
[mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Tina Norris
Fields
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2011 7:49 AM
To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues
Subject: [dba-Tech] Another Puzzle - computer doesn't boot all the way

Hello Friends,

Well, since we've solved the puzzle for the Fields-Family computer, I 
can get back to one I was working on earlier.

The patient is an IBM NetVista computer.  I have a family member with 
access to a sort of electronics junkyard, where discarded items go, many 
of which are still quite usable, but may need a little updating, and 
most of which have been discarded simply to make room for newer 
equipment.  The NetVista computer came from that source.  The operating 
system is WinXP SP3 - I did the installation of the operating system - I 
set up the user accounts - I installed OpenOffice software - I installed 
Vipre -I was working on the updates for all the software and the OS, and 
all seemed to be fine until I got to one of the final updates and had to 
reboot the system, and it wouldn't reboot.

I don't have the same detailed notes on this that I make when I know I'm 
dealing with a puzzle - I thought this was working perfectly - so, the 
sequence of events is no longer clear.  However, the POST was wrong - 
rather than the single beep, there was a series of beeps (4 or 5 in a 
row).  Looking up what that might mean, I found what I thought was the 
most likely culprit - a failing power supply.  If it doesn't send a good 
power signal, the system won't boot.  So, I bought a nice new power 
supply - the precise model called for by the NetVista specs - and 
installed it.  Booted right up.  Yay!  I continued working on the full 
setup of this machine, and had it running for probably an hour when I 
got to another reboot - and it wouldn't.  Same exact symptom.  The power 
comes on, the initial screen is displayed, and nothing more happens at 
all.  I put the computer aside for a while, because I had other things 
to tend to.

A month later I came back to the sleuthing.  Could be the CR2032 
battery, after all, the machine is ancient.  So, I replaced that.  
Booted right up.  Yay!  Continue setting things up just the way I will 
want them for a student computer in my little classroom.  The system 
seems to be running just fine, until I reach another needed restart.  
Won't boot.  Same exact symptom.  Power on, initial screen is displayed, 
and nothing more happens at all, no matter how long I wait - waited five 
hours just to be sure.

So, I think there is a thermal issue here.  When the computer warms up, 
the reboot does not work.  If I let the sucker sit for a week, it'll 
probably boot for me again just fine. 

Now, one of the NetVistas I already had running reliably, has developed 
the same apparent symptom.  Reboot starts, but hangs at the display of 
the opening screen.

Have you seen this symptom?  Is it likely a thermal issue?  Does it 
sound like a failing solder joint?  Does it sound like a failing 
switch?  Any ideas?

Thanks,
T

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