Member Avatar for jlukasavige

I've had this problem before, but hit reset and it worked fine. This afternoon I can't get past this screen. It says detecting IDE drives... and just sits. I can't even hit Delete to enter BIOS. I've had overclock failures before and I go into BIOS and hit loda optimized defaults and that fixes that problem for a little while at least. I dont' know what's up with that either, but I can't get past that screen to do anything.

Is it a problem with overheating maybe?

I don't know how accurate it is, but here's what that screen lists for temps:

CPU:120
System: 91

CPU fan 5443 RPM

Thanks!

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Early-POST hangs like this usually come from an intermittent hardware fault: flaky drive/cable connections, corrupted BIOS settings, or a component making intermittent contact. 's suggestion to clear CMOS and 's note that the machine briefly booted after opening the case both point toward a hardware/connection issue rather than the OS.

Work through these checks in order so you can isolate the cause quickly:

  • Power down and unplug. Open the case and visually inspect for bowed or leaking capacitors, loose standoffs touching the board, or broken connectors.
  • Reseat and swap cables: remove and reattach both data and power leads to each drive. If possible, replace the IDE/data cable with a known-good spare and try a different motherboard channel.
  • Minimize the system: disconnect all nonessential drives and peripherals. Attempt to POST with only power, CPU, one stick of RAM, and one storage device attached.
  • Reset CMOS safely: use the motherboard clear-jumper or remove the coin cell for a few minutes. Note that this restores default BIOS values.
  • Test RAM and PSU: try one memory module at a time in the primary slot. If the PC is marginal, a weak PSU can cause early hangs — try another PSU if available.
  • If drives are suspected, test them externally (USB enclosure or in another PC) and run SMART checks. Back up important data promptly if a drive shows errors.

If opening the case repeatedly fixes it, suspect a loose cable, intermittent short, or failing connector; replace the cable and secure screws/standoffs. Avoid BIOS flashing until the system is stable. If these steps do not help, swapping in a known-good PSU or motherboard is the next practical diagnostic.

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Member Avatar for 'Stein

Several things:

1)

I've had overclock failures before

Are ya currently overclocking it?

2) I wouldnt always trust the temperature gauge built into the computer ;)

Member Avatar for jlukasavige

That's some great insight, but doesn't really help me any.

I did mean to write that I'm not overclocking it. Never have.

I don't trust the built in temp guages. I simply put that incase someone would have some actual insight into the problem.

Thanks for trying though.

Anyone else?

Member Avatar for 'Stein

Have ya tried removing/replacing the CMOS battery?

Member Avatar for jlukasavige

No, I just opened the case and all of a sudden it booted up. I'm thinking maybe the IDE cable is bad or for some reason was a bit loose. I didn't touch it when it booted up though and I'm not sure how it would get loose, I never touch the CPU.

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