Is it hardware problem?

[satimis]

Hi folks,

Intel PIII
Ubuntu 7.04 desktop.


I just discovered my PC starts very slow, hanging on memory test, hardware detecting, etc. Finally it boots with Ubuntu running w/o problem.

Would it be a hardware problem? It is time for this old PC to retire?

Please advise how to check the problem and fix it. TIA


B.R.
satimis

[Lazydog]

I guess it would depend on what you are using it for. I have an old PIII 700 here working as a firewall/router and it doesn't take long to boot at all.

When you say long time it a matter of perception. To one what seems slow is fast or normal to another.

What kind of time are we talking?
What all do you have installed?

[satimis]

I guess it would depend on what you are using it for. I have an old PIII 700 here working as a firewall/router and it doesn't take long to boot at all.

When you say long time it a matter of perception. To one what seems slow is fast or normal to another.

What kind of time are we talking?
What all do you have installed?

Thanks for your advice.

I think it is the problem of motherboard, Abits BE6. I can't start BIOS to change settings and boot sequency. Pressing [Del] on keyboard has no response. Tried changing an USB/PS2 keyboard without improvement. Both USB and PS2 ports did not work on keyboard. However USB ports worked on printer and USB mouse. I can't start memory test on CD.

It hangs long time after checking memory and hangs again on starting immediate after memory test. Hareware check does not hang too long time.

Any advice? Ubuntu starts and works without problem.


B.R.
satimis

[rcgreen]

I'd be worried about not being able to get into the BIOS.
It's probably a symptom of the same problem. Try flashing the BIOS.
It may be the problem. Anyway you have little to lose. Without
access to BIOS setup, you will eventually find yourself stuck
with an unusable computer.

[romeNY]

is the pIII a cartridge or socket, cartridges will sometime work themselves out of the slot. make sure its sitting all the way in and reboot.

[satimis]

Hi folks,


It is quite funny here. I can evoke BIOS now. It does not hang at boot anymore. But it won't start memory seft-test. I haven't touched any hardward inside the box.


satimis