(No BSOD) Desktop Freezes on Startup at the BIOS Screen; won't move on

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  1. Posts : 390
    Windows 10 Pro, Ver. 21H2 (OS Build 19044.1706)
       #1

    (No BSOD) Desktop Freezes on Startup at the BIOS Screen; won't move on


    Howdy Folks!
    My HP Phoenix is getting old but I've made several upgrades as needed: (Installed a new SSD Primary, changed to new matched 16 GB memory cards up from 8 GB, replaced one HDD, etc.) I'm not ready to give up on it yet!
    -
    The issue is it regularly freezes on startup at the BIOS screen before the keyboard and mouse are loaded. When this happens it requires 2-3 hard shutdowns before the keyboard becomes operational. I'm always able to finish the boot from there.
    -
    I'm looking for a hardware test to help identify the problem. I tried: run "Perfmon /rel" without getting any significant details. Other than that, once W10 loads I'm good for the rest of the day (sleeping when not in use).
    -
    Update:
    Today it wouldn't get past the BIOS screen at all. I checked the motherboard battery, re-seated 4 memory cards, checked connectors, etc. ... it is still "dead in the water".
    I've moved to my Laptop until I can find a solution for my Desktop.
    Much appreciation goes out in advance to all who read this post and for those with suggestions.
    Best,
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 173
    Windows 10 64bit
       #2

    Are you mixing memory modules? In other words are you using different kits of memory modules? Mixing modules from different kits can cause all sorts of problems. Install only 1 memory module and see if the computer is stable. If so then you know your memory modules are not compatible with each other. It is always best to use memory purchased in the same kit.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 390
    Windows 10 Pro, Ver. 21H2 (OS Build 19044.1706)
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi ram1220,

    I'm all set there, I ordered a matched set.
    Ballistix BLS4K4G3D18ADS3 Sport XT 16GB Kit 4GBx4 DDR3 1866 MT/s PC3-14900 CL10 at 1.5V UDIMM 240-Pin Memory.

    They have worked very well.

    Thanks for the suggestion!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 14,046
    Windows 11 Pro X64 22H2 22621.1848
       #4

    Try resetting CMOS. Disconnect power, remove the CMOS battery. Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds or so.

    Put the CMOS battery back, connect power and power up.

    You should get a Press F1 to continue, F2 to enter setup.

    If you get that far, press F2, load defaults, set date and time, save and exit.

    Edit: Also, use a flashlight and look very closely at the capacitors on the motherboard. See if any are bulging or leaking. If they are then the board is dead and needs to be replaced.

    Attachment 231829
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 390
    Windows 10 Pro, Ver. 21H2 (OS Build 19044.1706)
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks Ztruker,
    I have tried resetting the CMOS as you described, but nothing changed. It still loads (what I'm calling) the BIOS screen: A blue rectangle a bit smaller than the monitor with a large HP Logo in the center and "Press ESC for Startup Menu" but the keyboard doesn't get initialized so I can't do anything.
    -
    Thanks for the suggestion to look for blown caps on the motherboard; in the morning I'll take a long thorough look at all the components.
    Thx Again!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 14,046
    Windows 11 Pro X64 22H2 22621.1848
       #6

    What is connected to the computer? Disconnect everything except mouse, keyboard and a single display.
    If you have more than one hard drive, disconnect all except the boot drive. Get down to the most basic system you can.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 390
    Windows 10 Pro, Ver. 21H2 (OS Build 19044.1706)
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Good morning Rich,
    I couldn't find any blown caps nor did I see signs of damage to any other components (i.e. nothing burnt).
    No loose cables. I can confirm power to my USB ports but apparently no data: Flash drives light up then go dark.

    Do you have additional thoughts on other checks I can make?

    Thanks,
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 14,046
    Windows 11 Pro X64 22H2 22621.1848
       #8

    Did you disconnect everything you could?

    Remove half the RAM and try it. If still no go, swap removed and installed and try it again.
    Are there any other add-in cards? If yes, remove them unless needed, like video. Sound, additional USB, Modem, remove for now.

    As I mentioned before, get down to the most basic system you can, then see if it will boot.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 390
    Windows 10 Pro, Ver. 21H2 (OS Build 19044.1706)
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Hi Rich,
    * Disconnected 2 HDD's
    Result: No Change
    * Removed 2 of 4 UDIMM Cards
    Result: No Change
    * Swapped 2 UDIMM removed and installed
    Result: No Change
    * Only add-in cars is the graphics card
    * Internal Wi-Fi had been disconnected when changing to external 802.11ac Adapter (Not connected)
    FWIW: This issue started before the Wi-Fi upgrade.
    * Removed Front Audio and all Front USB's
    Result: No Change
    * Disconnected Optical Drive
    Result: No Change

    Thanks for staying with this!
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 14,046
    Windows 11 Pro X64 22H2 22621.1848
       #10

    Did you try removing half the ram? Do you have your old ram? If so, try removing the new and putting the old back.
    Do you have another PSU you could try?

    If none of this helps, sounds like the motherboard may have given up the ghost.
      My Computers


 

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