Computer shuts down at initial Windows screen

doakh · 29 Dec 2016

My computer shuts down at the initial windows screen (hourglass). I have to try and restart the computer several times ( BIOS does not start ) before OS loads. Sometimes my BIOS has me reset it's settings.

I did a 'clean boot' by accessing System Configuration( msconfig ) and unchecking 'Load Startup Items' in the 'General' tab and 'Disable All' in the Services tab ( hide Microsoft services excluded ).

I did a restart with no problems. Everything I do works now, so do I just leave it and forgot about it?

Thanks

Windows 10 Pro, v1607, 64bit

Caledon Ken · 29 Dec 2016

Welcome to the TenForums.

If your Bios is forgetting settings it usually means that your CMOS battery is dying. Since you built it you should be able to identify and replace. I say CMOS battery. Some are the size of quarters, some for laptops come as sealed units with leads and some use a capacitor circuitry. You're the creator, you'll find it.

I recommend at a minimum replacing it. Then you can really see if you are having a software startup issue or a hardware issue.

spunk · 30 Dec 2016

If a Clean Boot works, then it is a driver or service issue.
Back in msconfig, enable one service or startup item restarting each time, until the computer shuts down on it's own. Then you know what the problematic software is

DAVEY JONES · 30 Dec 2016

I've had the same problem and never did find the cause but battery makes sense. Easy enough to test it.. What confounded me was why bios kept getting changed when this happened.

doakh · 30 Dec 2016

I change the CMOS battery and it stills shuts down. It seems to start easier, so the battery probably needed to be changed anyway as it is ~ 8 years old. I will try the 'clean boot' analysis as described above. After I changed the battery I am getting Error Code: 0x80070426, which is an activation problem. But under 'Activation' I am activated with a 'digital' license as was the case before.

I just ran 'clean boot' again and it restarted without any problems. Was there an update ~ a week ago that might have caused this?

Caledon Ken · 30 Dec 2016

Yes an eight year old battery is pushing it. For sure updates came out December13th, commonly known as Patch Tuesday, 2nd Tuesday of every month. Critical ones are released as required.

You can certainly work through msconfig as suggested. Splunk also mentioned drivers.

If isolation through msconfig fails I would restore my device to a point around December 6th. Then I would shut off driver updates by doing this. They can be re-enabled by answering Yes so no major risk.

Stop Windows Updating Drivers
Right click on Windows Start
Click on Control Panel
Click on System and Security
Click on System
Click on Advance system settings
Click on Hardware tab
Click on Device Installation Settings
Click on No
A menu appears (first time) click Never Install driver software.
You may get a warning. Click the option that says I’ll take care of it (not exact words)

Then you can do your window updates.

doakh · 01 Jan 2017

I decided to replace the PSU and it booted right up, so I will see what happens over the next few days. I need a PSU with extra long cables (24 pin & 8 pin for the motherboard). I have a Antec full tower with the PSU at the bottom, so a standard length is too short. I had a Zalman ZM850-HP, which had the extra long cables and was quiet. I really only need ~ 500W PSU. Any ideas?

Thanks for all your help.

Caledon Ken · 01 Jan 2017

I used a Corsair. I also need a long cable, and they had an extension cable for just such a problem. Not sure what electricity rates are in your area but we have a thing where we pay more during certain hours, like when you are awake. I went for efficiency.

Depending on what you are looking for in looks, that is not an issue for me, case is closed, you can get extensions from places like Newegg. I just typed in extension 24 pin and 72 of them appeared.