jonjo wrote:
> II have Dell Dimension 4700 Windows XP SP2....when I switch on my computer
> instead of starting normally it goes through the procedure at lighning speed
> but stops before it gets to the sign in password screen. I just get a black
> screen. I then have to turn off manually by pressing the power switch. I wait
> about 5 seconds and power up again and it starts normally. Can anyone tell me
> what I need to do to rectify this as I understand it is not good to turn of
> the computer manually. I only have to do this everytime I try to start in the
> first place. Thanking you in advance.


check the BIOS..for hard drive detect timeout

also uncheck the fast start in BIOS,
gives more time to test components.

if usb devices connected then also
allow more time for them (usb detect time)

double check the hdd settings and perhaps
switch from autodetect to detect and set.

one more is whether interrupts are assisgned
by OS or by BIOS (irq settings..yes / no)

if you get this far..
make sure parts in case well seated,
some moving or banging about could
unsettle them a bit, but likely above
did the trick. let us know.

hth