Computer doesn't reboot itself

Discussion in 'Software' started by thisisu, Sep 13, 2006.

  1. thisisu

    thisisu Malware Consultant

    Hey,
    I built my 1st computer, and I've always had one small problem with it. For some reason, whenever you go to [Start -> Turn Off Computer -> Reboot] it doesn't reboot on its own. Windows XP Pro shuts down, but the computer doesn't actually turn off completely. It just waits there, and I've let it stay like that for an hour or two (went out and did some errands) and when I came back, it still had not done anything new. No reboot, nothing.. It's not a big problem to manually hit the restart key on my computer case, but if someone could help me out with this, I'd appreciate it. I've been dealing with this for about 8 months now. I figure if anybody knows how to fix this problem, it would be somebody from here :) Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
     
    thisisu, Sep 13, 2006
    #1
  2. theefool

    theefool Geekified

    So, then you have two issues? Or am I misreading something?

    So, the computer will not shutdown, or reboot?

    First thing I'd do, is reboot into safemode, then try a shutdown or reboot.

    2nd thing is, if this is your first computer that you built, I'd reset the bios to factory defaults.
     
    theefool, Sep 13, 2006
    #2
  3. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    If windows shuts down, but the computer itself doesn't ...would suggest you look at the motherboard manual ...sounds like there is a connection missing thru the on/off connection.
     
    TimW, Sep 13, 2006
    #3
  4. thisisu

    thisisu Malware Consultant

    it just won't reboot on it's own after instructed to or deemed necessary (like after installing windows updates). i'm kind of afraid to mess with the bios again, i had a friend help me over the phone, but i guess i COULD try it. ty for your suggestion.
     
    thisisu, Sep 13, 2006
    #4
  5. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    Make a note of the bios settings ...then it's usuall one key to reset to default and save ...but would also double check your manual.
     
    TimW, Sep 13, 2006
    #5
  6. thisisu

    thisisu Malware Consultant

    new information: the computer DOES reboot as instructed to do so WHILE IN SAFE MODE. just not in normal mode.

    tim: will check out the inside of the pc again.
     
    thisisu, Sep 13, 2006
    #6
  7. theefool

    theefool Geekified

    Try:

    http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.php

    Another item to look into, is the following (temp fix):

    Click START, then RUN, then type in: msconfig (press enter)
    Click the radial button (.) Selective startup
    Uncheck the box [ ] Startup Items.
    Press OK, press Yes, to reboot.

    Do, this, if the BIOS checks out ok. Or before. Your call. :)
     
    theefool, Sep 13, 2006
    #7
  8. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    And more ....if you need additional tasks to keep you occupied for the evening:

    Reboot or shut down PC quickly

    For a one-click method to quickly shut down or reboot your system without the fuss of going through the Start menu, make use of the Shutdown command, a command line utility in XP.

    Here's how you can set up a restart button on your desktop:

    1. Create a shortcut (Right-click on desktop, select New > Shortcut).

    2. For location, type the following:

    shutdown -r -t 0

    3. Click Next, enter a name for the shortcut ("Restart" is appropriate), and click Finish.

    When you click your Restart shortcut, Windows XP will reboot *automagically*!

    The "-r" switch tells XP to reboot. If you'd like the shortcut to shut off your PC instead, change it to "-s"; to simply log off, change it to "-l". The "-t 0" sets the timeout (in seconds), so up this value if you find the need for it. To force running applications to close, add "-f" -- be careful with this one!

    For more information on Shutdown, type "shutdown" in a command prompt window (Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt), or search for Shutdown in Windows XP's Help and Support Center.
     
    TimW, Sep 13, 2006
    #8
  9. thisisu

    thisisu Malware Consultant

    theefool: i skimmed through that website you posted. it seemed to just list reasons why your computer won't shutdown. i'm only having a problem with my computer starting back up once i hit "reboot". i also tried the temp fix, which didn't do anything. but i noticed what it did, it unchecked any startup programs in my msconfig. i still haven't done the restore to factory defaults in BIOS yet.

    tim: i tried your shortcut method to rebooting (nice by the way!) and i opened up the pc, examined it thorougly, reread parts of the manual that pertained to the subject. everything seems fine inside the case.

    REMINDER: the pc starts up when instructed to reboot while in safemode. anything significant about that?

    anyways, i'm going to try the last method you two have suggested: restoring bios to factory defaults. bbiab (hopefully)
     
    thisisu, Sep 13, 2006
    #9
  10. thisisu

    thisisu Malware Consultant

    UPDATE: when i reverted back to bios defaults, the computer restarted properly. Issue resolved!!! Thanks a lot guys, really appreciate all your help on this :-D
     
    thisisu, Sep 13, 2006
    #10
  11. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    So the short cut worked in normal mode? ....but it did not turn off the computer itself?
    Definetly do theefools suggestion to reset bios.
    Report back.

    Oh ...already back .....way to go theefool!!
     
    TimW, Sep 13, 2006
    #11
  12. thisisu

    thisisu Malware Consultant

    - correct :)
     
    thisisu, Sep 13, 2006
    #12
  13. theefool

    theefool Geekified

    I'd go back an select normal startup in msconfig.

    Interesting that setting bios defaults fixed your issue. I wonder what you may have set (or may not have set), to fix this issue. The world may never know. :)

    Good Job!
     
    theefool, Sep 13, 2006
    #13
  14. theefool

    theefool Geekified

    Every once in awhile, I can suggest something that works. ;)
     
    theefool, Sep 13, 2006
    #14

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