PC Doesn't Restart Properly

[bevills1]

HP Pavilion 8674D that came with Win98se that was upgraded to WinXP SP3 doesn't restart properly, and the same problem is seen on newly formatted hard drive with Win98se installed and on the WinXP upgrade. The problem is exactly like the one posted at »www.computing.net/answers/window···866.html for which I've found no solution. Shut down works normally, but restart doesn't. Could the old HP have been designed that way, could there be some hardware problem, or does anybody know a solution to this problem?

[jagabo]

Get a Windows or Linux boot CD/DVD. Booting the disc (be sure your BIOS is set to boot the CD/DVD before the hard drive). If you can get as far as the desktop on the CD/DVD you have a software problem on your hard drive. If that's the case I would try a Windows repair reinstall.

[Bjs]

Remove the jumpers related to the startup button on the system case from the motherboard and simply short these out using a small screw driver to start the system.

Shut system down and repeat once more.

Should it work then you should replace the system case as it would indicate a bad startup button.

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While the case is open check for bulging capacitors ... these can be a sign the motherboard itself may be on the way out ... while these can be replaced ... it's 50/50 the system board is restored to normal

[bevills1]

It seems the problem has nothing to do with Windows because I find the same problem occurs exiting BIOS, i.e. upon exit from BIOS PC doesn't start as it should while remaining powered on and power button must be pressed until it turns off and then started by pressing power button again.

Also I noticed BIOS shows the floppy drive as "Legacy Drive A" and also has a Legacy Support option in BIOS. I believe this restart problem is due to Legacy hardware for which there may be no fix, and best option may be to select "Turn Off" instead of restart and press the power button to start when a restart is needed in this circumstance.

[Nelson37]

When it fails, EXACTLY what does it do? Does selecting Restart in Windows result in a normal shutdown and power off? What happens when you leave BIOS?

The link you posted gives absolutely zero useful information. Attempting to reset by a menu, or using the reset button?

Many older systems, such as the age of what you have there, do not properly respond to software restart procedures.

[Bjs]

Unfortunately legacy devices cannot be removed only disabled ... and developer's don't want to re-write the entire code from scratch.

Confirm power management is set to "Home/office desktop" ... and not "energy star"