Very slow boot on HP A307x with XP

I'm trying to help a client with his new computer. When he turns it
on, the HP Invent screen comes on and stays there for at least five
minutes. Eventually, the computer begins to load XP and seems to work
fine after that. It's as though there's a problem with the BIOS.

Anyone have a similar problem? Any suggestions? I found a BIOS
upgrade at the HP site, but didn't check the BIOS version while I was
there.




ben

"atDFN" <> wrote in message
news: s.com...
> I'm trying to help a client with his new computer. When he turns it
> on, the HP Invent screen comes on and stays there for at least five
> minutes. Eventually, the computer begins to load XP and seems to
work
> fine after that. It's as though there's a problem with the BIOS.
>
> Anyone have a similar problem? Any suggestions? I found a BIOS
> upgrade at the HP site, but didn't check the BIOS version while I
was
> there.
>
>
>
>
> ben
>

You mean this system:
http://h20015.www2.hp.com/hub_search...Name=c00041243

My guess would be that due to the amount of programs in the startup
which results in the slower than expected start up.
With the speed listed and the devices and such I would say it takes
about 2-3 minutes tops. Time it and see.

You could use a bios update but make sure since this is a newer
computer that it is not already at that bios update.
I have HP's BIOS updates very easy to install.

Elector

Yes, that's the system. The delay happens, however, before the
operating system even begins to load. I used msconfig to see what was
being loaded and had it load a minimal amount. The time to boot was
still at least five minutes. Sorry, I have an XP computer and the
boot time is no more than 1 minute.

I've downloaded the bios upgrade and will check to see if this one's
newer. However, this has to be the computer's own preload. I can
hear a click, then the operating system begins to load. None of those
other programs can even begin to load until the OS loads.

This guy's son has the same problem with his computer.




ben


On Tue, 30 Dec 2003 02:40:30 GMT, "Elector" <>
wrote:

>
>"atDFN" <> wrote in message
>news: ws.com...
>> I'm trying to help a client with his new computer. When he turns it
>> on, the HP Invent screen comes on and stays there for at least five
>> minutes. Eventually, the computer begins to load XP and seems to
>work
>> fine after that. It's as though there's a problem with the BIOS.
>>
>> Anyone have a similar problem? Any suggestions? I found a BIOS
>> upgrade at the HP site, but didn't check the BIOS version while I
>was
>> there.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ben
>>
>
>You mean this system:
>http://h20015.www2.hp.com/hub_search...Name=c00041243
>
>My guess would be that due to the amount of programs in the startup
>which results in the slower than expected start up.
>With the speed listed and the devices and such I would say it takes
>about 2-3 minutes tops. Time it and see.
>
>You could use a bios update but make sure since this is a newer
>computer that it is not already at that bios update.
>I have HP's BIOS updates very easy to install.
>
>Elector
>

"atDFN" <> wrote in message
news: s.com...
> Yes, that's the system. The delay happens, however, before the
> operating system even begins to load. I used msconfig to see what
was
> being loaded and had it load a minimal amount. The time to boot was
> still at least five minutes. Sorry, I have an XP computer and the
> boot time is no more than 1 minute.
>
> I've downloaded the bios upgrade and will check to see if this one's
> newer. However, this has to be the computer's own preload. I can
> hear a click, then the operating system begins to load. None of
those
> other programs can even begin to load until the OS loads.
>
> This guy's son has the same problem with his computer.
>
>
>
>
> ben
>
>
> On Tue, 30 Dec 2003 02:40:30 GMT, "Elector" <>
> wrote:
>
> >
> >"atDFN" <> wrote in message
> >news: ws.com...
> >> I'm trying to help a client with his new computer. When he turns
it
> >> on, the HP Invent screen comes on and stays there for at least
five
> >> minutes. Eventually, the computer begins to load XP and seems to
> >work
> >> fine after that. It's as though there's a problem with the BIOS.
> >>
> >> Anyone have a similar problem? Any suggestions? I found a BIOS
> >> upgrade at the HP site, but didn't check the BIOS version while I
> >was
> >> there.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> ben
> >>
> >
> >You mean this system:
>
>http://h20015.www2.hp.com/hub_search...en&docName=c00
041243
> >
> >My guess would be that due to the amount of programs in the startup
> >which results in the slower than expected start up.
> >With the speed listed and the devices and such I would say it takes
> >about 2-3 minutes tops. Time it and see.
> >
> >You could use a bios update but make sure since this is a newer
> >computer that it is not already at that bios update.
> >I have HP's BIOS updates very easy to install.
> >
> >Elector
> >
>

Do me a favor, go to http://www.belarc.com and download the belarc
advisor. When I had that problem of the click at start up (not the
normal setting of the platens sound) I was informed via a system check
that I had a bad hard drive.

I also use Windows XP on my lap top HP ZE4420US and my home build and
it takes 1-2 minutes on the lap top and 1-2 minutes on the home build.
Maybe because I have the password set to activate on start up.
Sometimes it could be faster I never look at my watch.

By the way I purchased a newer HD and the HP lap top loads pretty
quick now. Belarc will let you know how the hard drive is and will
tell you what the SMART codes are for your Hard Drive if need be.

Elector

Thanks. I'm downloading the advisor now. You're right, a flaky hard
drive could give the same impression at startup. I've just never,
ever seen a computer take this load to boot--and that includes some
much slower processors.

I'm always looking for new utilities to check things out. I'll try it
on my own computers first.

I'll also let you know what I find out about this guys computer.



ben



On Tue, 30 Dec 2003 03:29:02 GMT, "Elector" <>
wrote:

>
>"atDFN" <> wrote in message
>news: ws.com...
>> Yes, that's the system. The delay happens, however, before the
>> operating system even begins to load. I used msconfig to see what
>was
>> being loaded and had it load a minimal amount. The time to boot was
>> still at least five minutes. Sorry, I have an XP computer and the
>> boot time is no more than 1 minute.
>>
>> I've downloaded the bios upgrade and will check to see if this one's
>> newer. However, this has to be the computer's own preload. I can
>> hear a click, then the operating system begins to load. None of
>those
>> other programs can even begin to load until the OS loads.
>>
>> This guy's son has the same problem with his computer.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ben
>>
>>
>> On Tue, 30 Dec 2003 02:40:30 GMT, "Elector" <>
>> wrote:
>>
>> >
>> >"atDFN" <> wrote in message
>> >news: ws.com...
>> >> I'm trying to help a client with his new computer. When he turns
>it
>> >> on, the HP Invent screen comes on and stays there for at least
>five
>> >> minutes. Eventually, the computer begins to load XP and seems to
>> >work
>> >> fine after that. It's as though there's a problem with the BIOS.
>> >>
>> >> Anyone have a similar problem? Any suggestions? I found a BIOS
>> >> upgrade at the HP site, but didn't check the BIOS version while I
>> >was
>> >> there.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> ben
>> >>
>> >
>> >You mean this system:
>>
>>http://h20015.www2.hp.com/hub_search...en&docName=c00
>041243
>> >
>> >My guess would be that due to the amount of programs in the startup
>> >which results in the slower than expected start up.
>> >With the speed listed and the devices and such I would say it takes
>> >about 2-3 minutes tops. Time it and see.
>> >
>> >You could use a bios update but make sure since this is a newer
>> >computer that it is not already at that bios update.
>> >I have HP's BIOS updates very easy to install.
>> >
>> >Elector
>> >
>>
>
>Do me a favor, go to http://www.belarc.com and download the belarc
>advisor. When I had that problem of the click at start up (not the
>normal setting of the platens sound) I was informed via a system check
>that I had a bad hard drive.
>
>I also use Windows XP on my lap top HP ZE4420US and my home build and
>it takes 1-2 minutes on the lap top and 1-2 minutes on the home build.
>Maybe because I have the password set to activate on start up.
>Sometimes it could be faster I never look at my watch.
>
>By the way I purchased a newer HD and the HP lap top loads pretty
>quick now. Belarc will let you know how the hard drive is and will
>tell you what the SMART codes are for your Hard Drive if need be.
>
>Elector
>

This guy doesn't know anything about computers. He tells me this is
the way it's been since day one (and I believe him). I looked at the
BIOS and discovered that it was set to look at a removable drive first
for the operating system. I changed that to look at the harddrive
first, but it didn't make any difference in the bootup time.

The BIOS appears to recognize the hard drive and CD and DVD correctly.
I may open the case tomorrow to make sure everything is seated
correctly. There's nothing to say that something became loose during
shipping.



ben


On Mon, 29 Dec 2003 22:12:14 -0600, "craigm" <>
wrote:

>
>"Elector" <> wrote in message
>news:2i6Ib.93400$.. .
>>
>> "atDFN" <> wrote in message
>> news: s.com...
>> > Yes, that's the system. The delay happens, however, before the
>> > operating system even begins to load. I used msconfig to see what
>> was
>> > being loaded and had it load a minimal amount. The time to boot was
>> > still at least five minutes. Sorry, I have an XP computer and the
>> > boot time is no more than 1 minute.
>> >
>> > I've downloaded the bios upgrade and will check to see if this one's
>> > newer. However, this has to be the computer's own preload. I can
>> > hear a click, then the operating system begins to load. None of
>> those
>> > other programs can even begin to load until the OS loads.
>> >
>> > This guy's son has the same problem with his computer.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > ben
>> >
>> >
>> > On Tue, 30 Dec 2003 02:40:30 GMT, "Elector" <>
>> > wrote:
>> >
>> > >
>> > >"atDFN" <> wrote in message
>> > >news: ws.com...
>> > >> I'm trying to help a client with his new computer. When he turns
>> it
>> > >> on, the HP Invent screen comes on and stays there for at least
>> five
>> > >> minutes. Eventually, the computer begins to load XP and seems to
>> > >work
>> > >> fine after that. It's as though there's a problem with the BIOS.
>> > >>
>> > >> Anyone have a similar problem? Any suggestions? I found a BIOS
>> > >> upgrade at the HP site, but didn't check the BIOS version while I
>> > >was
>> > >> there.
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >> ben
>> > >>
>> > >
>> > >You mean this system:
>> >
>> >http://h20015.www2.hp.com/hub_search...en&docName=c00
>> 041243
>> > >
>> > >My guess would be that due to the amount of programs in the startup
>> > >which results in the slower than expected start up.
>> > >With the speed listed and the devices and such I would say it takes
>> > >about 2-3 minutes tops. Time it and see.
>> > >
>> > >You could use a bios update but make sure since this is a newer
>> > >computer that it is not already at that bios update.
>> > >I have HP's BIOS updates very easy to install.
>> > >
>> > >Elector
>> > >
>> >
>>
>> Do me a favor, go to http://www.belarc.com and download the belarc
>> advisor. When I had that problem of the click at start up (not the
>> normal setting of the platens sound) I was informed via a system check
>> that I had a bad hard drive.
>>
>> I also use Windows XP on my lap top HP ZE4420US and my home build and
>> it takes 1-2 minutes on the lap top and 1-2 minutes on the home build.
>> Maybe because I have the password set to activate on start up.
>> Sometimes it could be faster I never look at my watch.
>>
>> By the way I purchased a newer HD and the HP lap top loads pretty
>> quick now. Belarc will let you know how the hard drive is and will
>> tell you what the SMART codes are for your Hard Drive if need be.
>>
>> Elector
>>
>>
>
>Has anyone changed jumpers on the HDD or CD drives, or changed the ribbon
>cables? If the BIOS is trying to discover an incorrectly configured IDE
>device, you may have to wait for it to time out. This can be many minutes.
>
>craigm
>

"Elector" <> wrote in message
news:2i6Ib.93400$...
>
> "atDFN" <> wrote in message
> news: s.com...
> > Yes, that's the system. The delay happens, however, before the
> > operating system even begins to load. I used msconfig to see what
> was
> > being loaded and had it load a minimal amount. The time to boot was
> > still at least five minutes. Sorry, I have an XP computer and the
> > boot time is no more than 1 minute.
> >
> > I've downloaded the bios upgrade and will check to see if this one's
> > newer. However, this has to be the computer's own preload. I can
> > hear a click, then the operating system begins to load. None of
> those
> > other programs can even begin to load until the OS loads.
> >
> > This guy's son has the same problem with his computer.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ben
> >
> >
> > On Tue, 30 Dec 2003 02:40:30 GMT, "Elector" <>
> > wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >"atDFN" <> wrote in message
> > >news: ws.com...
> > >> I'm trying to help a client with his new computer. When he turns
> it
> > >> on, the HP Invent screen comes on and stays there for at least
> five
> > >> minutes. Eventually, the computer begins to load XP and seems to
> > >work
> > >> fine after that. It's as though there's a problem with the BIOS.
> > >>
> > >> Anyone have a similar problem? Any suggestions? I found a BIOS
> > >> upgrade at the HP site, but didn't check the BIOS version while I
> > >was
> > >> there.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> ben
> > >>
> > >
> > >You mean this system:
> >
> >http://h20015.www2.hp.com/hub_search...en&docName=c00
> 041243
> > >
> > >My guess would be that due to the amount of programs in the startup
> > >which results in the slower than expected start up.
> > >With the speed listed and the devices and such I would say it takes
> > >about 2-3 minutes tops. Time it and see.
> > >
> > >You could use a bios update but make sure since this is a newer
> > >computer that it is not already at that bios update.
> > >I have HP's BIOS updates very easy to install.
> > >
> > >Elector
> > >
> >
>
> Do me a favor, go to http://www.belarc.com and download the belarc
> advisor. When I had that problem of the click at start up (not the
> normal setting of the platens sound) I was informed via a system check
> that I had a bad hard drive.
>
> I also use Windows XP on my lap top HP ZE4420US and my home build and
> it takes 1-2 minutes on the lap top and 1-2 minutes on the home build.
> Maybe because I have the password set to activate on start up.
> Sometimes it could be faster I never look at my watch.
>
> By the way I purchased a newer HD and the HP lap top loads pretty
> quick now. Belarc will let you know how the hard drive is and will
> tell you what the SMART codes are for your Hard Drive if need be.
>
> Elector
>
>

Has anyone changed jumpers on the HDD or CD drives, or changed the ribbon
cables? If the BIOS is trying to discover an incorrectly configured IDE
device, you may have to wait for it to time out. This can be many minutes.

craigm

"atDFN" <> wrote in message
news: s.com...
> Thanks. I'm downloading the advisor now. You're right, a flaky
hard
> drive could give the same impression at startup. I've just never,
> ever seen a computer take this load to boot--and that includes some
> much slower processors.
>
> I'm always looking for new utilities to check things out. I'll try
it
> on my own computers first.
>
> I'll also let you know what I find out about this guys computer.
>
>
>
> ben

Not a problem. Glad to have helped?

You ought to see the fight I am in to get HP to give me a new hard
drive under warranty. They want me to send the whole unit in for a
hard drive replacement that I already did myself. I told them the
weight of the machine is 7.5 lbs. and the weight of the Hard Drive is
1-2 Oz. and they insist that I send the whole thing back. HP's service
has been the worst I have ever experienced.

First it was a malfunctioning Touchpad (I noted they have an updated
driver for that problem now), then the hard drive was a code 10 and
they could not figure out what that meant, then the morons now want to
have me send the whole unit in for a hard drive replacement that took
me 5-10 Minutes to do.

HP is still listed at the bottom when it comes to service and support
and that will not bode well with their sales. Thank god.


Elector

I know what you mean. I'm hoping to avoid HP's support for this guy.
I worked for Gateway for a short while, but quit after I saw not only
their lousy support but just how poorly they treated their customers.
From what I hear, Dell has the support thing right.



ben


On Tue, 30 Dec 2003 04:12:42 GMT, "Elector" <>
wrote:

>
>"atDFN" <> wrote in message
>news: ws.com...
>> Thanks. I'm downloading the advisor now. You're right, a flaky
>hard
>> drive could give the same impression at startup. I've just never,
>> ever seen a computer take this load to boot--and that includes some
>> much slower processors.
>>
>> I'm always looking for new utilities to check things out. I'll try
>it
>> on my own computers first.
>>
>> I'll also let you know what I find out about this guys computer.
>>
>>
>>
>> ben
>
>Not a problem. Glad to have helped?
>
>You ought to see the fight I am in to get HP to give me a new hard
>drive under warranty. They want me to send the whole unit in for a
>hard drive replacement that I already did myself. I told them the
>weight of the machine is 7.5 lbs. and the weight of the Hard Drive is
>1-2 Oz. and they insist that I send the whole thing back. HP's service
>has been the worst I have ever experienced.
>
>First it was a malfunctioning Touchpad (I noted they have an updated
>driver for that problem now), then the hard drive was a code 10 and
>they could not figure out what that meant, then the morons now want to
>have me send the whole unit in for a hard drive replacement that took
>me 5-10 Minutes to do.
>
>HP is still listed at the bottom when it comes to service and support
>and that will not bode well with their sales. Thank god.
>
>
>Elector
>

"atDFN" <> wrote in message
news: s.com...
> I know what you mean. I'm hoping to avoid HP's support for this
guy.
> I worked for Gateway for a short while, but quit after I saw not
only
> their lousy support but just how poorly they treated their
customers.
> From what I hear, Dell has the support thing right.
>
>
>
> ben


The Dell support for my work is excellent. (Business Class) They
overnight the part to us and we replace the faulty device ourselves.
Then ship the older or defective part back to them at no cost either
way. On Home computer sales they don't fair too well.

Support is directed to India where the screen readers are hard to
understand. HP also employs them and has the same problems.

The techs will have you do this and do that and they try as hard as
they can to make the customer fix the problem, even if it means
opening the machine and or reformatting or some other such rot. It you
refuse to cooperate with the support people on the telephone they will
not assist you further.

On the HP support side they do the following:

Calls to the service centers take anywhere from 40-60 minutes to get
someone to answer the call and open a case for you.

The online email is web based and they answer you within a few hours
during the week days but the reply to the email is non existent. They
ask you to reply but neglect to inform you that any email sent back is
returned. I have the proof of this for all to see.
So this option is useless.

Now we come to the online chat feature where they ask the same
questions over and over again. Your name, your serial number, your
model number, your telephone number, your street address and then will
take forever to reply to you. They then say to tell them the problem
and they keep saying Please Hold, I did this and got no service
what-so-ever since the idiot on the other end kept asking for the same
information I previously gave and then went into la la land when it
came to a direct question(s) and often stated that he was trying to
assist and to please bare with him/her while getting this information.

In the end the jerk wanted to have me send the whole lap top in to
replace a "User service able part" and would not assist further unless
you again give that same name, address, etc. all over again. it is a
stall tactic plain and simple. Try asking them why does a customer
register the product and have a previous call and yet they find that
but want you to give that information all over again. Oh and not to
forget this guy wanted to have me tell him what the date of purchase
was when it was right in front of his eyes.

But your experience may differ.

Now in the case of gateway I repaired a gateway for a friend and when
I could not find the driver for the modem etc. I called the toll free
number and they were friendly but required a valid email address from
me to send me the web link. I will tell you that gateway then sent me
spam mails for quite some time until I called them and told them
calling in for support was not a request to be spammed to death by
them and that I would never purchase any system from a spammer. The
emails stopped after the call.

So be very wary of all of the service providers some days you get a
good one and other days you get the pits.

Elector