Startup issue

[Rima067]

My computer starts up UNTIL windows when I have something plugged into the USB, such as external harddrive, ipod, USB hub, web camera, if these are plugged in before the startup the Windows login screen doesn't show up. As soon as I unplug them, up comes Windows! The computer starts up and shows so at the screen. it stops to show anything and becomes a blank screen once the windows login should be up.

The only thing I had no problem with that was plugged into the USB was a wireless network adapter.


Does anyone know what the issue is and if it is fixable? After 2 startups I am tired of peering my head behind my desk to unplug/plug everything at every startup.

[Forza_Totti]

I have the exact same problem...i have an external hard drive via USB. And when i leave the power on to the Ext HD...my computer will not boot to Windows. (And my Vista system recovery comes up and takes another 5 min to reload...very annoying) I have briefly searched this subject and dont have a full solution as of yet, but i believe it has to do with the BIOS settings...check the Boot devices. ex first boot, second, third. Remove the USB boot device, and change to dvd.

But i would google it before you play around with your BIOS.

Sorry i can't help...but at least you know you're not alone.

[Rima067]

Do you want to start comparing hardware?

eMachines. XP Home. BIOS: Phoenix AwardBIOS v6.00PG. AMD Athlon Processor 1.1GHz

These are things I've upgraded:

Turtle Beach Riviera Wave (I had to replace the .. actually, I couldn't even tell you what I replaced, but it had to do w/ sound. I actually recall posting about the prob here)


Video Card: Nvidia GeForce FX 5500

[Forza_Totti]

I have Emachines as well...

My specs: From Best Buy...
Web Code: 10090343
Mfr. Part Number: W3623 RA
Processor Type Intel Pentium 4 641
Processor Speed 3.2GHz
RAM 512MB PC4200 DDR2 (Exp. To 2GB)
Hard Drive 160GB
Optical Drives 16X Multi-Format Dual Layer DVD+/-RW
Graphics Card Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Available Expansion Bays 1 x 3.5 in / 1 x 5.25 in
Available Expansion Slots 1 x PCI-E X16 / 1 x PCI-E X1 / 1 x PCI
Cache 2MB L2
Disk Drive No
Fax/Modem 56K ITU V.92
I/O Ports See The Features Section
Included Software See The Features Section
Monitor Included? No
Network Card 10/100Mbps Ethernet LAN
Other Control Devices Multimedia Keyboard / Wheel Mouse
Preloaded Operating System Windows Vista Home Basic
Sound Card 5.1 Channel High Definition Audio
Speakers USB Powered Amplified Stereo
System Bus 800MHz
Warranty 90 Days Limited

[Rima067]

I don't know still. I suppose the eMachines just doesn't know where to startup from and is taking the info from whatever other drive is plugged in?


Anyone else have a similar problem w/ their eMachines?

[Motterman]

There's a BIOS setting in alot of systems that tell your computer to boot from a USB device before the CD or HardDrive. This is what you want to look for in BIOS.