Hi everyone,

My computer usually BOOTS ok, but sometimes (and it seems to be getting more frequent lately) it will not boot properly.

For example on the first black screen on boot up, when it check memory and stuff, it sometimes gets stuck at the point where it says "checking IDE drives" and sometimes I have to leave it for a couple of hours then it will book ok. I am just worried that one day it is going to get totally stuck unless I take some action now.

Can anyone think what is wrong, and how I can combat it?

Many thanks for any replies posted.
Kop442000The first thing you may want to try is to make sure the cables connecting your hard drives to the controller card or motherboard are properly seated.  Also check the power cables to the drives.

While you are INSIDE the computer just check that all the cables are securely attached to their respective devices.
Cables can become loosened over time, believe it or not, just because of turning the computer on and off.  REMEMBER Physical Science from school, heat expands cold contracts?  It can actually loosen parts of your system over time.

You might also have a hard drive or drive controller going bad, but I would work with the simple stuff first.  BTW, a poorly seated cable can make a drive go bad.

Thank you.

Will give that a shot!