POST takes a long time on my computer?

Have you downloaded any new programs lately? It could very well be that your computer is loading another program before it starts to load Windows.

POST follows these commands.

1. Test the power supply to ensure that it is turned on and that it releases its reset signal.

2. CPU must exit the reset status mode and thereafter be able to execute instructions.

3. BIOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable.

4. CMOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable.

5. CPU must be able to read all forms of memory such as the memory controller, memory bus, and memory module.

6. The first 64KB of memory must be operational and have the capability to be read and written to and from, and capable of containing the POST code.

7. I/O bus / controller must be accessible.

8. I/O bus must be able to write / read from the video subsystem and be able to read all video RAM.

In my experience long post times are due to, memory failure, old bios, a dying motherboard, or a power supply failure, seldom are they related to a hard drive or any other hardware external to the motherboard itself.

During post the screen displays current bios, use pause key to hold this window to write down the current version, compare to most recent on manufacture's web site. If not current, update the bios, you will need make and model, manufacture's web site usually tells you where on MB to look for these, IMPORTANT-power off-unplug.

Read and understand the process and if you feel comfortable try it. Always back up your old bios so you can use those if necessary. Read and understand the process.

If this does not correct the problem I would look at the memory. Several free programs available on net. Need to make a cd that works at start up and runs for hours or remove the memory and take it to your local computer repair. Memory is static sensitive, look up removal and replacement of, use anti-static bag for transport. Or a simple down and dirty way is if you use more than one stick is to remove all but one and try again with each individual stick in the main slot.

If that is not the issue then I would update all software and drivers for hardware that post looks at from the manufacture's website, not Winnows Update. Good habit is to check for software/driver updates for all hardware/firmware periodically.

Use the kiss principal also, with machine unplugged check all connections to MB, unplug and replug connections, this usually has nothing to do with post times but simply base covering.

Make sure you are non-static before inserting hand into computer anytime, grounding yourself to machine frame while computer is off but plugged will usually work.

If none of these seem to improve the problem I would start shopping for new MB.

Good luck.