Help problem solving PC that won't boot please

Test memory, as in booting up with one stick at a time in place, or is there a software stress test?
Meanwhile let me check the bios versions.
No I didn't reseat the cables from the front panel, should have thought of that. I will do that.
Yes to USB hub it's part of the Dell monitor, also there are 2 USB items permanently connected, headphones and printer, the printer is nearly always powered off (at the wall). It doesn't seem to matter if either are plugged in or not to this problem.
 
Drewb said:
Yes to USB hub it's part of the Dell monitor, also there are 2 USB items permanently connected, headphones and printer, the printer is nearly always powered off (at the wall). It doesn't seem to matter if either are plugged in or not to this problem.
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OK, ignore the testing of memory for now - but it will be our next step (with software) if the BIOS update doesn't work.

For now check your BIOS revision and as a side test unplug the hub (only the hub) and try a couple of test boots.
 
To clarify:
  • Confirm BIOS version
  • Do NOT update the BIOS in windows. You'll be using Asus EZ Flash and you'll need a USB pen drive - <8Gb preferably, but not essential.
 
Memory test as in software stress test or running with one stick at a time?
Bios is not up to date, I have just checked and will do that now and re-seat cables from front panel and see if I can get to the front panel header connections.
 
Drewb said:
Memory test as in software stress test or running with one stick at a time?
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It would be a software stress test to check the stability of all sticks. But BIOS and pulling of the HUB for now.
Drewb said:
Bios is not up to date, I have just checked and will do that now and re-seat cables from front panel and see if I can get to the front panel header connections.
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Great - and to clarify only do this in the BIOS environment.
 
Plec, if you are still listening, I have a the latest bios cap file on a USB stick now, is that all I need before I close down the PC?
I haven't updated a bios for many years now.
 
No I didn't, but it is too late now, bios is updated to a version released 26/4/2018.
It went smoothly and rebooted afterwards.
Sorry about the panic questions, I always get nervous with this sort of thing, even TV firmware upgrades, always wondering will it come back, which of course it always does :))
 
Drewb said:
No I didn't, but it is too late now, bios is updated to a version released 26/4/2018.
It went smoothly and rebooted afterwards.
Sorry about the panic questions, I always get nervous with this sort of thing, even TV firmware upgrades, always wondering will it come back, which of course it always does :))
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Yes, you did go unsettling quiet :)

*For next time - rule of thumb, flash always in the BIOS environment and format the USB drive first. But it sounds like it went smoothly.

Have you set you BIOS settings back to what they were?
 
I am going to close down and check front panel and wiring to mobo now. I will be a while, it is a little awkward for me - it's all under the desk and I am a paraplegic in a wheelchair, albeit a fairly mobile one.
 
Drewb said:
I am going to close down and check front panel and wiring to mobo now. I will be a while, it is a little awkward for me - it's all under the desk and I am a paraplegic in a wheelchair, albeit a fairly mobile one.
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No worries, take all the time you need - i'm not going anywhere, loads of work to ignore in front of me.

We updated the BIOS as, 1 it was logical given the symptoms, and 2 there is an issue with some Asus X99 motherboards and USB Hubs - but these issues were corrected with a later BIOS release (made sense to get the latest).

The problems usually exhibited with cold boot issues (which you clearly have) - so we'll test the system for a few days with the new BIOS and if all seems good, then, reattach the HUB.
 
OK to the test for a few days, sounds good. The front panel wiring and connection to mobo seem OK. Going to leave the side off for a few days now, is that OK?
I always found with the X99, it would never boot with my Sony A6300 camera attached to USB but that is the only device that showed a problem.
When I checked the Bios on Asus X99 drivers & tools, there were several other software updates for things like USB or SATA, only when you selected the OS though. Is it worth applying the USB patch?
What is the general view with updates these days, back in the 90s it was always only update if you had a problem? Since Windows 10 and this and previous build I haven't had to troubleshoot anything so am out of practice completely. Your help has been very much appreciated.
 
I had trouble with the front panel as I could only get the top free, so only had a look at the wires and felt them with a finger, seemed firm.
 
Drewb said:
When I checked the Bios on Asus X99 drivers & tools, there were several other software updates for things like USB or SATA, only when you selected the OS though. Is it worth applying the USB patch?
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If you use the ASUS software i would patch if required as you have made a significant change to your system with the BIOS update. The USB interface being one of them.
Drewb said:
What is the general view with updates these days, back in the 90s it was always only update if you had a problem? Since Windows 10 and this and previous build I haven't had to troubleshoot anything so am out of practice completely.
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I don't install the motherboard suite software, only the chipset and required hardware drivers - and i usually keep them up to date. But, best to check your BIOS revision/compatibility before you do this.

As for Windows 10 updates - don't get me started. I usually disconnect the internet when doing a clean install so i can install the GPU, chipset drivers i've pre-downloaded and then reboot and allow Windows to begin it's process of interfering with a perfectly working machine...

*Windows 10: I suggest only allowing 'Crirical Updates' if you haven't done so already.
 
Drewb said:
I had trouble with the front panel as I could only get the top free, so only had a look at the wires and felt them with a finger, seemed firm.
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That's fine - i don't think this was the issue. It was a 'belt and braces' check.
 
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