Re: [gentoo-user] [OT] Very slow POST process

[Dale <rdalek1967@gmail.com>]

Michael wrote:
> Over the last 8-9 months I noticed an old Lenovo G505s laptop is spending a 
> long time in the POST process, before eventually the OEM logo shows up on the 
> screen.  Last time I timed it, it took 2.5-3.0 minutes.  Normally it would 
> only take ~20-30 seconds.  Once the logo shows up the boot process proceeds 
> without further delay.
>
> Initially, this delay to POST would happen randomly and rarely.  Now it 
> happens every time.
>
> Things I tried:
>
> 1. Reflashing the UEFI firmware - it didn't work because it already has the 
> latest firmware.
>
> 2. Removing the main battery and holding down the power button for 15 seconds, 
> hoping to reset the firmware.
>
> 3. Leaving the PSU cable connected overnight. 
>
> 4. Testing the RAM and HDD.
>
> None of the above improved the situation, or indicated what might be wrong.
>
> I'll reseat the RAM sticks and the HDD next, in case a contact is oxidised, 
> but what else could cause this noticeable delay to POST?  A failing RTC CMOS 
> battery?


I recently had this issue as well on my 770T NAS box.  I ordered some
video cards and once I replaced the video card, it boots in the time it
should every time.  Before that, I tried memtest, checking the CPU was
seated properly and not running hot, checked temps with a IR thingy of
both bridge chips and several other things.  I also replaced the battery
and reset the settings to defaults and then adjusted to my way.  The
only thing that changed the long POST time, changing the video card.  I
might add, I've booted that thing a lot since I changed the video card
and it boots right up each time. 

If you have a built in video system, you stuck.  The only option I can
think of, clean the heat sink/cooler for the CPU and such and see if
that helps any.  If you doing a cold start, couldn't imagine heat being
a issue tho.  If you have a video card that can be changed, might want
to try that.  I've never seen a laptop with one of those tho. 

I hope someone else has a better suggestion. 

Dale

:-)  :-)