[berrytamie]

I have a gateway when you start it up the gateway logo stays on the screen for hours before XP Home will load. It runs fine afterward but getting it to start takes hours. What could I do to fix this problem? Please help!!!

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hi, is it a desktop?

what model?

how old is it?

[deggitt]

hi, is it a desktop?

what model?

how old is it?

[berrytamie]

Yes it is a desktop. I don't really know I got it used. The power went out while I was online then the problem started.

Edited by berrytamie, 13 April 2010 - 06:36 PM.

[deggitt]

hi,

it cuold be bios as logon is loaded at post. you could enter bios and reset to default values and exit saving the changes. you could pull the bios batt. from the mobo and check the voltage or change it, it might be low or almost dead as it sounds as though the comp. has some age.

[Digerati]

You can't conclusively check any battery unless it is under a normal load. So I suggest you don't waste your time pulling and checking the battery, just pull the battery and replace it with a new one. Make sure you unplug from the wall first, then touch bare metal of the case before reaching in to discharge any static in your body. These batteries are only a couple dollars at just about any battery/camera/watch counter so little is lost if that is not the problem. Take the old battery with you. It is most likely a CR2032 (or equivalent). Most counters recycle the old too - helping to keep lithium out of the landfills.

Do NOT touch the new battery with bare fingers. Skin oils promote corrosion and attract dust. I put a clean sock over my hand - and don't forget to touch bare metal before reaching in. Upon first boot with new battery, go directly into the BIOS Setup menu. Check to see that your drives have been identified, set date and time, then Save and Exit. ALWAYS before Save and Exit, ensure the date and time are correct.

The power went out while I was online then the problem started.

Well, that is never good. And power often never just goes out - it often flickers, which really bangs on the hardware. I would still try the battery first, then let us know where you stand. Replacing the battery ensure you have a good battery, and the process of pulling and replaces resets the BIOS too.