Funny question

[redvette]

Hi Gang

I know GLC will say this is normal for me and my questions. But here goes anyway. I have 2 computers connected with a KVM switch. I have a master switch on a Surge protector, that turns off the juice to both of them. One computer is a XP and the other is a Win 7 RC. Now if the KVM switch is in the position when I start up, to bring on the Win 7 computer the computer will start up momentarily and go off, then I push the start button on the computer and it starts up like normal. It has done this since day 1, and nothing seems to be wrong with it. It works like normal outside of this. If the KVM switch in in the position to start up the XP computer of course nothing happens to the Win 7 computer. The Win 7 computer has the stuff listed in my address, the Intel MOBO, etc.

Is this normal for this MOBO or is there some thing wrong. Like I said it has done this for a long time and I never thought nothing of it. I have tried several different things with the reset/start buttons connections on the MOBO, the + and - that changes nothing as far as this problem.

Thanx...Gunny

My Dell and Alienware both do the same thing.

[redvette]

Hi USNAVY

So I guess in so many words you are saying this is normal. Or just normal for some systems to do this. Like I said everything seems to be working ok still. I have sat here and tried to picture just what could cause this.

Thanx....Gunny

[tmathews]

Ah, a fun question! A couple of my systems twitch like that when first plugged in. I'll have to see if unplugging the keyboard prevents it.

A quick google doesn't give a definitive answer but I'd guess it's something like this. The chipset should default to powering on the system so BIOS can decide whether to boot all the way up or go to a deep sleep state (like a TV that's off until you hit the power button on the remote control). As part of the reset sequence, BIOS asks the keyboard whether this is a cold boot (from line power off) or warm (CTRL-ALT-DELETE telling the keyboard controller to reset the system). My guess is that establishing communication with the keyboard takes a noticeable amount of time and you see the lights and fans come on while it's waiting. If the keyboard isn't there, it doesn't have to wait and can set up for a cold boot and shut the main power back off so quickly that you don't see the lights and fans.

Are there any BIOS hackers out there who can confirm or correct this?

[redvette]

tmathews-- This might be a little far fetched, but I have to always redo the install on my Microsoft key board, because my key on screen functions stop working all the time. Like for Volume, back and forward buttons, etc. Nothing brings them back to be usable until I reinstall from the disk. Its a Microsoft wireless desktop elite, keyboard and mouse comb. But being you mentioned some thing with the keyboard, just wondering if any connection there. Come to think of it it does happen with my Win 7 computer too. And that is the one I am having the momentarily start problem.
Thanx...Gunny

[redvette]

Hi Gang

So I guess this is all there is going to be said about this problem, I am surprised really I thought there would be all sorts of solutions to this. Or at least suggestions.

tmathews..I guess there are no hackers out there interested enough to throw out something. I think your idea was good though. Sounds reasonable really. I wonder where GLC is. I am trying to reach my 600th post too, so I can put up my own Avatar. :-)

Thanx....Gunny

[redvette]

Hi All

Is it just me or is the # of people looking/posting at these problems smaller any more here on PCmech.? It just seems that the last few months that when ever a post goes up on here they go unanswered all together, or very few posts back in answers to a persons problem.

This might just be my imagination but it sure seems like it. The post I am on now is a prime example, is it that this funny probem don't deserve any more attention, or is it there is no really good answer to it.

Thanx...Gunny