Strange Boot Problem!

c-note

hello
i've been having a bizare boot problem with my xps 600 (4-5 years old)
nforce 4 mobo with 2x500gb drives in raid 0

the computer and all accessories are plugged into a power strip under my desk.
normally after i turn off the comp at night i hit the switch on the power strip killing all power to the system+ speaker +external hdd etc.

in the morning i turn the power strip on and attemp to boot.
the boot fails citing no boot drive detected,
if i select boot options and drive diagnostics, no hdds are listed!:eek:

if i then power down the computer leaving the power strip on and wait a while..(anything from 15 mins) it boots fine.

if i dont turn off the power strip at night, it boot fine the next morning!

i've checked all cables and connections between drives and mobo.

its a strange problem indeed, my hunch is that either some capacitors in the psu are dying or dead and need a good bit of time to charge up before they can supply nescessary voltage to the hdds, or something similar on the mobo.

i dont think the hdds drives are faulty, maybe the raid controller on the mobo?

i thought i'd post it here in case anyone else has experienced the same!
for now i'll just keep the power strip on!

Anti

replace your cmos battery (the small 1€ sized one on the motherboard) this will sort the problem.

Overheal

You can find them in pharmacies or generic electronic shops half the time. PC stores and Watch Repair centres tend to charge more for them - but almost always have them in stock.

c-note

sweet thanks for the suggestion.

can't believe that didnt occur to me!
i've just remembered...
bout 4-6 mnths ago i got a "low system battery voltage" message when booting only happened the once so i ignored it.
i'll pick up a new battery and see how it goes!;)