I have an Optiplex 790 MT running BIOS Version A18 on Windows 7 Pro SP1. This hardware comes with 4 x SATA ports (1 x SATA 3, 3 x SATA 2). I have been until recently running 2 x HDD, 1 x SSD and DVD/ROM and everything was working just fine.
I recently had to disconnect the DVD/ROM as I needed to install another SSD as I use this PC for Database work and needed extra space. Problem now however is that the BIOS has become unstable in that it will not save the Boot Sequence. No matter what I have tried, it keeps forgetting the setting and reports a no boot sector error. When entering the BIOS, the boot sequence is reporting random devices that will not save from re-boot to re-boot. Sometimes even reporting 4 x SSD (2 of each type) and no HDD at all.
Windows is installed on a 500gb HDD that keeps getting left off the device list. After messing around with if for a good hour of trying I finally left it for 20 mins, after which I was able to successfully boot. The new config 2 x HDD and 2 x SSD worked just fine in Windows after that, but I am now paranoid that shutting it down will result in the same problems. I thought that it may be the CMOS battery but not having had to reset the time, I ruled that out.
Anyone got any ideas as to what this could be ? Again it only happened after disconnecting the DVD/ROM and installing a second SSD in it's place. BIOS was upgraded many months ago without issue.
Thanks, Fin.
