System hangs at “Verifying DMI pool data” at Bootup

DMI or Desktop Management Interface is a layer of abstraction between system components and the software that manages them.

The System Management BIOS (SMBIOS) is an extension of the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) that formulates and delivers this information to the operating system. The pool data is the information. In short, when the BIOS is "Verifying DMI pool data" it is verifying the table of data it sends to the Operating System (i.e. Windows). If it isn't successful, it should return an error. Wait a reasonable period of time for it to finish. It may make take some time or it may be hung. If it is truly hung, try the following possible fixes:

The possible fixes below are NOT sequential steps to follow. Rather, they are standalone procedures for a variety of possible causes:

· If you changed the hardware just before this problem occurred, such as installing a new Hard Drive, uninstall it.

· If you installed a new Hard Drive, set the motherboard CMOS Setup Utility to Auto for the Drive Type. You may have to disconnect the Hard Drive first.

· Enable "Reset Configuration Data" (which may be called "Force Update ESCD" in some CMOS Setup Utilities) in the motherboard CMOS Setup PNP/PCI Configuration. "Reset Configuration Data" will automatically be disabled, so you don’t have to worry about it still being enabled during the next boot sequence.

· The CMOS may be corrupted. Clear it by consulting your Motherboard Manual. But the usual procedure is to shut the system down, disconnect the power cord, and move the CMOS Clear jumper to the Clear position for at least 3 seconds. This jumper is usually located near the CMOS battery. Be sure to return the jumper to its original position, reconnect the power cord, and reboot the system. If the system appears to boot normally, you may still have to enter the CMOS Setup Utility again to tailor settings that were cleared with this procedure.

· Disconnect all Drives not required to boot the computer. These could be redundant Hard Drives, CD-Drives, Zip Drives, etc. If this fixes it, reconnect them one at one at time until the problem reoccurs to isolate the bad drive or controller.

· The Floppy Drive may be bad or not connected properly.

· Reseat all expansion boards, such as ISA and PCI boards.

· Pull all expansion boards not required to boot the computer. If this fixes it, insert them one at one at time until the problem reoccurs to isolate the bad board or slot.