Start-up problems due to firewire/usb devices?

Hi
recently, my imac G5 has been having some strange start-up problems. It had been working fine for the previous 11 months I have used the machine.
The start-up problems occur mainly after the computer has been shut down for some time (eg in the morning). When I press the start-up button, the computer will make the start up noise and then get stuck on the blue screen. Sometimes (but not always) the fan will start making a loud noise. Sometimes it is possible to turn the computer off and try to restart with the button at the back of the computer, at other times I have to turn the computer off at the power point and start again. I have tried to start up in "safe mode", but that also does not always work. This morning I was only able to start up the computer after unplugging all external devices, after which the imac started fine. I then replugged everything - no problem. However, I would like to be able to start-up without having to unplug and replug my various devices!
I am using several firewire devices (LaCie 250gb external hard-drive, Cd and DVD burner) and USB devices (scanner, printer, external USB drive (which I use for back-ups and which is mostly removed from the computer).
I have run disk utility to check the hard drives - they all appear to be ok.
I have a feeling the problems may have started when I tried out some back-up software to set up a regular back-up scheme. I have now removed all scheduling from my back-up software (silverkeeper, synk) but the problem remains.
Is it possible there is some problem with the drivers for the external devices? Any ideas?
Thanks a lot
Barbara
iMac G5   Mac OS X (10.3.9)  

Hi Barbara,
Yes, USB devices particularly (including some hubs, most USB adsl modems, some printers and scanners and the like) can most certainly be the cause of this sort of problem (By far the most common cause, in fact)
First step is to simply remove them all, and see if the problem goes away. If so, then try adding them one at a time directly connected to the computer, testing them for a while, and see whether you can pin down which one it is.
Once you have tracked it down, if the device has its own drivers then look for any updates on the manufacturers web site, of course.
If the device doesn't have its own drivers then you can try simply disconnecting before shutting down and reconnecting after starting up, but the best solution is usually to replace the device.
(For what its worth, my bet, in the absence of more information about the actual devices attached, and as long as you don't have a USB adsl modem, is that its going to be a USB hub causing the problems )
Cheers
Rod

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