| Print this page | Go back to previous topic | | Forum name | The Computer Forum | | Topic subject | Can't load OS | | Topic URL | http://www.pcqanda.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=2&topic_id=491861 |
491861, Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Fri Oct-03-08 11:02 PM
I've pretty much finished rebuilding my son's PC, but so far have been unable to load an operating system, Either XP Pro or Vista Home Premium.
I think it must have something to do with the BIOS setup. The HD I'm attempting to install on is a SATA 250 GB Western Digital (Does SATA have anything to do with the problem?). The Mother board is an ASUS A8V-X with the latest BIOS (A8V-X BIOS 0703).
I had 4 sticks of PC 3200 512 Crucial memory installed, but learned at the Crucial website that this MB only supports two banks of PC 3200, but up to 4 sticks of PC 2700. I tried 2 sticks of 512 PC 3200; I tried 1 stick of 512 PC 2700, but am unable to install an OS.
I formatted the drive as Primary partition using Acronis Disk Director. Booting with the XP Pro Install CD, the installation reaches a point where it chokes on loading Drivers.dll with a message "Cannot copy (x).dll, (x).exe, etc. Retry/Ignore/Quit.
I have reformatted using the XP Pro install disk, but run into the same problem over and over.
I need HELP!!
|
491862, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Mark099, Fri Oct-03-08 11:21 PM
Try partitioning and formatting the HDD with your XP CD.
|
491871, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-04-08 02:33 AM
Try partitioning and formatting the HDD with your XP CD.
Quote: I have reformatted using the XP Pro install disk, but run into the same problem over and over. But I didn't partition.
|
491864, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Johnny, Fri Oct-03-08 11:27 PM
Check your harddrive settings in the bios. See if your bios will let you select native harddrive support or legacy, something like that. If it only supports sata, then you will need to slipstream XP with the sata drivers.
|
491865, RE: Can't load OS Posted by ablib, Sat Oct-04-08 12:05 AM
That problem is either a dirty/scratched disk or bad RAM.
I would start swapping out sticks and play with it.
And only use the XP disk to delete partitions and format the disk.
This is all assuming the disk is clean and not scratched. You have 4 sticks of RAM try it with one stick at a time. Use the quick format while you're experimenting with sticks, if you get through that file copy part and found your good sticks then start the install over using the not quick format option.
Or...
Download and burn the XP RAM tester:
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp
Or use the regular favorite, memtest:
http://www.memtest.org/
|
491872, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-04-08 02:38 AM
I'm pretty sure that the RAM is good, as it had been working well in my own PC for quite a while, up until a couple of weeks ago. I updated to 2 sticks of 1GB and transferred the 4 512s to the rebuild.
Edit: The following is found in the BIOS:
WDC2500AAKS-OB3A0 LBA Bode Supported
LBA/Large Mode - Auto Block(Multi-sector transfer)M - Auto PIO Mode - Auto DMA Mode - Auto Smart Monitoring - Auto 32 Bit Data Transfer - Auto
Using the XP Pro setup CD, I deleted the partition created with Acronis Disk Director and did a quick format of the drive.
I have tried installing with the original XP setup CD, a slipstreamed XP CD with SP2, and a slipstreamed XP CD with SP3. Each one chokes during the transfer of files to the SATA drive.
I have a 40 GB ATA HD that I'm going to try and see what happens. (Can I put XP Pro on a 40 GB HD?)
|
491879, RE: Can't load OS Posted by LilJoe, Sat Oct-04-08 03:58 AM
Yes you can put XP on a 40.
|
491880, RE: Can't load OS Posted by ablib, Sat Oct-04-08 04:07 AM
You can try the 40GB drive, but I already gave you the most known solution.
|
491884, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-04-08 07:04 AM
Quote: You can try the 40GB drive, but I already gave you the most known solution. If the 40 GB works, at least I'll know the problem lies with the SATA. I'm certain that the memory is good. I tried 3 different XP install disks with the same result, so they all can't be damaged. I even tried a Vista install disk which balked. Of course, it could be the new MB.
|
491888, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Grogan, Sat Oct-04-08 08:34 AM
Quote: Of course, it could be the new MB.
Or the CDROM drive :-)
|
491898, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-04-08 01:13 PM
Quote: Or the CDROM drive I've used two CDROM different drives, setting each as the boot drive.
|
491899, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Allyn, Sat Oct-04-08 01:14 PM
Quote: I tried 3 different XP install disks with the same result, so they all can't be damaged. I even tried a Vista install disk which balked.
CD-ROM as stated by Grogan. I'd bet on it the CD-ROM drive is your problem.
So if you've swapped CD-ROM drives and still get the same result, I suggest you download WD's Diagnostic Package. You can get an ISO file here.
|
491910, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-04-08 03:03 PM
As mentioned, I tried the 40 GB as an IDE master and,... lo and behold, it already had Win XP Pro from the PC that self destructed last December. It booted and sought and found a number of elements on the HD. I was ready to do a clone from the 40 GB to the 250 SATA, and shut it down briefly, but,.... when I hit the start button, all the fans started to spin up but died. I have been checking all the connections over and over again, but it just won't boot. I can't seem to win for losing.
|
491911, RE: Can't load OS Posted by nightlyreader, Sat Oct-04-08 03:19 PM
Is the drive jumpered? If so, remove the jumper.
|
491912, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-04-08 03:33 PM
Quote: Is the drive jumpered? If so, remove the jumper.
The 40 GB drive was jumpered as master. Removed the jumper,.. no boot. Removed the 40 GB drive,.. no boot. This problem has occurred before, and I'm beginning to think that the MB may be defective.
Edit: I think it's back to basics. Disconnect everything except for video card and memory and attempt to boot. I just checked the source for the MB and find that it's listed as out of stock, so I'm not sure what to do about finding another if the MB is deemed "dead in the water".
|
491913, RE: Can't load OS Posted by nightlyreader, Sat Oct-04-08 03:44 PM
I meant the jumper on the SATA drive.
|
491914, RE: Can't load OS Posted by lenjack, Sat Oct-04-08 03:57 PM
If you have more than 1 optical drive in the computer, physically uninstall & disconnect all but 1 and try again with default bios settings and 1 stick of ram.That worked for me years ago.
|
491923, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-04-08 06:31 PM
No jumper on the SATA drive.
|
491917, RE: Can't load OS Posted by ablib, Sat Oct-04-08 04:53 PM
And I'm certain that it's the RAM.
Everytime I have personally experienced this issue, which is quite a few times, reseating the RAM or replacing was the resolution.
I did a little searching online to confirm my diagnosis and have found on more than 4 sites where RAM replacement was the resolution.
I don't know why you think it isn't the RAM without troublshooting your sticks, but the "R" in RAM stands for random. Meaning, when it fails, random stuff happens. That's why during the file copy process it never fails on the same file every time, it's random files. Just because you weren't having problems with this RAM on another computer, at another time, doesn't mean the RAM is 100% functional now.
From searching this problem, I have found that an improper overclock could also cause this problem. Resetting to BIOS defaults would eliminate that.
|
491926, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-04-08 06:46 PM
ablib, I really do appreciate your input, and your suggestion may have been part of the solution. After disconnecting everything but the video card and the memory, I switched the memory stick into a different slot and reseated the two MB power connectors. Powering on, all fans started spinning and I was able reconnect, one at a time, updating the BIOS each time, each hardware component until everything was reconnected. The next thing I did was to start Acronis TI and clone the 40 GB drive to the 250 GB SATA. At this point I'm having limited success booting into Win XP as, much of the time I get a Boot Drive Failure, ctrl/alt/del to restart. I found somewhere in the BIOs that the SATA was identified as a SCSI drive and is seen as a 3rd primary master. I think I need to set it as THE primary master, but am not sure how to do that.
Edit: One time I entered the BIOS and the SATA wasn't seen. I rebooted into the BIOS and this time the SATA was listed, and I successfully booted into Win XP on the SATA drive. This intermittentness is a headache.
|
491934, RE: Can't load OS Posted by nightlyreader, Sat Oct-04-08 08:40 PM
You cloned the 40 gig that contained an XP install of a completely different system?
|
491935, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-04-08 08:50 PM
Quote: You cloned the 40 gig that contained an XP install of a completely different system? Yes. However, it's not all that different. I'm working around the differences, but the BIOS are similar, the AGP video card is the same one using the same driver. I have uninstalled incompatable aps and utilities. I know that the cloning I performed wasn't the most desirable action, but it did get an operating system onto the SATA drive when I wasn't able to do so previously. If I can get it to boot properly, I will try for a clean install.
|
491962, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Ianw, Sun Oct-05-08 09:18 AM
Quote: I found somewhere in the BIOs that the SATA was identified as a SCSI drive and is seen as a 3rd primary master. I think I need to set it as THE primary master, but am not sure how to do that.
That is correct, its OK, mine sees it as a SCSI.
Do not use an OS that was setup on another motherboard, the drivers are not the correct ones for the new mobo.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoy life while you can, don't try when you can't 'cos you won't, then it will be too late.
Ianw
|
491896, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Ttech, Sat Oct-04-08 12:59 PM
You should also try doing a FULL format of the new drive instead of just a quick format.
|
491897, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-04-08 01:11 PM
Quote: You should also try doing a FULL format of the new drive instead of just a quick format. I've done it both ways, quick and full. It's driving me nuts.:rolleyes:
|
491889, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Ianw, Sat Oct-04-08 08:42 AM
In the BIOS are settings that you should check.
If you are not using Raid then these should be set at :-
MAIN tab -------- SATA Configuration
SATA configuration "enhanced" Configure SATA as "IDE"
(If you have this setting) HARD DISK Write Protect "Disabled" SATA Detect Time Out "35" (I have mine at "25")
The settings may be correct, but you never know.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoy life while you can, don't try when you can't 'cos you won't, then it will be too late.
Ianw
|
491900, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-04-08 01:15 PM
Quote: If you are not using Raid then these should be set at :-
MAIN tab -------- SATA Configuration
SATA configuration "enhanced" Configure SATA as "IDE"
(If you have this setting) HARD DISK Write Protect "Disabled" SATA Detect Time Out "35" (I have mine at "25")
The settings may be correct, but you never know.
I've been looking for something like that, but havent found it.
|
491987, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sun Oct-05-08 05:54 PM
I've achieved a modicum of success in that I have installed Win XP Pro SP3, however there have been quite a few hiccups along the way. I started installing Win as a Repair, and there's a message to hit F6 if you need to install third party SCSI drivers, etc. I hit F6 and it asked for a floppy in Drive A with the necessary files. The MB came with an install disk, and booting from it there's choice to create a floppy with the various SCSI drivers. I did that and on the prompt in the XP setup asking for the driver disk, I installed the SCSI driver. The install continued to completion and I now have Win XP Pro SP3 installed. The hiccups occur on rebooting, where I get the error message "Disk read error, Ctrl/Alt/Delete to restart". After several tries, I am able to boot into Windows.
I'm wondering whether, when installing the SATA drive, that I should have done the fdisk routine rather than having the Win install disk do the formatting. SATA drives may be faster, but I seem to have problems with them.
|
491990, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Ianw, Sun Oct-05-08 06:18 PM
You dont need SCSI drivers, you do not have any "REAL" SCSI devices, its just nomenclature used by ASUS. Its the same for me.
The only drivers you require on a floppy are for Raid setups, and they should be on the CD or DVD you got with the mobo.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoy life while you can, don't try when you can't 'cos you won't, then it will be too late.
Ianw
|
491992, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sun Oct-05-08 07:06 PM
Quote: You dont need SCSI drivers, you do not have any "REAL" SCSI devices, its just nomenclature used by ASUS. Its the same for me. However, loading SCSI drivers gave me the first capability of loading the OS. There are some other factors that I believe need to be adjusted in the BIOS, like disabling BUS mastering, etc. I went to the Western digital site and found some answers/suggestions, i.e. run chkdsk /r, and fixmbr from the XP install disk. Chkdsk /r did find some unrecoverable errors which may mean to reformat and start over.
|
492008, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Ianw, Mon Oct-06-08 08:52 AM
http://forums.techarp.com/
You will get all the info you want regarding BIOS there. It's a good forum.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoy life while you can, don't try when you can't 'cos you won't, then it will be too late.
Ianw
|
492014, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Mon Oct-06-08 01:33 PM
Thanks Ian, but the link isn't working now. Will try again later.
|
492015, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Allyn, Mon Oct-06-08 02:14 PM
Disk read error
Did you run the Western Digital diagnostics?
What power supply are you using with this machine?
This is a long shot because of the relatively recent vintage of the motherboard but have you examined the capacitors for signs of swelling?
|
492020, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Mon Oct-06-08 05:12 PM
Quote: Did you run the Western Digital diagnostics? Just downloaded. Also found in my downloads folder, Western Digital SATA drivers, and will see if that helps.
Quote: What power supply are you using with this machine? FSP Group AX500-PN Max: 450W Peak: 500W ATX2.2 Power Supply, recommended by Ttech in an earlier post.
Quote: This is a long shot because of the relatively recent vintage of the motherboard but have you examined the capacitors for signs of swelling? Haven't noticed any, but will check again.
|
492026, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Mon Oct-06-08 07:15 PM
OK, I ran the Western Digital Diagnostics, and it passed the quick test, but stalled the computer on the extended test at about 4 - 5 minutes with a BSOD message that the process was stopped in order to prevent damage to the computer. I got the same BSOD when performing some Acronis TI imaging from within Windows. I expect this is the result of cloning the 40 GB drive to the WD 250 SATA. BTW, the 40 GB IDE drive boots without any problem, hence the issue seems to lie with the SATA drive. There are no problems when using the TI rescue CD, it performs imaging and cloning functions, but haven't tried a restore.
I have submitted tech support requests to both ASUS and Western Digital and am awaiting responses. If I receive a correction to the boot up problem I intend to reformat the HD and start over.
|
492028, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Allyn, Mon Oct-06-08 07:28 PM
You need to use the iso to create a boot disk. The diagnostics should be run from a non-Windows environment for the best and most definitive results.
|
492031, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Mon Oct-06-08 07:56 PM
I didn't find an iso in the diagnostic download. Can I do it from within Nero?
|
492036, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Allyn, Mon Oct-06-08 08:15 PM
http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=606&sid=30&lang=en
|
492049, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Mon Oct-06-08 10:48 PM
Allyn, this is maddening. I downloaded Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for DOS (CD) created the iso disk with Nero and when I booted with the CD, I get the message that it can't find DLGICE,TXT or DLGDIAG.EXE and to make sure that they are in the correct path. After a while, it starts asking to put in A: a disk with command.com. Did I download the correct diagnostic file?
|
492053, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Allyn, Mon Oct-06-08 11:36 PM
I will make a CD within an hour. I'll post back.
|
492058, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Tue Oct-07-08 02:10 AM
Allyn, you are a real friend. :) I've built a number of computers but never have I had so much trouble as I have with this one.
|
492060, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Allyn, Tue Oct-07-08 02:25 AM
I'm back! I was able to download the ISO and burn an image using Nero 8 Burning ROM. I set the write speed to 16x for this tiny burn and rebooted. Worked fine.
If you can boot into the Diagnostics, you will want to run the extended test. The extended test should not corrupt the HDD data.
It's strange, but I recall problems in the past with those txt files. Usually, it was caused by the CD-ROM. But in this case, I am not so sure.
Adam's convinced it's the RAM and it might be! But the randomness after swapping sticks around makes me suspect you may have a failing motherboard component.
Are you using high performance RAM that is rated for a higher than normal voltage? Or is it Corsair Value Select or something of that nature?
We really haven't helped that much have we? :blusher:
|
492063, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Tue Oct-07-08 04:03 AM
Quote: But the randomness after swapping sticks around makes me suspect you may have a failing motherboard component. I have been thinking the same thing, Allyn. The MB seems to be sensitive and may loose power with minor changes. When this happens, I reseat the two power supply connectors and the fans start spinning again.
Quote: Are you using high performance RAM that is rated for a higher than normal voltage? Or is it Corsair Value Select or something of that nature? I'm currently using 1 stick of 512 PC 2700. Initially, I had 4 sticks of 512 PC 3200 installed, but as mentioned above, the MB only supports 2 sticks of PC 3200 or 4 sticks of PC 2700.
Quote: We really haven't helped that much have we? Allyn, I have received more help from you and other members of this forum than any other source. I am confident that, with your help and the help of others, the problem will ultimately be solved. :clap:
|
492061, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Allyn, Tue Oct-07-08 02:28 AM
I have a suggestion: Power down and take a close look at your CD-ROM cable. If it's PATA, make sure everything is properly seated. You might try swapping cables or changing the position. You may have to move a jumper or two.
|
492064, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Tue Oct-07-08 04:19 AM
Quote: I have a suggestion: Power down and take a close look at your CD-ROM cable. If it's PATA, make sure everything is properly seated. You might try swapping cables or changing the position. You may have to move a jumper or two. The CD-ROM cables are standard IDE, and I have 2 CD drives, a Plextor CDR/RW as Master, and a standard CD ROM as Slave. (I'm not sure what a PATA cable looks like. :blusher: ) However I have been wondering whether the connection for the SATA cable on the MB may make a difference as there are 4 choices to connect the data cable. I will try each of them tomorrow. It's time for me to bo to bed. 
I just looked up PATA and found:Quote: PATA cables come in 40-wire or 80-wire designs. Most modern storage devices require the use of the more capable 80-wire PATA cable to meet certain speed requirements. Both types of PATA cables have 40-pins and look nearly identical so telling them apart can be difficult. Usually though, the connectors on an 80-wire PATA cable will be black, gray and blue while the connectors on a 40-wire cable will only be black. I'll check tomorrow as to what cables are connected to what. I believe that the Plextor CDR/RW is connected to the primary IDE BUS on the top end of a PATA cable and the other drive is on the middle connector.
|
492065, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Ianw, Tue Oct-07-08 09:19 AM
PATA cables are simply IDE cables.
I suggest cutting your losses and do one final try at it. I suggest removing everything from the mobo, remove it and check for a possible short on the other side of the mobo. If the mobo looks OK, re-install it, and carefully connect all the cables etc and check they are OK. Double check that the cables are connected right way round. Read the manual (you did read it) and check the connections in case you got one wrong. You did connect the 4/6/8 (it will be one of those)pin connector to the mobo. There is also the 20/24pin connector to the mobo but if it wasn't connected the computer would not start. Check the jumpers on the DVD/CD drives to ensure they are correct, master and slave. I advise setting the DVD Rom as master and the burner as Slave. Go into Bios and set it to default, that normally is on the far right side tab. Then you are starting afresh.
Reformat the hard drive and install the OS again, no SCSI drivers or anything, just an install of the OS. You are making the OS partition the Primary and NTFS? You do not need jumpers on any SATA drive =EDIT >EXCEPT a jumper to convert it to either 1 or 3 gb speeds- depending on your system which Speed it supports.<
If it installs OK, then do nothing else but install the drivers from the CD\DVD you got with the mobo. Choose automatic or the equivalent on how ASUS word it. That way you wont install drivers you dont need and thus avoid any possible problems.
If the OS wont load then return the mobo.
We have all made a mistake when setting up a mobo, if you have done so that will catch it, but take your time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoy life while you can, don't try when you can't 'cos you won't, then it will be too late.
Ianw
|
492083, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Tue Oct-07-08 05:34 PM
Thanks for the input, Ian. I will ultimately follow the uninstall/reinstall you describe of the MB if I'm not successful in getting the SATA drive recognized during start up. I received a very basic response from an Asus techie. I responded and am awaiting further contact. I also submitted a tech question to Western Digital but, as yet haven't received a response. We've been beating this thing to death for a while, and I'm going to take a temporary break from it before it drives me completely nuts. :rolleyes:
|
492149, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Ianw, Thu Oct-09-08 09:12 AM
bobbo, If you have missed the edit in my post just above there is an edit in it.
The only jumpers you use on SATA drives are those that set the speed to either 1 or 3 gb, it depends on your system what it supports so a read of the manual will tell you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoy life while you can, don't try when you can't 'cos you won't, then it will be too late.
Ianw
|
492155, RE: Can't load OS Posted by PcTestCard.com, Thu Oct-09-08 02:58 PM
Hi, your PC maiboard may have problem on certain devices that prevent the xp and Vista hardware kernal layer to work.
Swap another mainboard if you have one.
|
492175, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Thu Oct-09-08 10:36 PM
Wish I had another 939 socket MB to try, but unfortunately I don't.
|
492162, RE: Can't load OS Posted by Priscilla, Thu Oct-09-08 07:20 PM
I had a similar issue with my daughter's PC a couple of years ago. All components were her original that had worked for a year or more except for the CPU. I purchased the CPU used (it was an upgrade). It appeared to work just fine except that XP would bomb out after about 30 minutes into the install. ...and I tried to install it at least 5 times. I couldn't figure it out and swapped out everything except the CPU for the longest.
I then put her old CPU back in and XP installed just fine. Fortunately, I got my money back for the used CPU and purchased her a new one - which has worked just fine since.
I couldn't tell you what the problem was, but the only thing that fixed it was a different CPU.
I have had similar issues with bad HDDs as well.
Any more, I figure it could be anything that causes the problem. Swapping components seems the best way to find the culprit.
I hope you find your cause soon.
Priscilla L.
|
492174, Minor success Posted by bobbo, Thu Oct-09-08 10:35 PM
The problem IS with the SATA drive and the motherboard not recognizing it during OS install; it's seen in the BIOS but not on the first reboot of the Win install. Spent some time with an Asus techie, and was able to install a slipstreamed Win XP SP2 on a 40 GB ATA drive, but after installing the 4 in 1 drivers, it started a reboot cycle. I'm going to try it again with the original CD and then install SP2 separately.
|
492208, I Can't Believe it was SO EASY!!!! Posted by bobbo, Fri Oct-10-08 05:46 PM
:blusher: :blusher: :blusher: :blusher: In the BIOS, my CDR/RW and CD ROM were identified as Secondary IDE Master and Secondary IDE Slave respectively as AUTO configuration. Clicking on each of them, all I had to do was designate them as CD ROMs. I went through a ridiculous setup of Win XP Pro by installing on my 40 GB ATA HD, then cloning the 40 to the 250 SATA, which was then very finicky about whether to boot or not to boot (pun intended) until I redesignated the CD ROM drives in the BIOS. Win XP SP2 is now running and booting properly as I am now loading various applications and utilities. My apologies to everyone who contributed to this thread for my stupidity. :blusher: :blusher: :blusher: :blusher:
My next step is to setup a local network for two desktops and a laptop,... so expect more stupidity from me.
|
492210, RE: I Can't Believe it was SO EASY!!!! Posted by Grogan, Fri Oct-10-08 07:07 PM
That's not "silly you", it's silly BIOS programmer. That has been common over the years though, autodetecting CDROM drives causes trouble on some systems. I haven't personally seen that happen in a while though.
|
492213, RE: I Can't Believe it was SO EASY!!!! Posted by bobbo, Fri Oct-10-08 07:41 PM
You're right, Mike. I can't take all the blame; the Asus tech guy did say to leave all the settings on AUTO. The manual didn't define the choices. I'm just a little embarrassed that it took me so long to figure it out. When the mouse failed to work, I checked the BIOS, and it was also set to AUTO and I changed to Enable or something like that.
|
492216, RAAAAAAAAATZ!! NOT SO EASY AFTER ALL!!!! Posted by bobbo, Fri Oct-10-08 09:02 PM
:blusher: Disregard my smug message of success. Apparently I hit a lucky succession of normal boot ups, but once again I'm getting "Disk read error, Ctrl/Alt/Delete to restart". If I keep doing the three finger salute, the drive will ultimately boot into Windows. Somehow I have to designate the SATA drive as first primary master drive; the 40 GB ATA drive is designated as such in the BIOS, and boots without incident, but the SATA, when installed, is third primary master.
So, it's the MB, or BIOS, or memory, or SATA cable, or SATA drive. The MB was a little flaky, i.e. not spinning up the fans, although it's powering up normally at this time.
The solution could be just to let the ATA drive stay as the boot drive and keep the SATA as a secondary HD for miscellaneous BS.
|
492219, RE: RAAAAAAAAATZ!! NOT SO EASY AFTER ALL!!!! Posted by Allyn, Fri Oct-10-08 10:23 PM
Can you post your BIOS version? Or have you already flashed to the newest and correct version?
|
492221, RE: RAAAAAAAAATZ!! NOT SO EASY AFTER ALL!!!! Posted by bobbo, Fri Oct-10-08 10:46 PM
The BIOS is A8V-X BIOS 0703 which is the latest version I found on the Asus site. Ironically this BIOS is described as:
Quote: A8V-X BIOS 0703 Fix system sometimes may hang up during POST if certain kinds of SATAII HDDs *4 connected at the same time Is it possible that the BIOS is corrupt? Should I try flashing it? I sent more information to ASUS support suggesting a possible RMA.
|
492227, RE: RAAAAAAAAATZ!! NOT SO EASY AFTER ALL!!!! Posted by Allyn, Sat Oct-11-08 12:18 AM
I think the BIOS is okay for now. Let's try something else.
If you are running single channel RAM (single stick), make sure the RAM is in DIMM B1. With the first two sticks in dual channel mode, use DIMM B1 and DIMM A1.
If the PATA-IDE hard drive is on the master position of the primary IDE channel, switch it to another position such as secondary master or as slave on either channel. Adjust the jumper as required.
Use only the Asus 4 in 1 drivers on the disk or at the Asus website. Don't download new drivers from VIA.
I assume you have the SATA mode set to SATA and not RAID or AHCI. is my assumption accurate?
One other item you might try if the above does not work; disable 32-bit data transfer. It may sound like it should be enabled, but in some cases it has caused trouble with some systems.
|
492228, RE: RAAAAAAAAATZ!! NOT SO EASY AFTER ALL!!!! Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-11-08 12:40 AM
Quote: With the first two sticks in dual channel mode, use DIMM B1 and DIMM A1. I'm using two stick of 512 DIMM in B1 and A1.
Quote: Use only the Asus 4 in 1 drivers on the disk or at the Asus website. Don't download new drivers from VIA I'm using the ones from the Asus disk.
Quote: I assume you have the SATA mode set to SATA and not RAID or AHCI. is my assumption accurate? I'll have to check. I'm not sure where to set that. EDIT: It IS set to SATA.
Quote: One other item you might try if the above does not work; disable 32-bit data transfer. I'll give that a shot. I'm currently running Memcheck, and I will run it overnight, however after about 5 hours there are no errors.
|
492257, RE: RAAAAAAAAATZ!! NOT SO EASY AFTER ALL!!!! Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-11-08 04:53 PM
Quote: I'm currently running Memcheck,Memtest and I will run it overnight, however after about 5 hours there are no errors. Ran Memtest for 15 + hours and no errors, so memory is OK. I've picked up a flu bug and will be back when my head is less fuzzy.
|
492308, RE: RAAAAAAAAATZ!! NOT SO EASY AFTER ALL!!!! Posted by bobbo, Sun Oct-12-08 04:50 PM
Quote: One other item you might try if the above does not work; disable 32-bit data transfer. I just tried that but it didn't help. I believe that there's a problem with the electrical system on the MB. When I just powered up, the fans stopped spinning after about a second. I reseated the 4 pin power connector and was able to start the computer, but it would not boot into Windows. When I keep doing the 3 finger salute it will ultimately boot into windows. While in XP, I have been able to install a few aps, and while I was writing a TI image to a different partition, it stopped with a BSOD stating that it was stopping the computer in order to prevent damage to the computer.
I think it's time to see about an RMA. Asus says that there is a 3 year warranty on their MBs, and I hope they will honor this one as it didn't come in an original box from Computer Geeks.com, just a static protection envelope in a box wrapped with bubble wrap along with its drivers CD. Are there any other MBS beside the A8V-X that have an AGP video bus and support SATA?
|
492332, RE: RAAAAAAAAATZ!! NOT SO EASY AFTER ALL!!!! Posted by Grogan, Mon Oct-13-08 08:36 AM
Jeeze... don't base a motherboard choice on AGP. What video card do you have that you care so much about re-using? I'm sure its obsolete and probably even a good onboard PCI Express graphics adapter blows it away nowadays anyway.
If your graphics needs are greater than that, you can get a decent (not top of the line for playing heavy handed modern games) PCI Express video card for under $200
Look at this for $189 ($159 if you cash in the $30 rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130376
It would probably part your hair, if you are used to your old one.
Or this, for $79 ($49 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150247
Even your mum would let you buy that one :-)
P.S. Oops, I had forgotten it's a PC you are putting together for your son. All the more reason to get a decent video card. Sons like games. If he's not into games or flight simulators or anything like that at all, then something with onboard graphics would suffice.
|
492333, RE: RAAAAAAAAATZ!! NOT SO EASY AFTER ALL!!!! Posted by Ianw, Mon Oct-13-08 08:46 AM
ASUS P5E I got one and its superb, and as with al ASUS mobos, the manual is very easy to read.
It even comes with a soundcard for which there is a socket on the mobo specifically for it and the sound is great.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoy life while you can, don't try when you can't 'cos you won't, then it will be too late.
Ianw
|
492340, RE: RAAAAAAAAATZ!! NOT SO EASY AFTER ALL!!!! Posted by Ttech, Mon Oct-13-08 11:36 AM
Bobbo wants a socket 939 board that has an AGP slot so that he can re-use a CPU and video card.
|
492566, Update Posted by bobbo, Thu Oct-16-08 08:14 PM
I just finished speaking with the head of Asus Tech Support, who, after I described the problems, determined that the board had a defective chip set. I will be receiving RMA instructions soon. Will keep you posted.
|
493040, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Sat Oct-25-08 02:55 AM
I just received a notice that my RMA'd MB has been shipped, with the repair center information "PTSI_CHANNEL". What is the PTSI_CHANNEL? Does it explain all the problems described in the earlier parts of this thread?
|
493042, RE: Can't load OS Posted by LilJoe, Sat Oct-25-08 04:17 AM
Google sez
http://www.google.com/search?q=PTSI_CHANNEL&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS288US288
|
493409, RE: Can't load OS Posted by bobbo, Thu Oct-30-08 08:11 PM
The Motherboard is back and I have reinstalled most of the parts, but,.... when I fired it up, I got the "Disk read error, Ctrl/Alt/Delete to restart" again. fx( After several 3 finger salutes, it booted into Windows. I've heard that it's sometimes necessary to run a new build to "burn it in", but I've never had to do that previously. I'm going to let it run overnight and see if there's still a boot up problem, and if so, I'm going to try running the WD Diagnostics in my primary computer and see if there's anything wrong with the SATA drive. I also wonder whether the RMA repair was a "shelf repair".
http://img136.exs.cx/img136/6323/udb1000k3pn.
| |