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!!

Try partitioning and formatting the HDD with your XP CD.

Mark099!

Try partitioning and formatting the HDD with your XP CD.

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.

Johnny


Obama: “On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this can be solved, but it’s important for him to give me space,”
Obama: “This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility."

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/

Visit the Basement

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?)

Yes you can put XP on a 40.

LilJoe

You can try the 40GB drive, but I already gave you the most known solution.

Visit the Basement

Grogan

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.

Is the drive jumpered? If so, remove the jumper.

Nightly Reader

I meant the jumper on the SATA drive.

Nightly Reader

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.

No jumper on the SATA drive.

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.

Visit the Basement

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.

You cloned the 40 gig that contained an XP install of a completely different system?

Nightly Reader

You should also try doing a FULL format of the new drive instead of just a quick format.

Behind every good computer... is a jumble of wires 'n stuff.

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.

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Enjoy life while you can, don't try when you can't 'cos you won't, then it will be too late.

Ianw

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.

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.

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Enjoy life while you can, don't try when you can't 'cos you won't, then it will be too late.

Ianw

http://forums.techarp.com/

You will get all the info you want regarding BIOS there.
It's a good forum.

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Enjoy life while you can, don't try when you can't 'cos you won't, then it will be too late.

Ianw

Thanks Ian, but the link isn't working now. Will try again later.

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?

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.

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.

I didn't find an iso in the diagnostic download. Can I do it from within Nero?

http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=606&sid=30&lang=en

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?

I will make a CD within an hour. I'll post back.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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Enjoy life while you can, don't try when you can't 'cos you won't, then it will be too late.

Ianw

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.

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.

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Enjoy life while you can, don't try when you can't 'cos you won't, then it will be too late.

Ianw

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.

Wish I had another 939 socket MB to try, but unfortunately I don't.

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.

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.

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.


My next step is to setup a local network for two desktops and a laptop,... so expect more stupidity from me.

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.

Grogan

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.

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.

Can you post your BIOS version? Or have you already flashed to the newest and correct version?

The BIOS is A8V-X BIOS 0703 which is the latest version I found on the Asus site. Ironically this BIOS is described as:

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.

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.

Grogan

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.

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Enjoy life while you can, don't try when you can't 'cos you won't, then it will be too late.

Ianw

Bobbo wants a socket 939 board that has an AGP slot so that he can re-use a CPU and video card.

Behind every good computer... is a jumble of wires 'n stuff.

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.

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?

Google sez

http://www.google.com/search?q=PTSI_CHANNEL&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS288US288

LilJoe

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. 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.