For the love of jesus.

[BlueElite06]

Where to begin.

It all started about 5 days ago. my computer would randomly freeze for about 10-15 seconds whilst playing World Of Warcraft. I thought, no big deal - I'll look into it later.

Big mistake.

I woke up this morning to find I could no longer load windows...and if it actually got past "Welcome" It would only hard lock. At this point, I realize the problem has increased (Go figure).

I reformated...not really sure if that was a good idea...I can't get windows XP to re-install, it keeps giving me random "Stop *insert random technical numbers of vast confusion here*

Those numbers keep changing, an example would be something like 0x000007e (not exactly right, I can look it up later, it does change..) So I had a friend come over, he looked at it - no solution, we switched ram, tried different slots...notta.

Here are my specs:
Mobo: Asus A8N32-Sli deluxe
CPU: 3800x2 Athalon 64
GPU: x2 7800 GT Ecga OC.
Ram: Corsair 2 gig (Dual channle) XMS Platinum ram.
HD: Maxtor 100gig (Possibly the best part)
OS: XP

Whats stranger? It lets me install Windows 2k DEAR GOD HELP ME . I have NO idea what to do at this point, some of the errors indicated it was memory causing the problem (That was after google searching some of the numbers...)

I just don't want to say my mobo is dead when 2k will work fine, well not "Fine" I installed it and tried to upgrade to xp...I suppose tomorrow I will try to install 2k again, and see what all I can do with it...IE play a game, or just install one of my GPU's.

If anyone even has the most reomote idea of what I might be able to do - Ill gladly take it.

-BlueElite the doomed.

 

[BlueElite06]

Also, I built this computer over 4 months ago...and until 5 days ago it ran perfectly.

You know - it's like Where the red Fern grows, or whatever it's called. God why did you give me a good computer only to have it go boom QQ

-Blue

 

[jackschmittusa]

It sounds like some piece of hardware has partially failed and is communicating something to XP that it does not like. Since 2k works, my first guess is something that uses Direct X (video, sound), as they load with different versions of it. This is only a shot in the dark, but it's where I think I would srart.

 

[deathwalker]

Or even a Power supply problem.

 

[KB]

You mentioned you swapped out the RAM, but based on my experience I still think it is RAM related. Run a memtest.
I ran into similar issues with other machines (random blue screens during install) and found it was RAM in every case. If it isn't the RAM itself, it may be the boards connections to the RAM.

A few others things to try... reset CMOS.. make sure the processor isn't overheating.

Good luck.

 

[letdown427]

Could it be errors on the hard disk? 2K's install footprint is smaller than XP's (I'm pretty sure).

Have you got another XP install CD you could try?

Swap out as much stuff as possible too.

Hope you figure it out, GL :beer:

 

[jfunk]

First thing I would do is run Memtest and HD diagnostics from the HD manufacturer.

 

[BlueElite06]

Memtest was one thing I was planning on trying today, I don't think it is the HD - simply because it shows no sign of ... being damage, in my past I could always tell.

The PSU could be a problem, I started thinking that was it not long ago.

And as far as connection to ram goes, I'm leaning towards that atm, last time i checked my CPU was running at 45.

Goign to try some more things today and see what happens.

 

[BlueElite06]

Also I have tried 2 XP's

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Forcing a system to boot by numerous attempts with a failing PSU is just begging to have much more serious problems.
If you have a spare PSU, even pulling the one out of the rig your on now to use, give it a try. Opps! Your prolly on a lappy.


...Galvanized

 

[mechBgon]

Yeah, what brand/model of PSU is it? And are you giving your XMS RAM 2.7-2.8 volts (probably a good idea) or just dinking around on AUTO voltage? You got your motherboard's EZ Plug hooked up to provide more power connections to the PCI-E slots?

 

[BlueElite06]

I just unplugged the EZplug, i hope that didnt zap my ram.

And no I don't have anoter PSU on hand, its a Enermax 650 watt...

 

[BlueElite06]

Also I have only had the EZplug plugged in for a month, and saw no difference at all.. So I should try increasing the coltage to the ram, eh ?

 

[BlueElite06]

I have just re-partitioned my HD, via its software...hoping that might help in some way ><. Putting 2k on atm just to get it up.

If it is my PSU, why will it install 2k and not XP, anyone know ?

-Blue

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: BlueElite06
Also I have only had the EZplug plugged in for a month, and saw no difference at all.. So I should try increasing the coltage to the ram, eh ?

No no no, what are you doing? EZ Plug = good, plug it in again. It should've been plugged in from the beginning, definitely for an SLI system.

If you have a digital multimeter, use it to do a reality check on the voltages your PSU is generating (yellow=12V, red=5V, orange=3.3V and black is ground, check on the PSU's wiring harness). I run my XMS at 2.7 volts and it's ok for up to 2.8 volts, so try 2.7 if you haven't already (BIOS > Advanced > JumperFree if I recall correctly)

 

[BlueElite06]

Ill try that here in a second with my ram voltag. and I'll put the EZ back in.

2k has yet again loaded fine, im installing my drivers now. Im thinking if i test things in the system (CPU/GPU/RAM) Whilst in 2k, i should be able to root out the problem? Could that be one of many ways to try and find out what is going on? I know 2k Won't work with SLI, but it would still ditect the GPU Slot...

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Last post in this thread Blue. You have some VG help at hand.

If it is the PSU acting up and I do doubt it. PM, ENERMAXPM (product manager) about RMA.
He doesn't post often but does check his PMs.


mechBgon, TYVM for the heads up about voltage settings for the XMS. I do have some for a build
and will note this on the packaging, lest I forget.


...Galvanized

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee
mechBgon, TYVM for the heads up about voltage settings for the XMS. I do have some for a build
and will note this on the packaging, lest I forget.


...Galvanized

Sure thing, hope it helps I've had a couple sets of XMS and had a few isolated BSODs when using default voltages, beginning with my old A7N8X Deluxe that defaulted to 2.5 volts, so I went for 2.7 and that pretty much took care of it. But the pattern is out there, some "fancy" RAM seems to appreciate a little more voltage, so it's one of my blanket suggestions if I don't know WTH is really the matter and have to take the shotgun approach

 

[BlueElite06]

Well, thanks a lot for all the help.. Atm windows 2k is seeing all my ram, my GPU's, my CPU...and Im having no problems.

So, if everything works out...good example is if i try to play a game, any game, and it works...then i'll be cofused. I just don't see why it won't take XP.

-Blue

 

[BlueElite06]

And quick question while Im at it. When I plan on going to XP again, or try to...how should I go about it? pgrade from 2k, or full refresh and install XP.

><!

 

[BlueElite06]

ok update, PC probe is saying my MOBO is at 45C...Which is red, meaning it is too hot... how do I fix ? Agh getting sick of this heh.

-Blue

 

[mechBgon]

Try aiming a house fan into the computer with the side panel off, does that bring about a big reduction in the motherboard temperature? If so, try putting the lil' blower fan onto the heatpipe's cooling fins and see if that has the same effect. I assume your case has some ventilation besides the power-supply fan, right? A single 120mm rear exhaust is a good start, if your case has that.

For installing WinXP, I would do a fresh install, and do it like this:

1) start WinXP Setup from the XP CD-ROM, go along until it lists the partitions on the hard drive, delete each partition, and then press the F3 key twice to exit from Windows Setup.

2) now start WinXP Setup a second time, and this time go all the way through.

3) if your WinXP CD doesn't have Service Pack 2 built in, then keep the computer un-networked until you've installed Service Pack 2 offline using a CD or USB drive or something. Here's the complete SP2 installer file that you can download & burn.



Also, are there any PCI cards in the computer? If so, what are they and what slots are they in?

I got to go to work in a few minutes, so I'll be back in a few hours to see what's going on. Good luck

 

[BlueElite06]

Ok, ill try that

Also 2k is running great - playing games, it just wont use SLI obviously ;p

-Blue

 

[BlueElite06]

ok did those steps. And it is doing the same thing it was. It will copy the windows files then reset (As it should). once that is finished it loads up to the windows XP load bar only to bring up a blue screen.

It is now telling me my system is not fully ACPI Compliant. . . No idea what to do.

The Stop message is STOP: 0x000000A5 (0x00000002, 0x8943c238, 0xE1011A70, 0x89415528)

Yup, no idea why this is happening.

-Blue

 

[BlueElite06]

and as far as my PCI slots go, none of them are being used, only my PCI-E Slots with 2 7800 GT's

-Blue