Boot Up RAM Count

[Graeme]

Occasionally boot up sequence freezes in RAM count..reboot usually fixes..System is Intel P111 450MHz, 256M PC100 RAM, 30G HDD, Windows ME ..is problem BIOS related?

Many thanks

Graeme

[tjaymadison]

Is the RAM name-brand or generic? Are you overclocking anything? What size (watts) is the power supply? The easiest thing to try -- remove the RAM sticks and reseat them, making sure they lock down completely. Make sure you ground yourself first, and try to just touch the small circuit board, not the chips or the gold contacts. The problem may be "BIOS related", but I'm afraid by that you mean caused by a faulty BIOS. Probably not, but you could check to see if you have the most current BIOS version. A possible cause may be the RAM latency setting, a option you should be able to change in the BIOS setup. If it's set at CAS-2, try changing it to CAS-3. Also, if "fast boot" is enabled, you could try disabling it. Try changing one of those options, run it for a few days and see if that solves it. If not, change back and try the other one for a while. If still no better, try both at once.

[Randy_tx]

Did your problems begin when you installed Win Me? If not, it is likely to be RAM related; however, if you didnt have any problems with boot up prior to Win Me (which didnt come with PII-350's, then it could be Me causing your problems........have you installed the Service Pack for Me?

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[Graeme]

Thanks guys for your suggestions. I had a scare just now when the machine had no video..zilch!..although the CDRW and FDD had apparently been booted but with no video who knows what was happening..the monitor (Hitachi 17inch) is functioning OK. The machine when "freezing" emits along beeping noise and will not reboot unless switched off/on at mains power.

I have since opened up and "jiggled" all the (RAM,video) cards..and lo and behold it lives!!..but for how long? ..this seems a lot more serious than I first thought .I will take your suggestions very seriously..in answer to questions..not sure what power wattage..this PC has been working for about a year with no problems..I installed ME a few months back ( no Service Pack)with a partition (5G HDD) with Win 2000..I can't really see how the OS could be attributable to what appears to be a fundamental problem? however, I am not a tech and am open to all suggestions. I will send this off now and reseat the memory as suggested and look toward upgrading the BIOS. I have a Gigabyte GA -6BXC board if that helps diagnosis,
Again..thanks for taking your time(s) on this one..

Regards..Graeme

[Graeme]

Just an update..
After reseating RAM and changing RAM Latency setting to CAS3 ( from "auto") I have had faultless boots..I switch on with fingers crossed..but all OK so far..
Thanks again for tips..still interested on ME and possible problems?..it has been more stable than 98 but recent problem and your comments are of concern

Graeme

[Randy_tx]

I really dont think we can blame Me for this one....sounds more like a RAM or device seating problem or the stuff tymadison posted than Me to me http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT