pc

[PPAALL]

Hi;
student in distress.Tried to save money for my exams:got into trouble.
Assembled a desktop PC for the 1st time.
AMD Athlon 950;MB-Tekram:K7KX-A;Mem:256 mb @ 133;HD-Maxtor53073H4-30.7 GB@7200 with PCI 100 controller card;Video:Matrox G400 16 MB;Modem :Best Data 56K v90.OS-Win-ME.
PROBLEM:i.After system boot up & Win comes on floppy still seeks(spins) for few secs? ii.Can't find COM Ports in Device Manager ?
iii.If I go to MY Comp--to Drive C--Try to open folder--D click--Comp Freezes (Monitor & PC) both.Esc or Ctrl+Alt+Del don't work.Pressing Reset starts with scan disk every time.PC also freezes if I try to go on a web address & hit enter on the Keyboard?PLEASE HELP to solve the problem.Thanks

[mjc]

1. Do tou have floppy boot seek disabled? in Bios is the floppy secon ir third on the boot list? is new floppy seek disabled in Windows (system info -> Performance?

2. Are any COM ports enabled in BIOS?

3. Boot into Safe Mode (easiest way is to turn on the boot menu: Run -> msconfig -> Advanced -> enable Startup Menu. Go to Device Manager and check for "ghost devices" multiple appearances of the same device and conflicts (yellow triangles with exclamation points). Are you in MS-DOS compatablity mode when in Windows (System Info ->performance) If there are "ghost devices" remove all of them and reboot between each one (the why for the boot menu). If in MS-DOS compatability mode check the DMA setting for th CD-ROM and disable DMA on the CD-ROM. Also check the IDE controller driver (conflicts and such) it may need to be unistalled and reinstalled.

------------------
mjc
To ME or NOT to ME....

[Reid]

(Oops, got in a hurry and when I re-read MJC's post I realized my advice was very similar, so I deleted it)

____________________________________________
Friends don't let friends install Windows ME



[This message has been edited by Reid (edited 02-21-2001).]

[Randy_tx]

If all of your devices are in correctly then it well could be that Win Me is having trouble with the Motherboard or some of the device drivers...it wouldnt surprise me. Save yourself a TON of grief....install Win98 SE.

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

[PPAALL]

Thanks MJC & REID;
1.Dr-A Floppy:Checked in BIOS-Enabled.Still seeks(spins)few secs after Win-ME comes up.
2.COMs:Set them up for AUTO in BIOS.They showed up in DM--Ports,thanks.
3.i.Checked for Ghost Devices in DM (in safe mode).In Disk Drvs C (hard dr)came up twice--so deleted one & rebooted.No other multiples found.
ii.Checked the DMA settings for CD-ROM::it's Disabled
iii.In Device Manager checked everything indvidually by going to Properties.Checked each Devices Status:Working Properly.Also checked in Resources:No Conflicts shown.TEMPS:CPU-28C/82F;System-23c/73F.have dual fan on CPU.
PROBLEM stays the same when accessing files in dr-C/going on www/even accessing HELP in startup::it crashes on double click(monitor frezes)ESC/ctrl+Alt+Del don't work.Reset starts with scan disk each time.
I am very confused.Your advice really appreciated.Thanks & sorry for the delay in answering. Thanks again.

[PPAALL]

Thanks much Randy.I noticed your post just after I submitted mine.Please HELP.

[mjc]

Have you checked for the latest versions of the VIA drivers. The versions on the Tekram site are here:Tekram (http://www.tekram.com/Updates.asp?Product=K7KX-A)

------------------
mjc
To ME or NOT to ME....

[PPAALL]

Hi -- MJC;REID & RANDY
Tried everything as suggested by you guys but this PC doesn't change a bit.It still gives the same PROBLEMS as we started with the discussion.I tried to check it through the Mcaffe Nuts & Bolts .I find three things::
i.I have AMD Athlon 950 MHZ but on Mcaffe Diagnostics its showing at 400MHZ
ii.The System Diagnostics at the Mcafee does not complete.It hangs on & frezes.
iii.Same is with the Memory Diagnostics it does not complete 7 hangs & freezes.Every time I start with Reset & run Scan disk.I have checked for viruses-NONE.
I am using Discover Pro to see things & diagnose.On system it shows CPU-400 mhs.When I go next to memory nothing comes up.Software , Drives,I/O Devices ,Benchmarks are OK.In Diagnostics in Advanced it fails System Diagnostic & Memory diag.
I am totally confused & in a mess .PLEASE NEED YOUR ADVICE.THANKS

[Randy_tx]

OK OK OK.........lets slow down and figger it out. I'm beginning to think you could have it way UNDERclocked.....your motherboard should be set at 100 mhz bus speed and an 9.5 multiplier...if not that, then it's clocked wrong. Does the motherboard have jumpers or is it a Bios type setting? Is the Voltage set automatically or by jumper(should be 1.6 v-1.8v)? DOUBLE check these things - if they are not set right that is the reason you are having all these problems. Before you go too much farther, I would take it to a computer shop....YOU HAVE SOME EXPENSIVE STUFF THERE!!

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

[PPAALL]

Thanks a lot Randy for your concern.Appreciate it.
Well as of now here is the situation : Finally was able to use System Restore in Win ME.So got back to the same settings as I had the date Win -ME was installed.Now No more spinning of Floppy.Got Com Ports in DM.Thanks
PROBLEM NOW : PC boots up at start-- I get a plain blank blue screen with the time thing running & no win ME.Reset it & the system goes through scan disk & boots up in safe mode.Can't get to boot in Normal so that the Win ME loads up!!
MB is TEKRAM : k7kx-A with VIA KX-133 chipset.It has a switching Voltage regulator.MB has a 200 mhz bus.I am sure you guys can figure out what is missing at this point.
Thanks much to all of you guys:Randy;Reid & MJC for the advice.I am sure I will get through the puzzle.

[Reid]

I was starting to think this all sounded memory related until I saw this in a Via Hardware K7KX-A Review (http://viahardware.com/tekramk7.htm):

"One of the limits of the KX133 chipset is its failure to run correctly with the Slot A Athlon Thunderbird. Most users report no problems until you start reaching the 800mhz mark on the KX133. This was the case in our testing. The TBird would not even post at 850. The same T-bird posted at 1ghz! in a AMD based MSI K7Pro."

Do you have a Thunderbird rather than a "Classic"? Classic Athlons have "K7" after AMD-, followed by a 3-digit core clock speed. Thunderbirds have "A" after the dash, followed by a 4-digit core clock speed.

------------------
reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends install Windows ME



[This message has been edited by Reid (edited 02-23-2001).]

[Reid]

Here is a link to AMD Slot A CPU/Motherboard Compatibility (http://www1.amd.com/athlon/mbl/slotaavail).

------------------
reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends install Windows ME

[Randy_tx]

I think Reid has hit the jackpot here......Although there are not too many Slot A TBirds out there, they have become more available in the last month or so ...........AND I BET YOU HAVE ONE!! You're only solution might be to trade in the cpu you have now for a Classic Athalon...It's 9 % slower, but at least it will work...I think there is a timing problem with the "on-die" cache of the tbird in the Slot A config in your mobo.

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

[Randy_tx]

Even if it's a "Classic" Athalon....you STILL have a Operating System that is "buggy" as all get out.

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

[PPAALL]

Hi GUYS;thanks
checked those MB Links in both posts.If you notice the MB given last in the compatability list is k7kx:::comp with k7 processor.My processor is Athlon & not Thunderbird.
My MB is k7kx-A Rev:1.01 compatible with Slot-A Athlons.It was ordered after checking compatibilty.Thats what the sellers told me at that time which is from TIGER DIRECT.If you look at the specs for the board at TEKRAM.com or VIA kx133 chip set sites there are no compatiblity issues.
Thanks

[Randy_tx]

This is a doozy ! .........I assume by now you have verified that the Bus speed is 100 and the Multiplier is set @ 9.5...right? Other than that, you need to really consider dumping Win Me and going with Win 98 SE....and that's my Final Answer http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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

[PPAALL]

Hi RANDY ;
In the MB BIos--Advanced Chipset Features I have::::K7 CLK_CTL Select:It is SET to OPTIMAL for K7 clock ramp according to system clock multiplier & the system bus speed.The other option is DEFAULT ??
I am not sure where else to check for these???
Well finally I am also leaning twards WIN-98 SE.This would be the final day for the system workout.
Appreciate the HELP & ADVICE from all.Thanks

[Randy_tx]

If you havent tried "Default" yet....do so by all means in the CPU section...It should autodetect the cpu correctly if the bios update provided for a 9.5 setting.

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

[Reid]

Originally posted by PPAALL:
If you notice the MB given last in the compatability list is k7kx:::comp with k7 processor.My processor is Athlon & not Thunderbird.


A Thunderbird is in the Athlon family and I had no way of knowing for sure what you had. That is why I asked.



------------------
reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends install Windows ME

[PPAALL]

Hi ;
Well I tried the Default for the CPU.Whether its set on Optimal or Default --On the start during POST it gets recognized as AMD 950 Mhz at 100 X 9.5 .Its only with the Mcafee Nuts & Bolts it was shown clocking at 400 Mhz I don't know why.
I did't knew also when I bought the CPU & MB that this CPU is going to be Athlon Classic Which use Slot A MB's.Anyhow what I have now I have it & have now no choice but to fix it.
Well the loading of Win ME has been recovered by repeatedly loading drivers again & again.They start up in Normal mode.
NEW PROBLEM::When I need to shut off the Win ME it crashes again showing a blue screen & a message as follows:::::::An error has occurred.To continue Press Enter to return to Win or Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart.
FILE NAME:VMM(01) + 0000C0C1 Error : OE : 0028 : C000D0C1
Press any key to continue.
I have to again RESET-- run scan disk & open WIN.But each shutdown is showing this message.
Now what I am doing wrong so as I am not getting a full recovery I dont know .But I am really appreciative of you all to go through this with me & trying to HELP.Thanks

[Reid]

I keep getting a feeling it is a memory related problem. Check this Tom's Hardware link for Recommended BIOS Settings for KX133 Boards (http://www.tomshardware.com/mainboard/00q2/000507/kx133-03.html).

------------------
reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends install Windows ME

[This message has been edited by Reid (edited 02-24-2001).]

[PPAALL]

Hi REID;
Did changed the few BIOS & Advanced chip set features according to the TOM 'sHW for KX 133 chipset. Still having the same problem at WIN shutdown the same error message.

[PPAALL]

Hi MJC;REID & RANDY;
Changed the Power Supply to AMD approved 400 WW.
Still doing the the same as in the original problem.
Will keep posted.
Couple of friends running Win-ME are quite happy with the OS !!!!!
Thanks for all help.

[Randy_tx]

Are your happy friends who are running Win Me using AMD Athalon cpu's?? There might be a problem with timing between Athalon cpus and Win Me (I have some with Win98 SE using an Athalon).

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

[Randy_tx]

You might want to check with the Windows Update site to obtain the latest updates for Win Me......assuming you intend to stay with that OS.

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

[PPAALL]

Hi Randy;
Well few have AMDs & others Intel.
Before giving up I just want to check everything in Software & Hardware.
Ofcourse with the help & advice from everybody.
Thanks again & I will keep devolpments/results posted.

[Reid]

Have you tried setting CAS Latency in BIOS from 2 to 3? That fixed random crashes in my system after putting in a new PC133 memory module, and it is a recommended setting from some motherboard manufacturers.

------------------
reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends install Windows ME

[PPAALL]

Hi Guys(MJC,REID & RANDY),
As per your advice cleaned the system & reinstalled Win-98.
As for the floppy it stopped spinning.
CPU is being correctly recognized so is the memory.
But still the system freezes/crashes onces in a while during internet surfing.
MY BIOS latency on Mem is on AUTO.I am going to change it to three.
I am starting to get a feeling that it could be the Matrox Dual head AGP setting or drver causin the problem.I will try to get on their forum at Matrox.
Thanks

[PPAALL]

Hi;
back again,with a follow up of the absence period:
Did installed Win-98 Clean install after scratching out everything with all drivers & updates.The major PROBLEM still stayed:random freezing/reboots !!!! ????
Now I have reverted back to WIN-ME after a new install
i.System shuts/reboots at random while on internet.
ii.PC unable to communicate with Printer BJC-2000.
iii.In DM: Question mark at Other devices --Wave Device for Voice Modem.It does not find its drivers either in Win's/Modem Cd/MB cd' ??
iv.Sometimes on the blue screen I get the following message::::
Out of Range
Hf:30khz ---- 70khz
Vf:50hz ---- 150hz
Current freqency
fh:18.1 khz fv:22hz
sometimes:fh:23.8 khz fv:37hz
I have the following monitors:
KDS:visual sensatios:vs-7e::freq range:28--70khz(hor)& 50--120hz(ver).
TRL/RIC DH-1764M:freq range:30--70khz(hor) & 47--120hz(ver).
I tried using a different VGA card also :ATI Radeon - VE (NEW) 32 MB's.It still gets the same problems.So I reverted back to Matrox at 16 MB's.
Changed the Modem also to Best Data : MSP 5900-U.
Before I give the PC to a Computer shop or start changing parts this is a another attempt to find a solution at the FORUM.
Thanks to everyone for your interest.

[Reid]

Have you tried loading the latest drivers for the motherboard's chipset?
Have you only used AGP cards so far? (Sorry, too many previous posts to re-read) Maybe you could try a PCI card to see if symptoms change. I never saw a problem like this where the video frequencies are out of the range of the monitor.


------------------
reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends install Windows ME

[BigBlue66]

Hi,

Have just read through this entire post. I can certainly feel your frustration. I have a couple of ideas, don't know if they are worth anything. Whether or not it was present from the get-go is debatable, but now I think maybe Reid's hunch is right about a memory related issue. Have you swapped out the RAM for known good RAM? Or, are you able to do that? Might be worth taking the RAM back to where you bought it from to have them check it out. Do you have just one 256mb stick, or do you have two 128mb sticks, etc.?? If you have more than one stick, try taking one or more out and see what happens. If no problems, then swap them around until you possibly find a faulty stick. If you only have the one stick, then maybe you could trade it in for a different one, or borrow known good RAM from a friend, just to troubleshoot. With BIOS settings at default for RAM related issues, you might even try totally different memory than what you have, i.e. PC-100 or something.

On the other hand, it may be video card or monitor related. Have you tried adjusting the video card refresh rate? Try it at default if you haven't already. Your latest post seems to indicate a problem in the refresh rates, of either the vid card or the monitor, or maybe both. It might be worth doing a little troubleshooting in that area.

Good luck.

Big Blue 66

[PPAALL]

Hi Reid;
thanks for the reply,I was also not sure if to keep the same thread or start a new one::::: it surely is getting a lengthy one !!
Got started on the same as it gives everybody an idea of what happened previously.
YES,I did went on the VIA KX-133 site & downloaded the new driver pack Ver4 in 1 --425(a) & have installed them.
Thats what Matrox Forum suggest.Do this VIA Dr install & then update the Matrox drivers.Thats been already done.
Have again checked the sites for AMD;TEKRAM;VIA & MATROX to see if there are any compatibility issues::Found NONE .
This Monitor frequency issue I don't understand either ??
Well since I reverted back to the WIN-ME the problem occurance has increased in timing::happens more frequently.
thanks.

[PPAALL]

Hi Reid & Big Blue 66;
thanks,
Memory stick is one only at first slot.An LD (Generic) : 256/133mhz.Got from E bay so no chance for returns.It was sold as compatible with AMD Athlons !! I will see if I can borrow from someone at least 128 & see how it works.
Regarding Video card it has been checked both at Default & Optimal refresh rates.I know with Matrox one can change the refresh rate manually but I was afraid to tinker with it as a WARNING comes up that refreshing may cause blackouts with certain monitors.Right now I am only running it at solo mode with the KDS monitor.I have not enabled the dual head.Right now the Res are 800 x 600 at 85 hz's.
I will try another memory too.
thanks

[BigBlue66]

Hi,

Good idea about the memory. You have two things going against you with that issue. One, it's generic. (Which is not to say it's not good, some generic memory works just fine) Two, you got it off Ebay. It could very well be incompatible. In the future, you may want to consider buying a reputable brand of memory, since it's so critical to the system. Nuff said about that. Yes indeed, try ANY known good memory that you can get your hands on. I am even more convinced that it's a memory issue now.

Additionally, your refresh rate might be too high for your monitor. Don't know that for sure, as I have no time to go back through this post and look up specs for your monitor. However, you may want to adjust the refresh rate lower, not higher. Adjusting it lower should have no detrimental effects. Try 75mhz. I wouldn't go much lower than that, 'cause then the quality of your video will suffer.

However, as stated before, I really think it's bad memory so the above may be a moot point. Try different memory first. If the errors still exist, then it's time to dig a little deeper concerning the compatibility of your video card to your monitor, or adjusting the refresh rates down.

Under Control Panel/Display/Settings/Advanced/Monitor, is your specific monitor listed there, or is it some sort of generic listing? Of course, you know how to change the refresh rate for your video adapter? In the same Settings section, under Adapter, on the bottom of the screen, you can see the refresh rate and the pull-down menu for changing it. Sorry if I am repeating prior advice, like you said, the post is getting long. With your system being so shaky, I would make sure that the Compatibility option is checked that says something about having to reboot the computer before the change will take effect. If any of this is unclear, post back and we'll help further.

Ok, just thought of something else. In your BIOS, do you have the option for Video Bios Caching enabled or disabled? Whichever it is, try the other option, save and exit. See if that makes a difference. Additionally, have you changed any settings in your BIOS that relate to certain memory ranges for the video caching? If unclear about this, post back. On second thought, have you made ANY changes in the BIOS?

Man, if I keep editing this post, I will have to start my own novel. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Anyway, just re-read one of your latest posts. Seems to me that the refresh rate is indeed set TOO HIGH. According to the specs you wrote, you should absolutely change the adapter refresh rate clear back to 65hz. I see now where 75hz will probably still be too high, so go lower if you have the option to. Even at default, the adapter refresh rate may still be higher than what your monitor can handle. i.e default may equal a refresh rate that is higher than 70hz and optimal would surely be higher than that. Change the rate back to 65hz or even 60hz. See if that makes a difference.

Good luck.

Big Blue 66


[This message has been edited by BigBlue66 (edited 03-15-2001).]

[This message has been edited by BigBlue66 (edited 03-15-2001).]

[PPAALL]

Hi ;
was busy arranging for memory---finally borrowed it from a friend.
Changed to the new memory:::Problem stays the same--so put back the same LD module.
Tried different refresh rates @ 75 ; 65 ; 60 hz's.Still the problem remains the same. Also tried diff settings with diff refresh rates e.g::800x600;1024x768 etc;etc.Problem stays.
Video RAM cache in BIOS::: changed settings Enabled/Disabled,Problem stays the same.
AGP aperture size also adjusted at different levels e.g::128M/64M/32M at diff levels with diff combinations of refresh rates.Problem stays the same.
Video card BIOS has been updated from MATROX ---self exe file.
Also borrowed new vid card:ATI--Radeon-VE changed it after deleting Matrox drivers & ATI install ::Problem still stays the same with ATI vid card.
VIA chip drivers are updated.
Matrox drivers for Matrox Dual head 16 MB card updated .
PROBLEM starts when open the internet & try to type a web address and hit enter/Go or click with the mouse:::::PC freezes or starts rebooting itself.Esc don't work/Ctrl+Alt+Del doesn't work or shuts it down .I have to press the power button for 4 sec's--It reboots checks everything OK does a disk scan & loads win-ME up.
I am unable to think anything else have done four Clean installs after formatting with Win 98 /Win-ME twice each.
No doubles or conflicts of any kind in Device Manager or in the IRQ's.
All drivers updated.

[BigBlue66]

Ok, so what you're saying is that it only happens when you connect to the net????

If so, then it's time to get rid of the Best Data modem. I assume that it's a software based modem. If it is, did you install the drivers using the disk that came with the modem? With software based modems, you must use the executable file supplied to install the driver.

Sorry if I am way off base here, just trying to think of everything.

If at all possible, borrow a hardware based modem and see if that helps. I assume that you have an available ISA slot? If not, you will have a difficult time finding a PCI modem that is not software based.

That's all I can think of for now. Software based modems do present a lot of different problems, though, so maybe this is part of your problem.

Hang tight. Maybe some others will have a few more ideas you can try.

Good luck.

BB 66

[PPAALL]

Thanks BB66;
Few times it does freezes when I try to open up a folder or a file on my drive C.BD internal modem is a software based modem.Its drivers were installed in the last using the cd which came with it.
I have alredy tried a new ISA based BD modem but same problems stay.
Mostly the freezes are when I am trying to use the IE 5.5 to go on the net or trying to access fies /downloads etc while on the net.
Thanks much

[BigBlue66]

OK, so now you have a hardware based modem?

Have you tried running the repair tool for IE? I believe it's in the Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel, can't remember for sure. It should have its own tab there.

Otherwise, you can go to Start/Programs/Accessories/SystemTools/SystemInformation/Tools and there should be an option there to repair IE.

Good luck.

BB 66

[PPAALL]

Hi BB66;
My modem is Data Products MSP5900-U internal PCI slot modem.
But as I mentioned in my previous post I did tried an ISA modem & the problems still existed.
Can't find IE Reapir tool :::Not in Add/Remove Programs nor through sys info/Tools.
I am having OS:WIN-ME Full Install.
thanks again.

[BigBlue66]

Yeah, I had forgotten that you were using ME. I have no experience with said OS, so I can't help you with that part.

Have you tried going to the Windows Update at Microsoft's site? I know there is a service pack out for IE5.5. Might be worth your time to download and install it. If you are already running with SP1, then I am stumped. There has got to be a way to "repair" IE under ME. I can't believe that they would take that capability out.

Maybe someone who has ME can help you further. In the meantime, if you don't have SP1 for IE, start there.

Good luck.

BB 66

[PPAALL]

Hi BB 66;
thanks for your reply.
Remember I mentioned in my previous posts that I have twice Clean Installed both OS's alternatively WIN-98/ME.
During one of the Win-98 installs after everything came up & running((ONE THING I WANT TO MENTION IS THAT I NEVER HAD BOOT PROBLEMS IN ANY OF THE OS"s)) I did manage to get on the net & did installed the IE 5.5 security patch SP1-- right off this machine & while on the net.
Well it did not affected much the performance & I reverted back to the WIN-ME((I hope MJC;REID & RANDY also would like to know that I desperately tried to stay on with the WIN-98 but was getting the same problems there also!!??))
I am really very thankfull to ALL who helped me so much.But I am still stuck with this PC's wishfullness of freezes/crashes/reboots at random.
I really would like to see that if VIA/AMD/TEKRAM/MATROX etc:etc-- techs do track these Forums from where they can see these issues & find some solutions?????
I am really thankfull to all for their advice.

[BigBlue66]

Hi,

So sorry we couldn't have been of more assistance. Quite frankly, I am beginning to think it has something to do with the motherboard. Have you double checked all connections? That's probably a silly question, but it wouldn't hurt to do it again.

Are you absolutely sure that the motherboard is not shorting out to the case? Did you use the special washers inbetween the mobo and case, as is always recommended?

If you are having no boot problems, then my next hunch is: What programs do you have running in the background? WIN ME is a resource hog, and maybe that is somehow causing the problems. However, I really don't think this would cause the problems you're having, but it might be worth a shot to run with minimal programs loaded in the background.

Are you sure that the system is not getting overheated? I tell ya, I am stumped as to what else to try. Maybe some of the others will have a few more ideas.

Once again, sorry we couldn't get you fixed up. It's a mystery, and no doubt is related to something very simple. Just for the heck of it, make sure all connections are secure, all jumpers on the mobo are right, no shorting to case, everything seated securely, etc.

One more thing you could try is going into BIOS and loading power on and cmos defaults.

Good luck.

BB 66

[PPAALL]

Hi BB 66;
thanks again;
I will do the things suggested in your last post & will get back on the results.It will take sometime to take the system apart & redo it.
I will check everything before another post.
many thanks.

[PPAALL]

Hi BB66;
I am really thankfull to everyone for helping me so much.It did not resolved this PC's Problem for that you don't need to be sorry.
Well as in your last post I did took everything apart.Well All components for the PC assembly were bought brand new.
I visually checked the motherboard on both sides to see any kind of damage for shorts/overheating or of anyother kind.It looks the same as it came out of the electrostatic resistant pack.All work I did was wearing an electrostatic wrist band & grounded at all times.There are washers after each screw to the chasis.
Absolutely NO boot problems at any time.Posted OK for the 1st time during half assembly & Booted good thereafter.
The only programs running are::: IE 5.5; Power Desk for Matrox VGA card Dual Head; PTSNOOP ; Systray. Nothing alse.
Powersupply is AMD approved ANTEC 400 watts with thermally controlled exhaust fan.Never overheated.
On board VIA hardware monitor shows CPU temps as: in between 25--30 c & system temps is: 22 -- 26 and never above those ranges.
CPU has twin fan with heat sink.There is an extra intake & exhaust fan .Hard drive has heat sink & cooler fans.All Voltages are within normal limits.
I have double checked all connections .As a matter of fact I have done another Clean install yesterday night after disassembly.With new drivers from VIA & Matrox.
ALAS::::::this PC is not budging a bit fron the PROBLEM.
I think its time to take it to a good shop/PC TECH where they can use some daignostic cards/motherboards.
Thanks to ALL for the help.

[BigBlue66]

Hi,

Disable PTSNOOP and see if that helps! That's the only thing I see that might cause conflicts. Looks like you knew what you were doing when you put it together and you have a dandy system there. I'm jealous. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Have you made any changes in your BIOS, or have you left it at factory defaults? Just curious.

Another thing, I don't remember what size PS you said you had. Seems that you have a lot of power hungry components in there, but then you would be having other problems, I suspect. Maybe not. If you don't have at least a 350-400 watt PS, I would consider getting it. Whoops, Ok, just saw that you have a 400 watt AMD approved PS. That's good, but is there a possibility that it's faulty? Do you have a way of testing the output?

Before I would take it to a shop, I would spend approx. U.S. $100.00 and buy Norton SystemWorks 2001. More and more, I am beginning to think it's software related, if it's not power related. Norton can do a system check, registry check, etc. for any irregularities and even fix them! But first, disable PTSNOOP. See if that helps.

Good luck.

Big Blue 66


------------------
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, then used against you in a court of law.

[This message has been edited by BigBlue66 (edited 03-21-2001).]

[BigBlue66]

Ok, me again.

Following my prior advice about disabling PTSNOOP:

Just did a search for PTSNOOP and found some interesting results. Some people say you need it, others say you don't.

PTSNOOP is a program that's bundled with HSF or HCF modems (software based) that monitors the COM port when you're using the modem.

After everything I have read, I am convinced that you don't need it, and it could very well be causing your problems. Please do a search for it yourself, do some reading and make up your own mind.

In order to disable and/or completely delete PTSNOOP, do the following:

1) If you have used the modem during your current session, PTSNOOP will be running. Do the three-finger salute and End Task on it.

2) Using explorer, find the ptsnoop.exe file and delete it.

3) Next, edit your win.ini file and remove the line that says: Load=ptsnoop.exe.

Again, please make up your own mind as to whether you want to disable it. However, I am convinced that this is the problem.

Good luck.

Big Blue 66


------------------
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, then used against you in a court of law.

[Reid]

Are the big problems still the freezes and crash/reboots? Have you tried the memory bus at 100 MHz and CAS (CL) at 3?

------------------
reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends install Windows ME

[PPAALL]

Hi BB66 & REID;
SORRY for the late answer I was out for three days & didn't check on the PC.
Have tried the pc with end task of PTSNOOP,still locksup/freezes/reboots at random.Well whatever changes I made in the BIOS while in different posts I reverted back to the Original settings after seeing that the problems still stays.

Yeah REID I still have the same problems as in the original posts.Memory bus has been tried at 100 mhz's & CAS at 3.I also tried both options at AUTO.
Thanks again.

[BigBlue66]

Hey,

You have to do more than just End Task on PTSNOOP. Say for example, that you did End Task on it. OK, fine, but the next time you start up your browser, the file will be recreated.

In order to get rid of it completely, you need to first End Task, then delete the ptsnoop.exe file, then edit the win.ini file and either remove the command line Load=ptnsoop.exe, or REM it out.

Try that.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66


------------------
He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

[PPAALL]

Hi BB66;
Windows don't let me delete that file.It says::
Cannot Delete PTSNOOP:The specified file is being used by Windows.
thanks

[cognitive]

Does your video card fit into a AGP slot? If it does try a pci video card and see if your system still crashes. In general start with the minimum components and add on one at a time. Keep trying different part also.

[BigBlue66]

Hmmmmm. Alrighty then. Let's do it in reverse.

FIRST, edit the win.ini file and either remove the LOAD=ptsnoop.exe line, or disable it.

Reboot. Do the three-finger salute, ONCE, to see if PTSNOOP is running. It shouldn't be. Now, find the file and delete it.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66


------------------
He who laughs last, thinks slowest. hehehehe, Huh?!

[PPAALL]

Hi BB66 & Cognitive;
Well taken out PTSNOOP . It does not load up in the programs now. I will go on the pc tomorrow & see how it behaves after taking out the BD inernal modem which was using this program.

Thanks for your suggestions Cognitive:::after I take my Modem out I have only the Matrox Dual Head left in the MB.I will try to run the pc all day & post the results at night.
thanks .

[PPAALL]

Hi BB66 & Cognitive;
Removed all drivers & PTSNOOP -- taken out the Best Data internal modem HSP card.Tried to run the PC with Matrox Dual Head card only.Only work done is to open files/folders & max & minimize open windows.Still crashes/freezes/reboots/sometimes shows me the blue screen with out of range frequency.
Removed the modem & Matrox drivers with their utilities.
Formatted again.Did a fresh install of WIN-ME.Installed VIA 4 in 1 429 drivers.Then installed Matrox drivers ver 6.50.Thereafter installed other drivers.
Now installed Modem Blaster Flash 56 II (model-DI5601) ISA Controller based modem::::doesn't consume PC-CPU resources.
PROBLEM still remains the same while on the net or opening files/folders/max or minimizing windows----it freezes/crashes/reboots or shows me the blue screen of out of frequency range on the monitor.
Well well this PC needs some extraordinary efforts to stabilize it .
thanks.

[BigBlue66]

Well shoot, I was hoping the latest modifications would fix it.

By any chance, do you have any red x's or yellow !'s in Device Manager for your keyboard or mouse listings? Are there any conflicts at all showing up in Device Manager?

Quite frankly, I am stumped. Maybe you should try an older version of IE, for example, version 5.01 with the latest updates. Or go to Netscape 4.67.

Good luck.

BB 66

------------------
He who laughs last, thinks slowest. hehehehe, Huh?!

[mjc]

Sorry I dropped this for a while I was out of ideas.

Basically we're at the point where you have reinstalled the OS several time (clean istalls) and the problem keeps coming back. So it must be a hardware problem, but which component.....

You have tried:

different RAM
different video card
different modem
different power supply


Out of the original equipment that leaves:

CPU
MOBO
Hard disk controller and drive


If you can get your hands on any supported CPU try that (doesn't matter the speed). If a different CPU doesn't work try the on board IDE controller (won't be ATA100 but if it works then ....). If neither of those options changes anything then it must be the MOBO. (you know the Sherlock Holmes thing...eliminate all the possibilities...)

------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Do Vulcans even have to debug?

[This message has been edited by mjc (edited 03-29-2001).]

[PPAALL]

Hi BB66 & MJC;
thanks no yellow or red !! or ?? signs in the device manger anywhere.No hardware conflicts with any devices after checking their properties.
MJC for me to get anyother boards / CPU is difficult as I will have to buy them new . The only choice left for that is to give the pc to a repair shop & they can trouble shoot as they have alternate equipment.
I will keep things posted.
Thanks.

[Randy_tx]

Your motherboard and cpu are under WARRANTY. Take the cpu & motherboard back and tell them it's defective (If you bought cpu & mobo at the same place, insist they check them out FOR YOU under warranty). You shouldnt be left out in the cold by the company you bought all this stuff from....they SHOULD stand behind it. This thread has been up for over a month now and that's too long to be messing around with potentially defective hardware.

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

[PPAALL]

Hi Randy ;
thanks,
I have contacted Tiger Direct from whom I bought the CPU & MB.
They have told me to contact TEKRAM for the MB to see if they can RMAed the board or check it for me.It has a 90 days warrant.
For the CPU they tell me I can send it to their (Tiger Direct) facility to get it checked.
I am going to do this & then post back.
SORRY for the long thread.
Thanks to everyone.

[PPAALL]

Hi everybody ;
Noticed something in the voltage values :
VCore Val:1.87 ; 2.5V Val:0.29 ((Hardware monitor showing Vol Abnormal--2.5 is too lower)) ; 3.3V Val:3.35 ; 5V Val : 5.20 ; 12V Val : 12.60 .
Anybody has any suggestions withregards to the 2.5V value???
Any corelation to the PROBLEMS given in the thread.
I have changed power supply the third time:::: 250 W to 300 W to 400 watts now.All were AMD approved.And all of them showed the same 0.29V value for the 2.5V.
Thanks much.

[mjc]

If that .29v is an accurate value then I'd say that there is a problem with one of the regulators (whether the regulator itself or the circuitry) on the MOBO; therefore a definite MOBO problem.......whether or not it is the only problem depends upon what is trying to use the 2.5v line.

------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Do Vulcans even have to debug?

[Reid]

I'm not sure what the 2.5V is used for, but I did find some info that mentions CPU clocks run at 2.5V. The 2.5V regulators are on the motherboard, so I agree with MJC about it being a motherboard problem.

------------------
reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends install Windows ME

[Randy_tx]

I take it by your last post that you are still "trying" to get this system to work........my only advice is if you do something that damages the motherboard by shorting it or damage the cpu by running it at a higher voltage than prescribed (in this case 1.8V MAX), you will have a VERY hard time getting replacement items...If it were mine, I'd leave it Alone and make the vendor replace ASAP !

------------------
Always wondered where Silicone Valley was...saw a pic of Pamela Anderson...now I know

[PPAALL]

Hi MJC;REID & RANDY ;
Thanks very much,
Tomorrow morning the TEKRAM will be contacted to see if the board can be replaced or RMEed.
Thanks again.