10 things I did to make my A7V more stable.

[NicColt]

Since I did this I havent experienced a crash or lock-up, also keep in mind that I also did a new install of the OS and all software and software updates. I'm also using Norton Internet Security and Anti-Virus 2000. I hope my suggestions will help in some way.

1. I installed the VIA 4-1 Vgart Driver in Normal mode. As per Asus instructions, since I have an Asus Video Card.
2. (Asus Video Card) Installed v6.32Beta5 Drivers.
3. I installed the mass storage controler u160B25
4. In the system configuration utility - Startup.
(start-programs-accessories-system tools-system information choose system configuration utility.) I disabled the load power profile and other things I didn't want to install at startup.
5. In the system configuration utility - General tab - Advance. I disabled EMM Exclude A000-FFFF. Certain NIC's may conflict
with the memmory ranges.
6. Under 386Enh I included ConservativeSwapfileUsage=1
7. I installed BIOS 1004D and then reset the BIOS defaults rebooted and then made my necessary changes.
8. (natural keyboard pro) I installed v1.1 of the MNKP update.
9. (SBLive) I did not install LiveWare software
10. Updated all possible updates at windowsupdate.microsoft.com

 

[madthumbs]

No liveware software? I only got the SB live for 4 speaker surround, otherwise I would have kept the Awe64. Does the 4 speaker surround work without it?

 

[Shuxclams]

GeeWhiz, I havent done any of that and have yet to have a single problem with 13 rigs.



SHUX

 

[madthumbs]

I do see a lot of problems posted on Abit's KT7, but few on A7V. I have Abit's KA7 and am unhappy with it's inability to handle 1GHz with an Athlon Classic (or anything over 850). I was able to do 1 GHz very stable after playing around with some BIOS settings, but it disabled me from being able to use my joystick. With WinME, I can't even figure out how to get it to 1GHz without freezing up during window's boot.

"considering Asus next time"

 

[Whitedog]

Most of the stuff you listed has nothing to do with stability, but rather performance...

My system (A7V + V7700) was so unstable it wasn't even funny. All I did was, in the bios, change the System Performance Settings from Optimal to Normal... and Wallah! Rock solid ever since.

All the other stuff I did only imporved performance...

BTW, if you use the line "ConservativeSwapfileUsage=1", make sure you have virual memory set to "windows" and not "user defined", but that's 9x crap.. hehe
Windows 2000 all the way man! HEHE

I have all the garbage sound blaster stuff, and startup crap on my machine and it runs like a raped ape! then again, I've got 384MB ram too Right now, it says it's only using 2MB of virtual memory... Windows 2000 manages memory fantastically.