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Another strange problem with a client's computer

S

Swanny

Diamond Member
Hello all,

I need opinions again on what could be wrong with a computer I'm working on for a client.

Basic problem: System won't boot in any mode. Safe mode and LKGC don't work.

Analysis:
In safe mode start-up, the system always hangs on agpCPQ.sys
The hard drive is fine. It passed Maxtor's Powermax testing utility. It had multiple virii (about 37), but I removed those.
The system hangs when running Memtest-86. One time it went further, but it seems to hang pretty consistently at 11% finished on the 2nd test. I took the memory out and put it in my test system. It has been running Memtest flawlessly for just over 1/2 an hour.

This leads me to believe that the problem is somewhere in hardware, either the mobo or the CPU. Here are the basic system specs:

Dell Dimension something
1.8Ghz P4
i845 Chipset
256Mb RAM (Samsung chips)
40Gb Hard disk (Maxtor)


Please render your own opinions on this.




Thanks,
Swan


P.S. This problem is annoying because working on it today kept me from putting together my new (used) Athlon MP dually🙁
 

did you try to reimage that machine or something? when it looks like it's hanging on that agpcpq.sys is a good indication something has gone wacky with the HAL file (hal.dll)...like trying to use one computer's image on a different computer. Or maybe one of those virii messed it up?

any backups? if so put hal.dll on a floppy...boot the xp cd, run recovery console (does that work?) ....and copy a:\hal.dll to c:\windows\system32\hal.dll

do this google groups search for that problem:

agpcpq issue not booting

good luck
 
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention about attempts to recover the system. I did not do anything with an image. There are no backups.

The first thing I tried was to run the Recovery Console from the XP disc. The console would run, ask me which Windows installation I wanted to log onto, and then hang. Similarly, when I tried to run a Windows setup, it would hang at the "Checking for previous versions of Windows" screen.

EDIT: Another thing I should clarify. The two components I tested by themselves (HD and RAM) were testing in a seperate computer, so their ability to pass the tests is not indicative of the computer in question's overall stability.
 
Just do a fresh install on a new hard drive and copy the stuff he needs from the old drive when finished.
 
snidy1, I'm not sure you fully understand the problem. I cannot do a fresh install since the Windows installation hangs before it even starts to write to the hard disk.

I could try wiping the drive manually and then installing, but I do not want to do a fresh install on a system that seems to be not fully stable anyway.

If the system crashes while running something like Memtest, which is before Windows loads, I don't think the problem can be fixed by simply reinstalling.
 
Originally posted by: snidy1
Did you try a differant PS?
Click to expand...

No, I have not. This is the Dell supplied PS, so I'm assuming it has enough power for the job. It could be going bad, but it doesn't seem to me like that would be the problem. I will put that on my list of things to try, though.
 
Hmm, how about trying different memory in the Dell? If you do need a replacement power supply to pursue it more, check www.pcpowercooling.com, they've got Dell-specific ones. Also, what happens if you try a PCI video card in it, and set the BIOS to use PCI first (long shot)? And long shot #2... is the slider switch on the PSU set for 110 volts? I've seen a couple that came set for 230V input, and it results in the system not being stable (duh).

If it were anything but a Dell then I'd suggest bumping the memory voltage to 2.6V-2.7V, but I doubt you have that option. Good luck, sorry my suggestions are kinda lame 🙁
 
Give up and buy a new case, cpu, and mobo. If you find out it was the mobo, you'd have to replace that and older Dell had funky cases and PS connectors.

Or go get one of those P4 SFF cases from Shuttle or biostar and slap everything into that.
 
Generally, when the system hangs on agpCPQ.sys (CPU to AGP controller)it indicates;

1. the FILE is corrupt (you can manually copy it from the cd)

2. the onboard cache on the CPU is bad.

If you were able to boot from the CD (although limitedly) I would guess the file is corrupt.
 
Originally posted by: LiLithTecH
Generally, when the system hangs on agpCPQ.sys (CPU to AGP controller)it indicates;

1. the FILE is corrupt (you can manually copy it from the cd)

2. the onboard cache on the CPU is bad.

If you were able to boot from the CD (although limitedly) I would guess the file is corrupt.
Click to expand...

Even if it crashed in something like memtest that shouldn't be using the windows drivers at all?
 
Must have a senoir moment and forgot you ran memtest.
While memtest86 is a fine application, there is NO Subtitute for a hardware ram checker.

Back to your problem.
Quote from Memtest86 website:

"Memtest86 can not diagnose many types of PC failures. For example a faulty CPU that
causes Windows to crash will most likely just cause Memtest86 to crash in the same way."

Leads the problem to the CPU.

You can try reseating the CPU (I know its a pain if its a 4400 with the duct fan).
Also, try clearing the CMOS. (remember to unplug the power :>} )

If that does not help, RMA the CPU.
 
I think LiLithTecH is on the right track by suggesting the CPU is at fault. It would be nice if you could get your hands on a P4 to test it in there.
 
Originally posted by: cheetoden
I think LiLithTecH is on the right track by suggesting the CPU is at fault. It would be nice if you could get your hands on a P4 to test it in there.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately I am an avid AMD user. I don't own or have access to and P4 CPUs or mobos to test with.

I've recommended that the client check with Dell to see if a warranty replacement can be done. If it can't, I'll try to find a P4 somewhere to test with.
 
Have you reset the BIOS? Since you mentioned clearing virii off the HDD, it's possible the BIOS is corrupt. Just this week I had a mobo with virii in BIOS. A BIOS clear and flash did the trick.
 
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