ASUS TUSL2-C and Windows 98 problem

[peterc]

I recently replaced my BIOSTAR motherboard with an ASUS TUSL2-C. I was looking for quality and stability but predominantely an upgrade path from my Celeron 566MHz.

The experience with the TUSL2-C so far has been disappointing, and the support from ASUS non-existant. Three requests for support over two weeks unanswered. Anybody tried successfully using ASUS.COM support functions?

To the problem:

I do a clean install of Windows 98 (original version) onto a clean partition. Everything runs okay until I load the chipset drivers on the CD-ROM supplied with the motherboard. Then Windows 98 hangs in the logo screen.. everytime. I can boot into Safe mode okay, and everything looks onto in device manger etc.

My original set up was a dual boot Windows 98/Windows 2000. The ASUS board and drivers run fine with Windows 2000.

The rest of the config is Celeron 566MHz, 192MB PC100 SDRAM (1x128, 1x64), Matrox MGA G100 AGP, Motorola SM56 PCI modem. Using on-board audio. BIOS is current version 1011, as shipped with the MB.

I tried SP1 for Windows 98, no difference.

I'd appreciate any ideas.

 

[AndyHui]

Do not use the Intel Chipset Inf drivers provided on the CDROM by ASUS. Where possible, you should always use the latest drivers, as the ones provided on CDROMs are generally out of date.

You can download the latest version from here.

 

[Jeff H]

peterc, by chance did you also install the Intel ATA drivers? I ask because last year I built an Asus CUSL2 for my neighbor and all went well until I installed the Intel ATA drivers, instead of using the MS driver (installed by default). I had to reload the OS, this time w/o the Intel ATA drivers and all was well.

 

[AndyHui]

That's true. The Intel ATA Storage Drivers do not work well with Win98.

 

[Jeff H]

Andy, is it an Intel ATA and Win98 issue, or is it an issue specific to Asus, and more specifically certain Asus boards? I ask because I've had no trouble w/ the Intel ATA on other boards running Win98. The first (and only, so far) time I've seen this was on a CUSL2 board.

 

[GregMal]

I've got a Soyo TISU motherboard and I've got the same problem.
Installed the MB, installed the OS (Win98SE), then installed the
Intel inf files (downloaded from the internet), nothing but BSOD's,
black screens, and lockups. Reformatted and reinstalled Win98SE
without the updated Intel infs. Very stable system but just the
generic drivers in the device manager and 1 yellow question
mark.........Greg

 

[peterc]

Thanks Andy and all others who offered advice. ASUS also finally replied with the same advice on the Intel INF issue, plus sent an updated BIOS 1012. I'm leaving the BIOS for now (not sure its release code, I've only seen ASUS refer to this as BETA so far), and will see if the Intel drivers fix it first.

I dont believe I had the option to install the ATA driver separately. I remember it as all packaged in one install option on the ASUS CD, but I'll check.

 

[peterc]

To anybody interested in the follow on to this thread:

It looks like the solution was to load Win98 SPk1 and the latest Intel INF chipset software.

My load sequence probably wasn't ideal, as it was more to do with proving everything worked BEFORE loading the latest Intel chipset s/w, but here it is:

Format D:
Load clean Win98
Install monitor driver
INstall Matrox graphics driver
Install Motorola modem
Install DirectX 8.0a
Install latest on-board audio driver
Instal WinZip
Install Iomega drivers
Load latest Intel chipset software
System crashed on re-boot
Loaded Win98 service pack 1 (minus IE4.01 SPK1)
System re-booted okay
Noted HDD DMA not set on
Set it on, re-booted okay
Installed IE 5.5 SPk1
System crahsed on re-boot
Boot to Safe mode - all looked ok
Reboot to normal Win98, all okay

No change made to BIOS, still at 1011. Motherboard is ASUS TUSL2-C.

 

[GregMal]

Yeah, well....I'm running Win98SE and the latest Intel Infs screwed
things up royally..........Greg

 

[Slaughter]

Loading the latest INF's should be the FIRST thing you should do before loading everything else. Try that.

 

[oldfart]

I've installed inf's on 815 and 845 systems more times than I can count in both Win98 and Win2k systems. Never had a problem. Install the OS, then the inf's. After that, install all your device drivers. If you are running your system without them installed, you are not setup properly and performance will suffer.

 

[Witchfinder]

I Agree with Oldfart - do exactly the same, but in my case by the time a machine is running a Tualatin ( or even a fast Coppermine like my 566@850 on a CUSL2), Win98 goes out of the - Ahem - Window

I really like the original 98 but The rule of thumb I go by is that if it`s 500Mhz or faster, got a board newer than an original BX and 256Mb or more, then it gets Win2K..