Big Trouble With Asus A7N266-VM

[TheNoblePlatypus]

I've been trying to get this machine running for awhile now. My problem is this, whenever I try to install an operating system I get an error code. This happens with all flavors of Windows so far also. The installation of XP nets me a "File \biosinfo.inf could not be loaded. The error code is 4096". All the other OSes produce the same thing. (98/ME/2000) Im running SpecTek 256MB DDR in it for memory, but from what I've read their isn't any conflicts between the Nforce board and this memory. Heres the rest of the line-up: Athlon XP 2000+, WD 40GB 5400Rpm, and the rest of the machine will be running the integrated stuff. If you have had any experience with this I'd like to hear some feedback.

Thats about all I can think of for now, thanks.

 

[DieHardware]

Have you run memtest86? Any errors?

 

[TheNoblePlatypus]

No, but I will. I also updated the BIOS to the current version. No go.

 

[buleyb]

no overclocking or anything I assume? And legal disks?

 

[dbwillis]

I would try some different ram, or use the Memtest..I had no problems with my board when I had it, even running 160fsb with no problems

 

[TheNoblePlatypus]

Well, I ran Memtest and this is what I got. Here.

As for the overclocking, no. As for the legal disks, don't worry about it that isn't an issue.

Going to try some different RAM I suppose. This is going to be the first and last NForce I get I suppose.

Edit: Oh yeah, Memtest also seemed to hang at that spot. I don't know if thats an error code or what.

 

[TheNoblePlatypus]

Swapped out memory, no go. Same errors. Tried Samsung instead of the SpecTek. This is starting to upset me now. :frown:

 

[DieHardware]

Well looks like you have L2 cache disabled in BIOS, unplug the PSU and clear CMOS, or go into BIOS and load default settings. Then run memtest86 for at least three or four passes to see if you still get errors. Should take about an hour(depending on CPU and RAM).

 

[TheNoblePlatypus]

L2 Cache ins't disabled, and I have restored defaults and cleared the CMOS. I've also tried lowering the speed on the memory to 100Mhz, still no help. I also tried another hard drive in it too. How old and reliable is Memtest exactly? Is their anything else that can be run from Dos? Also, does it say anything at all when its running, or just sit there with the blinking cursor?

 

[mcveigh]

you should see more than a blinking cursor w/ memtest. I have used 3 of those boards and think they are great, maybe you got a bad one though.

Have you tried the using the defults in the bios? are your temps OK?
what power supply are you using?

 

[TheNoblePlatypus]

Yes, the temps are OK. Yes, I'm using the defaults. I'm using a 300W Antec.

Did you look at the above screenshot? If so, do you know what that means? Is it an error code or what?
Also, I don't think its the memory as I tried Samsung ram in it and it produced the same thing.

 

[mechBgon]

I have an A7N266-VM at home and now we have... ack, is it 23 at work, or 24 Lots of them. They are Reliable. I'm using Crucial PC2100 @ SPD timings, Antec TruePower 330 power supplies, and the onboard goodies.

So the trouble you're having is not normal, and yeah, either you got a bum board or something's amiss. Have you tried the system outside the case yet? BIOS virus detection disabled? BIOS and video cacheing disabled? RAM @ SPD timings? Is the CPU and memory speed being identified correctly (thinking back to the infamous upside-down jumper pictures here)?

 

[CrackityJones]

Remember that system memory is not the only memory in a computer, you may be having an issue with the l2 cache on the processor, or even your video card memory, I have seen both of these cause memory errors in windows installations

 

[Tripleshot]

I have built many systems with this board, but I will tell you now, i just built one and had the same problems . I sent the board back on RMA and I just got a fax that they are sending it back to me after testing good on thier bench. I have the xp2000 and 512 generic ram, but it would not even post for me. i didn't even get beep tones after pulling the ram clean out of the system. They are sending the board back to me now, but to be safe, I ordered another with an XP2400+ and a grundle load of different ram setups. This next few days, when I get it all together, I am going to try and nail down the problem. One thing is glaryingat me and that is that is the AMD xp2000 CPU. This is the first time I have purchased one. The RMA people tested the board I sent them with an xp2400 cpu. That is apples and oranges. Pissed me off. But whatever, if they say its good and it isn't, I want to know why. That would narrow it down. With two identical mobos, something will give.

One thing for sure, you got further than I did. Mine never did post. Black screen.
.:frown:

 

[RanDum72]

Are the CPU's being used regular Palomino's or T-bred's? Does the mobo have the latest BIOS?

 

[DieHardware]

If L2 isn't disabled there might be a MB incompatibility with that CPU or it might be a bad one. Memtest86 should show the L2 cache MB/s and have columns displaying what it's checking where the "140k e820-Std" is.

Did you email Asus about that "4096" error code? Do you have another CPU to try? What revision board do you have, some the the manuals with the earlier ones had the FSB jumbers listed incorrectly.