Building a computer for a friend

[ConstipatedVigilante]

So, I built a computer for a friend today with the following parts of importance:

Gigabyte G31M-ES2L mobo
Core 2 Duo E2180
ATi X1550 256mb
2gb Gskill RAM

The problem is that, since the hard drive isn't formatted, I need to boot via CD ROM with a windows CD. But when I go into the boot menu (it has boot settings in the BIOS which I set, but those don't seem to do anything) the keyboard stops working. I have to restart the computer to do anything. I was thinking of flashing the BIOS, but I don't know how without an operating system. Does anyone have some input?

Update: Ok, so I got the boot menu working. But it doesn't seem to detect the CD/DVD drive. It only detects the HDD in the BIOS, listed as an IDE Master (and it's hooked up to SATA). I have the CD drive hooked up to the only IDE port on the mobo and it doesn't seem to see it. I've tried changing between cable select/master/slave, but nothing has worked. When I unhook the HDD, no drives are listed on IDE.

It just gives me the "Boot disk failure. Insert system disk and press enter" error when it tries to boot.

 

[Blain]

If he really is a "friend"... give him his money back and send him to Dell. :thumbsup::laugh:

Don't go messing with the BIOS. Just enable USB keyboard.

 

[boomerang]

I have fixed a lot of strange problems with new motherboards by resetting the CMOS. I suggest you follow the instructions in the manual. I once 'fixed' a brand new 'bad' motherboard by flashing the BIOS. But you're going to need to have your keyboard working first.

I'm assuming you're using a USB keyboard? If so, try a PS2 or vice-versa whichever applies. However, I think that resetting the CMOS will fix your problem. There's no reason a current era motherboard shouldn't recognize a USB keyboard. It does though, sometimes take a short while for them to work. Did you wait at all?

Just to cover a few basics, make sure your drives are recognized by the BIOS before proceeding. Your manual should outline the procedure for flashing your BIOS. You can probably just put the file on a memory stick and boot to that. The manual will tell you the various methods available.

Edit: Wait a minute. You say;

But when I go into the boot menu (it has boot settings in the BIOS which I set, but those don't seem to do anything) the keyboard stops working.

If you get into the Boot Menu, the keyboard is working. How are you navigating when you're in there?

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

1. I will enable USB Keyboard.

2. The keyboard works until I get into the boot menu. I can get into the BIOS and navigate, save changes, etc. But when I go into the boot menu it just stops working. Everything is also recognized in the BIOS (250 gb drive, CD ROM, RAM, CPU)

It says to navigate using the arrow keys when I'm in the boot menu, but no keys at all will do anything. I'll try hooking up a PS/2 adapter and resetting the CMOS.

And I didn't realize the Dell thing was such a good choice. But I got him good components.

 

[Denithor]

Originally posted by: ConstipatedVigilante
Gigabyte G31M-ES2L mobo
Core 2 Duo E2180
ATi X1550 256mb
2gb Gskill RAM
***
And I didn't realize the Dell thing was such a good choice. But I got him good components.

Wow, G31 motherboard, e2180 and X1550 are good components? Boy, with friends like that...

He should've bought a Dell or HP.

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: Denithor

Originally posted by: ConstipatedVigilante
Gigabyte G31M-ES2L mobo
Core 2 Duo E2180
ATi X1550 256mb
2gb Gskill RAM
***
And I didn't realize the Dell thing was such a good choice. But I got him good components.

Wow, G31 motherboard, e2180 and X1550 are good components? Boy, with friends like that...

He should've bought a Dell or HP.

Those components are more than adequate for an overwhelming majority of computer users. Very helpful post.

 

[magreen]

Why's everyone trashing the OP? Those seem like fine components for a light use pc, which could be perfect for his friend's needs.

So anyone with any useful advice?

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: magreen
Why's everyone trashing the OP? Those seem like fine components for a light use pc, which could be perfect for his friend's needs.

So anyone with any useful advice?

Because that's the norm here. I don't like it and it appears you don't either. But we're in the minority.

 

[Blain]

It all depends on what the OP's definition of "good components".

1. "Good components" may simply mean that they are functional and not defective.
2. There may be an issue if the definition is that the components are good performers in comparison with current parts.

 

[Old Hippie]

Originally posted by: boomerang

Originally posted by: magreen
Why's everyone trashing the OP? Those seem like fine components for a light use pc, which could be perfect for his friend's needs.

So anyone with any useful advice?

Because that's the norm here. I don't like it and it appears you don't either. But we're in the minority.

+2, I'm with ya.

 

[Rockhound1]

Originally posted by: Old Hippie

Originally posted by: boomerang

Originally posted by: magreen
Why's everyone trashing the OP? Those seem like fine components for a light use pc, which could be perfect for his friend's needs.

So anyone with any useful advice?

Because that's the norm here. I don't like it and it appears you don't either. But we're in the minority.

+2, I'm with ya.

+3 on that one.

ConstipatedVigilante, any succes in getting things up and running?

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

I referred to them as "good components" because he doesn't want a gaming machine. He does his gaming on his Wii and I figured an E2180 would be more than enough for surfing the web/typing documents. I haven't gotten it running yet since we're waiting on his monitor to arrive. When that happens, I'll sit down with it until it works (along with asking for help from you guys, of course).

 

[Blazer]

does the mobo have the lattest bios, most likely not if its a new board, on a new build and possible bios flash use only ps2 keyboard and mouse. never flash an unstable mobo bios, make stable first.

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: Blain
It all depends on what the OP's definition of "good components".

1. "Good components" may simply mean that they are functional and not defective.
2. There may be an issue if the definition is that the components are good performers in comparison with current parts.

bingo, competent builder tends to be the missing factor. then after that theres the tech support and mess from whatever mistakes were made.

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

Ok, so I got the boot menu working. But it doesn't seem to detect the CD/DVD drive. It only detects the HDD in the BIOS, listed as an IDE Master (and it's hooked up to SATA). I have the CD drive hooked up to the only IDE port on the mobo and it doesn't seem to see it. I've tried changing between cable select/master/slave, but nothing has worked.

It just gives me the "Boot disk failure. Insert system disk and press enter" error when it tries to boot.

 

[Slugbait]

There are several possibilities:

1) Got power? The molex may not be properly connected, or the cable is dead, or the metal inside the connector isn't making proper contact cuz it was pushed back (it happens...). Verify by hitting the eject button.
2) Optical drive dead? I just dumped two old ones (circa 2000 or so) that powered up just fine, but the BIOS and Windows claimed they didn't exist.
3) IDE disabled? Check you BIOS, and make sure the BIOS also specifies the particular drive.
4) Bad IDE cable?
5) Did you hook the end of the IDE cable to the drive? You don't want to hook up the middle connector and leave the end unconnected.

Be sure to place the jumper on CSEL.

 

[magreen]

Originally posted by: ConstipatedVigilante
Ok, so I got the boot menu working. But it doesn't seem to detect the CD/DVD drive. It only detects the HDD in the BIOS, listed as an IDE Master (and it's hooked up to SATA). I have the CD drive hooked up to the only IDE port on the mobo and it doesn't seem to see it. I've tried changing between cable select/master/slave, but nothing has worked.

It just gives me the "Boot disk failure. Insert system disk and press enter" error when it tries to boot.

It's weird that it thinks the hdd is IDE. Does it read the correct size on the hdd?
Could it be that it thinks the IDE CD drive is the hard drive, and it's not detecting the SATA hdd at all?

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

Originally posted by: magreen

Originally posted by: ConstipatedVigilante
Ok, so I got the boot menu working. But it doesn't seem to detect the CD/DVD drive. It only detects the HDD in the BIOS, listed as an IDE Master (and it's hooked up to SATA). I have the CD drive hooked up to the only IDE port on the mobo and it doesn't seem to see it. I've tried changing between cable select/master/slave, but nothing has worked.

It just gives me the "Boot disk failure. Insert system disk and press enter" error when it tries to boot.

It's weird that it thinks the hdd is IDE. Does it read the correct size on the hdd?
Could it be that it thinks the IDE CD drive is the hard drive, and it's not detecting the SATA hdd at all?

It reads the correct size for the HDD in the BIOS, along with all other info (cache size, stuff like that). When it does POST, it lists the HDD as a SATA device, though - it's kind of weird. Anyway, I'm going to try swapping out his CD/DVD drive and IDE cable for the stuff in my comp to isolate the problem.

Edit: I connected my CD drive with my cable and it worked. I think the problem was that his cable wasn't connected right or something, but I wanted to take all of that out of the equation to make sure the BIOS wasn't FUBARed. Anyway, Windows is installing now and afterward I'll figure out how to get his CD drive working correctly.

Edit 2: After some troubleshooting, his CD drive is dead. We're RMAing it to Newegg as DOA.