Computer cannot run Win XP

[Tobolo]

Let me start with some specs:

AMD 3400 64FX chip Socket 754
1gb (512mbx2) Corsair ValueRam PC2700
Chaintech VNF#-250 NVIDIA nforce3 Mother Board
Geforce 128mb Video Card (bought second hand, not sure of what model)
80gb WD 7200rpm ATA 100 & 60 Maxtor 5200rpm ATA 100
450W ps
DVD-Burner
DVD-ROM
Floppy
Tv Tuner Card

OK that covers CURRENT specs. Current being the keyword. Here is the problem. I built the computer and installed Windows XP Pro on it in Summer of 2004. It would shut off at random times for no reason. This was before Sasser virus and SP2. I reinstalled many times to know avail. I eventually took it to a store who installed SP2 on (It had come out by this time). This worked for a while but a problem with Video card prompted reformat. At this point I rolled back to 2000 pro and had more luck. Eventually I was hit with the Sasser on the computer.

I digress, after it started dying on me, I replaced the Power Supply. Later the video card, both hard drives, added a stick of ram, two new motherboards, and the processor. So I obviously bought a whole new system. The problem is still there however. I went so far as to format my hard drives through Linux and I actually ran Linux for awhile. I really REALLY need Windows XP.

The only other information I can give is that it would almost always give me a page fault error (Blue Screen) upon restart, and that I removed the original RAM for awhile but it didn't help. I also have used multiple copies of XP so I don?t believe that is it, but both CDS are SP1. Any help anyone could give would be GREATLY appreciated!!! Also let me know if you need any more information.

 

[Atheus]

Strange you should be getting the same error after replacing all major components... are you sure you are installing everything correctly? No shorts, everything cooled sufficiently, etc?

 

[Tobolo]

Everything was installed and seated correctly. This has been looked at by several people and I my self run a computer business. Power monitoring is all thumbs up and I have/had up to 6 fans running (two on back of case, one on side, cpu fan, and two on Power Supply). I am currently running the computer with out a side thinking heat could have been a problem. I forgot to mention that on reinstall only essentials were installed (dvd-rom, video card, HD only).

 

[phantom404]

you said added a stick of ram if i read that correctly...try taking your old one out and just leave the new one in and see if that helps.

 

[Tobolo]

Yeah, I did that before sorry. I also swaped ram (and cpu's for a couple of days) still nothing. I just cant understand why it would do this with an utterly NEW system. I want to full on upgrade. But im scared to. Should I switch to Intel?

 

[bluestrobe]

When people approach me with the information you have I would say user error. Its harsh but that kind of behavior doesn't exist over the course of 2-3 system swapouts. Have you tried outside of the case operation for 2-3 days to see if it errors up then?

How big of a computer business do you run? You mentioned you took it to another business to have SP2 installed, just curious.

 

[Tobolo]

Not a large business but I hadnt started it back then and therefore didnt have the equipment for through testing at the time. I have tried out of box to but that did not work eitehr. I did think that I might have done something wrong so I let someone else take a try and same result. I know its set up right. I've built proably 30 comps from scratch and installed XP in the hundreds and have never had a problem such as this.

If I have Install cd with SP1 is there anyway that I can use it to install SP2 from the beginning? This does kinda feel like a sasser problem as it runs fine on 2k. (NOTE: Loophole for sasser is closed in 2k within my system).

 

[bluestrobe]

If you format and install without a net connection sasser shouldn't be a problem. As for your question, unless SP2 is slip streamed into the cd, then no. If you tried the motherboard out of the case and got the same result I would say there is a problem with the PS or a piece of hardware that is brining everything down with it. Also your OS cd could be toast or a bad copy.

 

[Tobolo]

I thought that Sasser was memory resident? I thought it would be a hardware problem, thats why I replaced everything. I am pretty much giving up on it. I just thought I would see if any had run into this before. Oh well.

 

[bluestrobe]

Nope, its an OS specific hard drive virus. Is the XP CD you have legit? After as many installs you did you would have to reactivate the code twice. Like I said, I think it has to do with the OS CD rather than a hardware issue. People just don't get random lockups and crashes through three generations of computers.

 

[Tobolo]

Originally posted by: bluestrobe
Nope, its an OS specific hard drive virus. Is the XP CD you have legit? After as many installs you did you would have to reactivate the code twice. Like I said, I think it has to do with the OS CD rather than a hardware issue. People just don't get random lockups and crashes through three generations of computers.

Yes I have a retail copy and a copy that my University issued. It only got to the point to activate once.

I know this sounds just crazy, but I've been trying this for 2 years now, so Im desperate.

EDIT: I ran the comp outside of the box previously with no luck. But I dont know what this does. I've never done it with a customers comp so I really dont know what it does. Can anyone tell me?

 

[bluestrobe]

You mean box as in case?

 

[imported_BadKarma]

What's the make and model of your power supply?

 

[Tobolo]

Yea box=case.

PSU= Coolmax 420w(peak) Model#= PS-450SX

 

[Atheus]

Can you install Linux successfully? Or boot a liveCD?

 

[Tobolo]

Yes, I have installed Linux (Fedora Core) for a few days with absolutely no problems. Couldnt play World of Warcraft though so I had to to ditch. Haven't used liveCD

 

[stevty2889]

Originally posted by: Tobolo
Yea box=case.

PSU= Coolmax 420w(peak) Model#= PS-450SX

Coolmax PSU's are far from a quality brand, so that could be part of your problem, stick with the known good name brands, such as Fortron, Enermax, Seasonic, Antec(although there are some reported problems with them lately, I've never had a problem myself).

If you download the full network install of service pack 2, you can slipstream service pack 2 in to your windows install, so it will install automaticly. Do a google search for windows slipstream, there are tons of places that have instructions for it. Run memtest to make sure your memory is 100% compatible and stable. Find out what model your video card is, how do you know you are using compatible drivers, if you don't even know what it is?? There is no such thing as an AMD 3400 64FX.

 

[Tobolo]

My apologies it is not a FX chip. It is a AMD 3400 64bit with 1mb FSB.

How much should a quality PSU go for?

 

[stevty2889]

Originally posted by: Tobolo
My apologies it is not a FX chip. It is a AMD 3400 64bit with 1mb FSB.

How much should a quality PSU go for?

Fortron would be the best bet, you can get a 400w Fortron for ~$40, and the 450w version for $10 more. The others, such as enermax, seasonic, and antec are a bit more.

 

[TD77077]

 

[TD77077]

I second the PS replacement. Just make sure you get as much capacity on the +12v as you can. You have an extra drive and A64s use a lot of power. I've seen several problems with A64 builds including extra drives, fans where the PS couldn't handle the load. I believe AMD recommends over 22 or 25 A on the +12 for A64 systems.