Computer won't load an OS unless it's on a CD

Sahrin

Member
Mar 27, 2004
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I downloaded RC2 Vista with the intent of installing it and running it as my primary OS (now that there are Creative drivers for it). Prior to that, my BIOS had been having some strange problems with maintaining Boot Order. I would restart, and the system would return a "Cannot find NTLDR." I would restart, change the boot order, same problem. If I powered the system off, then started up, it would work no problem (load teh OS). I rebooted with the intention of installing Vista. I reboot the system, and run the Vista RC2 setup program. Almost immediately after the installer finishes "expanding files" the system shuts off (not sure why). I restart and try again, and the installer gets to the first reboot point, at which point I reboot and system POSTs, and brings up a "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD...." and hangs. Except it doesn't because the cursor keeps blinking. It's like the OS install worked fine, except the system can't reboot to finish the install without turning off. I suppose the ultimate problem lies somewhere between the BIOS and finding the bootstrap loader. Is there some setting that I broke? Did I spill kool-aid in my case? Please help me!

Specs:

A64 X2 4400+
2GB OCZ DDR500 RAM
X1900XT 512MB
A8N32SLI-DLX BIOS 1205

Thank you so much for your suggestions.
 

Sahrin

Member
Mar 27, 2004
90
0
61
I ran memtest with 4 different sticks of memory (2 from the initial machine, 2 older sticks I have) and it came bcak with a "Unexpected Interrupt - Halting" error each and every time, regardless of teh configuration. Can you give me any guidance as to what I should test next? I don't have the means to test another mobo.
 

Sahrin

Member
Mar 27, 2004
90
0
61
Have. After running memtest, I've decided to RMA the mobo and the RAM, and hope it isn't the CPU (which it shouldn't be, but there's no telling). Hopefully this will lick the problem.