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INACCESSABLE_BOOT_DEVICE when loading Win2K

L

LostToys

Member
Alright ladies and gentlemen, here is my problem. I left my machine running as I ran out to do some errands. when I got home, I had a BSOD showing stating that IRQ_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. Not thinking much of it at the time, I restarted the PC. I got the same problem. I restarted in SafeMode and wasn't allowed to log into my machine [got an error about my Login]. I was unable to choose a dfferent username [Couldnt gain access to the dialague box]. So I restarted and tried again. Now here comes the problem.

Every restart I will get INACCESSABLE_BOOT_DEVICE BSOD whenever Win2k is about to load. I tried running SafeMode, and I still get the same message. I thought maybe something was bad with my drive was wigging out on me, so I ran the supplied WD programs. Clean. I ran partition Magic 7 and got an error when checking it: Partition Improperly Dismounted Error #1516.

I replugged in my old HD and got the same INACCESSABLE_BOOT_DEVICE. I tried formatting the drive and installing a fresh copy of Win2k, but about 7% into the install I can no longer read data off of the CD [tried two of my CD drives]. I plugged in another HD that used to be used in the same machine with WinXp installed, and that too gave me the INACCESSABLE_BOOT_DEVICE or NTSF.SYS error. I tried a fresh copy, and like my attempts at installing Win2k, it stopped around 7%. Each time it stopped it was never the same file.

I have not changed my BIOS or other Windows based controllers/system files.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

AMD 1.3 Thunderbird
MSI KT133A
Two WD 80 SE
 
My best guess: your motherboard has had a partial failure. I had some problems with my K7S5A that seemed to be a HDD problem, but ended up being a dying motherboard. One day I woke up and the system no longer worked. I got a new motherboard into the system and the hard-drive problems vanished without a trace.

Speaking of the K7S5A/K7S5A Pro, it might be one of your best options as a replacement motherboard since it will run the Thunderbird and your PC133 or PC100 memory. It's earned a reputation for liking a good-quality power supply in the 300W+ range, so consider getting a new PSU if yours is older and maybe not so strong (particularly on 3.3V + 5V combined output). Antec SL350 is what I'd probably get. If you do replace the motherboard, you'll need to reinstall Windows too.
 
I was thinking it is the motherboard as well since you shouldn't get that error unless the IDE controller has changed [especially with XP]. I was hoping it wasnt the motherboard since I will be building a new PC this summer, and dont want to spend some cash on something that will be a non-issue later.

Guess I will have to spend a little money right now so I dont go into a comma from PC withdrawl.
 
Originally posted by: johnjkr1
You might want to try it with just one hard drive, and one stick of ram at a time.
Click to expand...

Forgot to mention in the original post that I tried disconeccting everything except for one HD, one RAM stick [alternated between the two and tried all three slots], and my video card. Still no success. I did this for all 3 HDDs, and I still have the same problems.
 
Perhaps a bad IDE controller. Hard set your jumpers instead of using cable select. Use some different cables if you have them. Disable one controller in bios and use the other.

Might just be time for a new mobo.
 
I have no control over what controller is being used with this motherboard.

The two drives are already jumper set to their position [Master and Slave]. I will actually try to change them to cable select and see if anything changes.

I tried resetting the bios this morning, and still had no luck. Guess I will buy a new board for a system I will not be using in a month. Go Me!
 
You should be able to disable one controller in bios. Typically the same place you can disable onboard sound, com ports, usb etc.

Physically, just use the other connecter on the mobo to connect drives to. It's a longshot anyway, something on that board is done for.
 
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