Incomplete post, no boot

[skeith31]

This is my first attempt at PC build. Once I turned on my PC, it would not post correctly. Does not recognize the HD. The first time, it lets me into the BIOS. I load uptimal settings because otherwise it does not boot. I do get the message of "CMOS wrong" or "CMOS Checksum Error". I was able to install Windows XP and download BIOS and driver upgrades. But when I reboot, it does not post at all. I checked all components, seated them again, etc. PC boots again if I clear the BIOS.
Any insights on what to do?

AMD Anthlon 64 3400+
MSI K8TNEO2-F Socket 939
2 Ultra 512 MB PC 3200 DDR 400Mhz
AGP XFX Geforce FC 5200 128MB
Seagate Barracuda 120GB 7200 Ultra ATA/100

 

[amdskip]

What power supply are you using? Leave your bios settings at default until you get things figured out.

 

[skeith31]

I am using Ultra X-Connect 500W

 

[jonnyGURU]

Like AMDskip said, leave the BIOS alone. Without changing anything in the BIOS, the PC should boot.

Now you said that it does not... Why? Because it doesn't recognize the hard drive.

So what are you changing in the BIOS to get the PC to recognize the hard drive?

Are you changing any of the memory settings? I've seen this exact problem if you change memory settings to something the board or RAM does not like.