Need help, major computer probs: bad MOBO maybe?

[mcveigh]

OK fixing the parents computer, I built it for them a little over a year ago.
specs:
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-7VTXH
CPU AMD 1600+XP
RAM 512MB crucial pc2100
VID card ATI radeon 7500
Hard drive 40GB Maxto 7200 rpm
OS Win2000 SP3
Power supply enhance 300watt

It's been a nice system, about 2 months ago there was a bios problem, and I had to reflash the bios. In case you don't know the bios on gigabyte boards has a dual bios thing where if 1 fails it can boot off/restore from the backup bios.

when they boot up they get a file corrupted error and windows can't load ( I can't remember which one because it won't boot that far now)
they brought it over, I saw the voltage readings from the bios was low and fluctuating 3v rail was about 2.8, and 12v was reading about 11.7

I tried another power supply (antec true330) same problems, Now I keep getting bios checksum errors, and when it will boot and I try to boot from the win2k CD it says there are errors reading, and the files are corrupt.
sometimes it won't go past the bios, it seems to lock there.

I haven't tried different ram yet, but am leanign towards the motherboard.

anyone one have suggestions? They might be getting a new Epox Nforce2

I haven't tried replacing the ram

 

[ScrapSilicon]

tried the battery..?

 

[mcveigh]

ok i WAS JUST ABLE TO REINSTALL WIN2K ON TOP OF IT'S SELF, BUT IT STILL SEEMS TO "HANG" sometimes (oops caps lock)

It seems like it has a short or something

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Hmm... Try putting the hard drive into another computer and see if it gets any further. I'm leaning towards a bad mobo as well but I think the hard drive could be an issue. Is the CD for the OS clean without scratches?

 

[foofoo]

hi,
before rmaing the mb, try checking the ram with memtest or docmemory, either will let you create a boot disk to check the memory
memtest
docmemory
good luck

 

[ScrapSilicon]

is that crucial a pr of ..? and the harddrive suggestion sounds reasonable as well...

 

[mcveigh]

ram is 2 sticks of 256MB each.

sometimes I get the bios check sum error and can't boot from a floppy or cdrom to do any tests. But tomorrow, I'm planning on trying memtest 86 and the maxtor drive utilities

 

[chizow]

I'd check all of your connections and disconnect any non-essential components in an attempt to get a clean boot. CMOS checksum errors and NTLDR (master boot record) corruption are often caused by changes in hardware or hardware misconfigurations. I wouldn't rule out your memory or PSU either; As mentioned, run memtest86. You can create a bootable DOS image using WinImage, format a bootable DOS floppy, and imbed an image of memtest86.

Also make sure that all terminated ends of your IDE cables and PSU molex connections are either being used and firmly connected or are disconnected from any devices. Check your IDE and floppy cables to make sure they aren't damaged. I'd flash your CMOS, reboot with just your HDD, and go into your BIOS and disable everything in the integrated peripherals menu except for USB if you use USB KB/mouse. Disable any onboard ATA controllers if you aren't using them as well. If you are using any onboard ATA controllers, move them to a standard IDE header.

You also mentioned previous BIOS issues. Do you currently have the latest stable BIOS installed? The latest release is not always the most compatible or stable, so you may have to do some research on that board to find out. AMDMB.com is a good resource for a large user base; you should be able to find your answer quickly in the GA forum there. I'm not familiar with GA boards; is there an option from which BIOS to boot from? Your main BIOS chip may be a problem, so you might try posting from the secondary BIOS if you have the option.

Chiz

 

[ScrapSilicon]

^

 

[mcveigh]

Thanks fo rthe bump

OKI couldn't touch it yesterday, too busy, But I've been playing with it this AM.
Ofcourse now it won't do anything wrong :| I opened it up used compressed air to clean it out (pretty dirty) the cpu temp was at 49C a little high for my tastes but not too high. It's down to the low to mid 40's after cleaning. I removed the 120MM case fan in the front as it seemed to suck a lot of dust in. I checked all the connectors, I may still replace the ide cables. But I can't get it to do anything wrong! right now I am running memtest86 3.0.

I'll update later

 

[mcveigh]

OK I couldn't make it do a single thing wrong today, I ended up installing win2k on top of it's self, gettting all drivers up to date and giving it back.
I left a disk of memtest86 with my mom and told her to let it run all night. we'll see.
I think it's only a matter of time tll something else happens, then I'll put an nforce2 and antec truepower in it.