Not getting past windows loading screen

[katieca]

It was freezing last night, but now the computer gets passed either loading screen (usually) and just shuts down.

I don't think it can be a driver problem, because it's happening in both OS's (KNOPPIX LiveCD). I also tested with 2 different graphics cards (1 works in another computer) and I put the RAM in every possibly configuration.

Could it be a RAM problem?

EDIT: Also, thanks for ANY replies, I've been struggling with my once great computer for the last month with RMA's and random reboots, any help is appreciated

 

[Tsaico]

Can you boot into safe mode? Turn of auto-restart option in the recovery section of Windows. Then next thing is to see if you can boot into safe mode and read the event logs to see if you can get any more error messages or information.

I had troubleshot a system that had similar problems and it turned out to be a busted Power Supply.

 

[katieca]

Power supply, alright.

No, I can't get into Safe Mode very often--when I do I get about as far as I get in regular mode.

Thanks for the reply

EDIT: Also, my components are:
ASUS A8V
WinXP Pro SP2
AMD 64 3000+
OCz Gold Edition Rev 2 (I think)
Antec NeoPower 480

 

[katieca]

bump

 

[AlgaeEater]

Usually happens when you radically switch components in Windows, that you can't boot into it anymore. But since you stated this happened in a different OS and the same problem, you might be looking at hardware failure.

Power supply is obvious, but power supply is rare. When a PS fails, it usually affects a lot of other components, and the signs are quite obvious. (Bios errors)

Ram... meh. Unless you've been overclocking, ram usually doesn't fail as much. It takes a lot to mess up ram, usually incorrect voltages or high overclocking.

I think the culprit lies in your Video Card or your Hard Drive. Those have always failed on me when things start to go wacky, especially Video Card. I've RMA'ed more than I can imagine in my life, and I don't even overclock.

I'm assuming this is failing on a fresh format of your OS? If this is the same installation since your crash, you might have some corrupted windows components.

 

[moonsite]

Run Memtest on your RAM. Search for it on google. That will eliminate one possibility. I think it is either your power supply, RAM, or cpu overheat. With RAM, the computer usually freeze and you'll get the blue screen of death. Also check to make sure your heatsink didn't come loose and that it makes good contact with the cpu.

 

[gneGne]

Looks like a problem with the harddrive to me.

 

[katieca]

Algae: I am getting a "Failed cpu test" error some times when I start, could that be PSU?

Moon: The CPU is making good contact with the heatsink I think. I already ran MemTest.

gneGne: I also tried using a Linux LiveCD, so I don't think so.

 

[Azimuth40]

1. Ripple on the power supply rails
2. Cache memory failure. You can try to turn it off in your BIOS if it supports it.
3. Errors in the RAM SPD chip making the BIOS set the timing improperly. Try manually setting your ram settings with SPD turned off in the BIOS

 

[AlgaeEater]

Katieca:

It's obvious you have a hardware failure now. BIOS errors have nothing to do with anything else but hardware.

CPU Test Fail means one of these things.

Unlikely: Your CPU is fried or overheating now
Unlikely: Your video card is not seated correctly / drawing too many amps
Likely: Your power supply is fluctuating to the point of giving inconsistant rails (+12v)
Likely: Your motherboard is giving off too much/too little voltage.

Possible things to do at this point:

1) Update your Bios and replace the CMOS battery with a fresh one
2) Put in a different power supply and check if that fixes things
3) Check the 4-pin connector on the motherboard from the power supply and make sure that didn't get loose somehow.

Drastic steps:

1) RMA your motherboard
2) Buy a new power supply

 

[katieca]

Wow, thanks for the replies guys, I really appreciate it.

I'll try a new CMOS battery, but will a ~200W PSU power my s939 3000+?

I already RMA'd the mobo, and I cannot update the BIOS (gives me "Bad BIOS RomID" or some such).

Also, I did MemTest on both sticks of ram in A1/B1 configuration for 6 hours and it ran fine, I just did 1 stick in B1 and I got an error after 3 minutes; I tried the other stick in B1 and I came back and the computer was off. Is my RAM bad too?

EDIT: New CMOS battery didn't work, trying different RAM.

EDIT: Different RAM didn't work, my Dad is going to measure the voltage output on the PSU to see if that's fluctuating too much.

Thanks again for the replies guys, I'll diagnose this in no time

 

[AlgaeEater]

Originally posted by: katieca
Wow, thanks for the replies guys, I really appreciate it.

I'll try a new CMOS battery, but will a ~200W PSU power my s939 3000+?

I already RMA'd the mobo, and I cannot update the BIOS (gives me "Bad BIOS RomID" or some such).

200W is way too little. You need at least 400W, and the brand matters too. I think at this moment this is your best bet and try and see if you can borrow someone's Power Supply. Failing that, just find a nearby electronic store with a very generous return policy and buy one, bring it home and test it out. If it doesn't work, you can always bring it back.

Also, seems like you're not downloading the right BIOS update. But try the PS first before updating the BIOS.

 

[katieca]

I know I have the right BIOS update, I have an A8V, tech support walked me through it and everything.

My Dad looked at the readings on the PSU and they seemed to be right around 12, 3.3, but I think I saw a lot of 6 and little 5. Anyway, I'll bring it into a store tomorrow.

Thanks for the help