OS Installation error

[sephroth777]

I have upgraded my computer's bios with a new bios chip that has the latest ASUS bios on it. The computer POSTs ok and boots off cd-roms ok. However, when I attempt to install either Windows 2000 or Windows XP Pro the installation hangs at "Setup is inspecting your computer's hardware configuration..."

When I install Linux specifically "Mepis 2004 Final" I get the following error however I am able to continue with the installation through to the desktop (what a testament to Linux OS):

PnP BIOS: Resource Structure does not contain an end tag.
PnP BIOS: build_devlist: Node number 0x0 is out of sequence following node 0x0. Aborting.

System Specs:
ASUS P2B98-XV motherboard
PII-350 (103x3.5)
224mb PC100
WD1200JB
3Com 3C905 Lan card

Any ideas or suggestions?

Thank you in advanced for your time.

 

[Regs]

Judging by those specs, likely a hardware failure.

 

[sephroth777]

ironically all the hardware prior was working fine since 98' and I added the WD1200JB for more storage which is a brand new drive I got from a RMA...

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: sephroth777
ironically all the hardware prior was working fine since 98' and I added the WD1200JB for more storage which is a brand new drive I got from a RMA...

Win98 is more tolerant but also was the 98 install pre-new bios chip..? and just because it came from RMA doesn't mean its new ..

Originally posted by: Regs
Judging by those specs, likely a hardware failure.

agreed

 

[sephroth777]

Actually I used the computer for the past few years for file sharing/server. It has run Windows 2000 and XP for the past several years. But when I did purchase it in 98' in came preloaded with Win 98.

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: sephroth777
Actually I used the computer for the past few years for file sharing/server. It has run Windows 2000 and XP for the past several years. But when I did purchase it in 98' in came preloaded with Win 98.

so..did the troubles start once you got the new bios chip or started using the rma'd drive..? I'd try a known good working drive on the build and if same errors..its back to components checking time..gl p.s. pull the

3Com 3C905 Lan card

from the parts mix when checking just minimum parts..

 

[sephroth777]

Actually, the story is the computer is an HP6370Z which had a Phoenix bios chip with HP bios. When I flashed the chip to the Asus bios I was unable to get past the bios setup screen with a checksum error. So I got a new bios chip with the latest Asus bios which cured the checksum error which works great and posts fine. So when I get home tonight I will pull the NIC out and see what happens. Looks like it may only run linux from now on...which I guess I will have to learn pretty quickly

as of the drive I ran WD Diatools on it and everything passed.

 

[Jeff7]

PII-350 (103x3.5)

103? Your FSB is overclocked? If so, try it at default speeds.

Download and run Memtest86+ to see if the memory is ok.
Set it to run all cache, and to perform all tests. I don't remember the key sequences - the options are in the first 3 menus within the program though. Let it loop for as long as you can stand to be without the computer - 24 hours will do a thorough test; I'll do only a few passes though if I'm in a "hurry." You'll understand the quotes around the word "hurry" once you see how long one pass takes.

 

[sephroth777]

yeah did the default speeds with 100 fsb since the processor is multipler locked at 350 but when you bump the fsb to 103 I get a wopping 360.5 mhz. I will try the memtest tonight. Thanks to all!

 

[Regs]

You over clocked a P2? Your about 400 Mhz shy of a useful over clock.

 

[sephroth777]

gee thanks...I know the computer sucks but its quiet and was stable to download and upload for months at a time.

 

[Lyfer]

I've expierenced a simiar situation like that with one of my rigs. I was browsing the web and the computer for no reason crashes. WinXP is screwed up so I was forced to reinstall. When I try the reinstall I always get stuck at the same screen you get too. Windows 98/ME would install just fine but not Win2K/Linux/WinXP. I had to end up getting another motherboard and all is fine now.


More than likely its a hardware error, try different RAM, board, cpu, and even another WinXP cd.

 

[Regs]

ASUS "A7N8X-X" nForce2 400 59.00
Xp 2500 AMD Barton 94.00 retail w/heat sink and fan
Geil Value Series 184 Pin 256MB DDR PC-2700 - OEM 49.00

202 Dollars. =)

 

[sephroth777]

Well a really nice Anandtech member sent me a PIII 500 with 3x128mb ram for free. I hope to install those this week and will report back.

And if anyone needs a bios chip or a reflash I highly recommend iCE Flashing, iNC at http://mysite.verizon.net/dj_mix/

Great service and speedy delivery.