Problem with K8N Neo2 Mobo and XP

[imported_charger10s]

I have a new build, and the initial boot and XP install went flawlessly. However, after installing the drivers for my mobo (NVIDIA nFORCE3 System Drivers), XP will not start any longer (not even in Safe Mode). After the first time, I deleted the partition, and installed XP as new again. Tried the drivers once more and had the same issue. Do I need these drivers? I have no intention of overclocking at this time? Are their better drivers somewhere? Any suggestions?

Thanks!

---------------
MSI K8N NEO2 PLATINUM Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce3 Ultra ATX
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice Core
CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB
ATI ALL-IN-WONDER 9600

 

[MustISO]

Which drivers are you using (version) and where did you get them?
I have the same motherboard and I installed XP SP2 and had no issues at all. I used whatever Nvidia's latest drivers were at the time (Jan 2005).

 

[imported_charger10s]

I'm just using the drivers on the cd that came with it. Should I download from their site instead?

 

[keeleysam]

NEVER use drivers off the CD unless you must. ALLWAYS download them from the site.

 

[RichUK]

are you running any RAID arrays

 

[imported_charger10s]

Originally posted by: RichUK
are you running any RAID arrays

I'm not sure. What is that?

There are many drivers here:
MSI Neo2

Which one(s) should I use?

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: charger10s

Originally posted by: RichUK
are you running any RAID arrays

I'm not sure. What is that?

There are many drivers here:
MSI Neo2

Which one(s) should I use?

dont worry about the RAID if you were running one then you would know ..

the main driver you need is this on .. Nforce 3 chipset driver ...

then put the Cell stuff on from MSI (their CD's that were provided) and update the BIOS to the latest one, which should be BIOS 1.8 official..

Do all of you updating then restart the PC in one go .. so all the updates take effect at once


summery:

1. update with the drivers posted above in the link
2. Flash BIOS (update BIOS), using the software from MSI provided

and also just put the sound drivers and graphics driver on at the same time and then do a restart..

you should be good to go 😉

 

[imported_charger10s]

Is it really necessary to update the BIOS? I was reading a little about it, and I can't figure out if I need to do it. What purpose does the BIOS have to me?