Soltek K8AN2-GR Problems

[teikyo30]

I just replaced my ex's computer with the K8AN2-GR mobo and an Athlon 64 2800+. I added 512 pc 3200, and a Geforce 5200. The only original parts in the computer are her HDD (IDE, not SATA) and dvd and cd burner. When I turn on the computer, it goes through the post, tells me the BIOS version, then proceeds to say "No device is found" and "BIOS is not installed". I tried going into setup and loading the defaults and rebooting, but the same thing happened. I would have thought the mobo would have come with a BIOS disk, but that stuff is all on CD-Rom, which, since I can't get into windows, is useless. It just goes through an infinate loop.

I've built many computers, and this is the first time this has happened. I was wondering if it was because I didn't F-Disk her drive before I put it in the new system, but that doesn't follow any logic to me. I tried using the 98 Boot disk already to see if I could go that route, but I get the "non-system disk" message when I do that. I do have a few hard drive utilities disks that will probably "wipe" the drive, but if that isn't going to get me beyong the boot messages, I don't see the point. I mean the BIOS isn't saved on the hard drive, so why do that?

I went to Soltek's website, and they don't list the 64 proc as one of their supported procs, which is silly since the board is a socket 754. Their Bios program says to create a bootable floppy with the award program, io.sys, and drvspace.bin, but the download only includes the award and update file.

How do I fix this problem?

 

[o1die]

A new bios version was released sept 20th that deals with an issue "display freeze when detecting ide channel 2". I would first try removing the ide devices off the second ide connection, and see if you can get into the bios. Then set your boot order to floppy>cd-rom>ide-0, and use the 98 bootdisk. Ignore the "non system disk" messages. When you get to the "a" prompt, insert the disk with the new bios version and flash utility, and proceed.

 

[teikyo30]

I tried ignoring the non-system disk message, but it repeats itself over and over. I will check IDE 0 to make sure.

 

[o1die]

Go to soltek's website to download the latest bios. It should include a flash utility. I download them to "my documents" and unzip if necessary. Then copy the files to a clean floppy, and unplug all devices off the ide ports, including the hardrive. Hopefully, you can boot up using the bootdisk. I also suggest you create a new bootdisk. Your old one may be defective. You can create a new one at bootdisk.com. I've never had any problems getting to the "a" prompt using a win98 bootdisk with win2k. If that doesn't work, try booting up using the soltek driver cd. Also, after unplugging all ide devices, try getting into the bios again using the "del" key to change the boot order. Good luck.

 

[teikyo30]

I did check, and it is on IDE 0. If my computer is basically shitting itself, since I do get to the "sorry for the inconvenience" screen before it goes into the loop (no matter what option I select), can I format the hard drive with the os by daisy-chaining it to my computer? I've never heard of anyone doing that, but if my computer recognizes it, I would hopefully be able to format it from windows since it would no longer be the primary drive (set to slave).

I've tried all my boot disks, I tried my hard drive utility disks, I tried my hard drive cd-rom, but nothing let's me format this drive and I have no idea why. I have 2 other disks I hesitate to use. One is an old IBM disk for the "clean and wipe", the other is a disk that formats beyond government levels. Both could, theoretically fry the drive, although I have used both with success in the past. I'm just hesitant to go that route if I don't have to.

I wish I had a blank hard drive to see what messages, if any, I would get with a clean drive. I'm leaning towards the drive as the source of my frustration now since when I cleared the CMOS it did show every device the way it is supposed to show up.

I tried the bios disk. No luck.

Any new suggestions?

 

[o1die]

Have you tried just connecting your hardrive as master on ide 1 with no other devices on ide 2? Also, were you able to get into the bios to change the boot order to floppy>cd-rom>ide ? If you have a win98 bootdisk, try it on another computer to see if it works. If it does, I'll bet your floppy drive is bad. If it's bad, you'll need to replace it or borrow someone else's to flash the bios.

 

[teikyo30]

I went through 3 days of trials and errors and in the end I did a low level format and then installed 98 SE from the floppy with no problems. I then put XP on it.

At least I now know some of what I may experience when I do my new computer in a day or so. I just bought a Gigabyte K8NS Pro motherboard. I got lazy this last time and bought one from Compaq, and they lock out the BIOS, plus, their ram was faulty so I replaced that, too, and got a dual layer dvd burner while I was at it.

 

[cyberknight]

When I turn on the computer, it goes through the post, tells me the BIOS version, then proceeds to say "No device is found" and "BIOS is not installed"

"DISABLE" the Promise Driver in BIOS to get rid of that message.