Soltek SL-K8AN2-GR problem

[Gil554]

Thanks in advance for any advice. This is my first build and I am learning much more as I go.

The issue:

Things seem to load up just fine. I am able to POST, set CMOS and make sure things are up to date. I have not flashed the latest BIOS (explained later). When I set BIOS to boot from the CD I am able to get XP to setup and go to the point of restarting and then I get the msg "Boot from CD....Error loading operating system". I have made several attempts, either hitting "enter" when the computer restarts after the first segment of XP setup has been completed or letting the computer go. If I hit "enter" I end up going through the setup as if I had done nothing. If I leave things be, I end up getting the "Error loading operating system" msg.

The only changes I have made was shifting J3 to the closed setting because of my hard drive being IDE.

I have tried to flash the BIOS (or atleast how I think it should be attempted!) by setting the floppy to boot with the awdflash.exe and the .bin file provided at the soltek website, but for some reason, I am unable to get to the floppy prompt before I end up getting the "Error loading operating system" msg.

I hope this has been complete enough to get advice! I eneded up deciding on this mobo in part because of all of the discussions on this forum, so I am hopeful of the knowledge base here :thumbsup:

If I can clarify anything just say so and I will try my best to answer it.

Again, thanks for the input!

 

[CraigRT]

Do you have your hdd as a boot device somewhere in the list?
sounds like it's booting from CD then has nowhere else to go after that.

 

[Gil554]

I have tried placing the HDD as second or third after the CD as the boot device, with no avail. I am continuing to try different approaches, but appreciate any more feedback.

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: Gil554
The only changes I have made was shifting J3 to the closed setting because of my hard drive being ATA.

Hi Gil554, let me first welcome you to AT forums. I hope we can help you get your system working quickly.

My first question for you is about what I quoted: I don't remember doing that to my system and it booted right up and my install of XP went flawlessly. What does moving this jumper supposedly do?

Second, have you tried just using one DIMM initially? I've seen some odd things in the past with NF chipset boards...

I'll try to think of other things you can try while I wait for you to respond to my questions.

Happy New Years! :music: :beer: :wine:

 

[Gil554]

Megatomic, the jumper change was for using a non-SATA HD if I remember correctly. I had originally received a "BIOS not installed" signal, so I made the jumper change according to the manual and knowledge base at soltek's website. This morning I attempted to see what would happen if I changed the boot priority from CD to HD after setup restarts the comp during the xp install. Instead of asking whether I wanted to boot from the CD it just says "Error loading operating system". Additionally, I have tried using one dimm and removing and reconnecting all cables to no avail.

Checking with MS I came up with this link http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326676

I have had a problem trying to boot from the floppy disk so I can flash the newest BIOS even when having all drives disabled, save the floppy. I will give it a few more tries and see how it goes!

Thanks again for any suggestions!

 

[Gil554]

This might help!

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326676[L="Error loading opertating system" @ Microsoft]

 

[Megatomic]

But your mobo does support the size of your HDD. Even the initial BIOS for the board features the latest support for PATA drives.

 

[Gil554]

This is from the FAQ at the English Soltek support webpage.


In SL-K8AN2E-GR why we get "BIOS is not installed" on the screen?

If you have not connected serial ATA HDDs on SATA3 and SATA4, please set J3 to 2-3 closed and follow the steps below to set in the BIOS.

Integrated Peripherals --> Promise function select --> Disabled


I followed the suggestions and the "BIOS not installed" disappeared. Do you think I should have not done this?

Additionally, I have not been able to get to the floppy prompt even after switching floppy drives and cables. I have tried having the floppy in boot priority and having all other dives except the floppy disabled. Even still, things load to the point of the error msg of the OS failing. It seems silly that I would need updated BIOS for a new board from Newegg, but that?s what Microsoft suggests. Am I missing something about getting to the A: prompt? Thanks for the input!

 

[Gil554]

Just sent off a tech. question to soltek. Shall see what they say. I have cleared the CMOS and attempted to try to get to the A prompt without success, so I can flash the BIOS. I will keep this updated if I am able to get this figured out.

Any input is still appreciated

Saw something similar to my issue

@ HardCOREware">http://www.hardcoreware.net/fo...ight=flash+soltek+bios</a>

 

[cyberknight]

I just know I did not need to flash my BIOS or anything to get windows installed. the "BIOS NOT INSTALLED", aside from slowing down your boot time, it shouldn't stop you from doing anything.

I figured out that problem well after I installed Windows and flashed to the latest BIOS.

 

[Gil554]

Found this link:

Hope!

Will try switching to LBA in the morning, when I can look at the manual and mess with the hardware without waking my wife!

Thoughts?

 

[Gil554]

Switching from Auto to LBA did it! Things fired right on up!

 

[Megatomic]

Congrats man. I didn't even consider that... I've used LBA enabled for so long it has slipped my mind.