System won't boot bootable DOS utilities

[TJones2]

Can't get my new system to boot DOS tools for testing hard drives.

I've tried WD Tools, Seagate Tools and both start booting the give me a blank screen. With Hitachi Tools, it loads up, and start detecting drives then stops with a loud screech from the computer speaker.

Its not the CDs, since I've tried them in my other systems and I've also tried using the same tools with floppies in mine. The memory has been well tested and is okay.

Any ideas?

System:

Gigabyte DS3L
Intel e2180
Maxtor SATA 100gb
XFX 7900GS
Antec SP450w

 

[alzan]

I'll start with the basics since you weren't specific:

1) Is your optical drive first in boot order? If not change it BIOS and reboot with the boot CD in the drive. If your BIOS won't let you specify boot order there may be an F key press that will bring up a boot menu.

2) If you have two optical drives and they are setup Master/Slave the boot CD needs to be in the Master drive. If they're set to Cable Select put the boot CD in whichever one has the lowest drive letter (closest to "A").

alzan

 

[TJones2]

Originally posted by: alzan
I'll start with the basics since you weren't specific:

1) Is your optical drive first in boot order? If not change it BIOS and reboot with the boot CD in the drive. If your BIOS won't let you specify boot order there may be an F key press that will bring up a boot menu.

I've tried both using the boot menu and then actually changing it in the bios. No joy.

2) If you have two optical drives and they are setup Master/Slave the boot CD needs to be in the Master drive. If they're set to Cable Select put the boot CD in whichever one has the lowest drive letter (closest to "A").

alzan

That would be obvious, but its often the obvious that's overlooked. I'll check that one out when my son gets off the computer. Thanks.

Oh, wait a minute, that can't be it. Its the same situation when i'm using a floppy instead of the CD drive.

 

[TJones2]

Checked it, the DVD drive is set as Master.

 

[TJones2]

Guess everyone is stumped.

 

[TJones2]

Okay, I think I now know what it was. Haven't tried any of the utilities since sending back a questionable WD5000AAKS drive. Now that its out of my computer, Seagate Tools now boots up fine. Haven't tried the others yet, but I'm pretty sure that was it.