Win 2K won't load, startup screen gets scrambled then freezes

[smurph98gt]

This just started a few days ago, my girlfriend was at home playing on the computer when it locked up. She reset it, and since then, everytime the Windows 2000 start up screen appears, a few seconds later the screen will scramble and then lock up. I can get into Safe Mode just fine however.

One thing I've noticed, VDD(V) in the POST screen display was turning red, so I checked the PC Status. It's jumping all over the place, from 1.63 or so, down to 1.55 then 1.50, 1.45, 1.37, 1.43, 1.50, etc. Like I said all over the place. Thats the only thing that seems out of whack.

What could be causing that? I've been monitoring the CPU temp.. the hottest I've seen is ~145 or so..

The system is an AMD 2500+ Barton on an EPoX 8RDA+ mobo.

Thanks guys.

-Ronald

 

[thirdlegstump]

cud B bad mofo

 

[mhillary]

Originally posted by: deathkoba
cud B bad mofo

What?

 

[BFG10K]

I think he means it could be a bad motherboard. Have you tried repairing the 2000 install?

 

[Jiggz]

If you are not OC'ing, either the mobo or the PSU is dying on you. If you are OC'ing try going on default first and see if the VDD stabilizes. If it doesn't then try changing PSU first before you jump the gun on the mobo.

 

[John Nousis]

Try re-installing first. Also do a diagnostic test. M/B might be the case but as Jiggz mentions you might have a problem with PSU.

 

[smurph98gt]

Yea, its not OC'd..

I didn't try a repair for Win2K yet, but if the system isn't stable as it is, I'm wondering if thats the wisest option for me..

PSU? Thats wierd, should I try and disconnect everything but my main HD and board and see how she does, or just dump it and get a new one?

I've had this setup for quite some time, so the possiblity of the board being bad is pretty high.. this Epox board isn't exactly the best around. Maybe its time for an upgrade there as well.

 

[smurph98gt]

Well, I tried Win2000 Repair.. didn't do anything, replaced this little 330w Power Supply with a 400w unit, still nothing. With the 400w setup though, the VDD never dropped below 1.45, but thats still in the red, and I'm still experiencing the scrambled screen.

Any other last attempts I should try before yanking everything and dropping in a new mobo?

Thanks!

 

[deftech]

You are overheating, 145 is way too high for win2k..

 

[smurph98gt]

Hrmm.. I just rebooted and checked it, its at 139 and its been on for quite some time.. thats after a rather vigorous cleaning session with some canned air..

I don't understand though, I have a Cooler Master Aero 7+ and some Arctic Silver Ceramique (or AS3.. I dont remember).. how the heck did it get so hot? I know its seated properly...

 

[smurph98gt]

Ahhh crap.. I lied!

It wasn't 145.. it was 45! 45C!! I just hit reboot again, it was at a balmy 41C... nothing spectacular about that.

 

[smurph98gt]

Anybody?

I replaced the motherboard last night and got the same shit.

So, new motherboard, new PSU, Win2K Repair, the screen still scrambles on the Windows 2000 Startup screen.

Could it be my video card?