WinXP Won't Install With Prophet FDX 8500LE

[Cogs]

This is a weird problem. I'm hoping somebody can shed some light on it.

I've put together a PC for a friend: Epox 8k3A+, AthlonXP 1800+, Herc Prophet FDX 8500LE, 256Mb PC2100. Etc.

I start installing WinXP Home. It loads some files (drivers?) into memory, then says something like "Setup is starting Windows". Then for some reason, the screen goes blank, and the PC locks up. Every time.

I swapped bits of hardware with my own PC until I found the problem: with my own video card (an original ATI Radeon 8500), WinXP installs no worries. If, after WinXP is installed, I swap back the FDX card, it appears to run just fine. But, if I try to reinstall Windows, I get the blank screen again.

I've tried fail-safe and optimised BIOS settings, and a few other tweaks, with no luck. I've also tried forcing the standard HAL during the WinXP install (by pressing F7...) no luck. What worries me is, if there is a subtle fault in the video card, it may start causing other problems down the road.

Is this just a quirk with the Prophet FDX 8500LE card, or do I have a faulty card? Has anybody else seen this problem?


Thanks
-Cogs

 

[Cogs]

To answer my own question - in case someone else has the same problem - a bios update for the FDX card fixes it.

Cheers.
-Cogs