Graceland

Just built a new PC for the garage and its not quite right.

Upon installing windows XP, after the discs have done their business and the system needs to be rebooted to stat the final stage of the installation and setup, just after the "XP Loading screen" the system crashes and the blue screen of death is showed with the following standard error message.

It also gave this, or a similar, error message when trying to install windows 2000 after the 4 floppy disc installation was complete in order to copy files to RAM for the installation to continue


The system specification is as follows

PC Chips FSB400 M848A Motherboard
AMD Serpron 2400+ CPU (1.6 Ghz actual speed)
Kingston 128Mb DDR 266Mhz RAM (2 sticks making 256 megs)
ATI Raedon 7000 GFX Card with 64Mb RAM onboard
Maxtor 40Gb HD





Now the BIOS is self configuring for CPU clockspeed and the like and reducing the clock speed so the CPU runs at 1.5 GHZ gives the same problem


I've checked the RAM in this machine i am on now and it is spot on and causes no problems.

As far as i am aware there has been no static interfearence and all the components were brand new baught by myself from Ebuyer (not that the supplier makes any odds) 1 month since, but i've only just got round to putting it all together and its all been boxed untill then. The only thing not new is the HD, but that was in this machine as a backup drive and worked with no fault or any problems.


Has anyone got any gen on anything that could be causing the problem?


Cheers

BlueSmoke

Remove and reseat graphics and sound cards, and although the ram worked, remove it and try one stick in the machine on its own and then if it still doesn't work remove it and try the other as I had a similar problem with my machine.

Also remove and reseat the CPU.

If you still have problems then it's very likely you have a faulty board or HD.

You could also do a BIOS reset by setting the jumper then removing and refitting the battery and putting the jumper back (sure you know how to do this but thought I'd write it out anyhow.)

Let me know if that helps at all Paul.

Stealth Bomber

FWIW I had a fault just like this that was caused by faulty RAM, but RAM was fine when used in another system. The install process can show up failing RAM even when it's fine in another system.

My advice, try different RAM in the machine you are building.

Graceland

Tried bios resets and the use of other RAM modules, and they don't cure it

underclocking the CPU usually clears faults like this in my experience.

will try wiping the contacts on the gfx card and the memory with white spirit to clean any oxidisation/dirt off the contacts tho

BlueSmoke

Paul, if underclocking your CPU is fixing a problem then your fan isn't up to the job as blue screening because of the CPU means it's overheating. I used to get this a lot with an old pc I had that I overclocked. I found out the hard way

You may have a faulty board, CPU or hard disk if it still does it when you've underclocked and wiped down.

Out of interest, what type of CPU are you running?

EssexBoyRacer

Your motherboard might be fussy with what ram you use.

Have a look on the net for a Memory test program. You boot it up from floppy disk and leave it running a series of tests (over and over) it will highlight any failures.

If the rams not compatible with your board you'll find it keeps failing on the same tests.

If this is the case you'll have to fork out for some better ram, give these guys a try http://www.crucial.com/uk/

you search for your motherboard and it lists their ram which is 100% guranteed to work.

Graceland

Jay - the CPU is in my original thread if you read it


Essexy person - will have a look for some memory test programs but first i'm going to try the ram out of my brothers pc

BlueSmoke

Doh yeah you're right. I'll accept my with honours

I have a few bits lying around if you want to try any different parts? The board I have spare is dead as far as I know but I'm pretty sure the Athlon 2600 CPU nd the fan are fine as is the graphics card I have.

EssexBoyRacer

Been called a few names before but thats a first.

Jim Galbally

this is the sort of problem where i'll look at it, go "hmm" then realise i cant be arsed to find out what's wrong so go out and buy new kit. It's problems like this that make me open my wallet

Graceland

If the Athlon is in the 462 pin socket 'A' stylee package (which i'm certain it is) then i'll give that a try if you want Jay?

my fan is spot on i know for sure and revolved at a shade over 4000rpm according to the bios

Graceland

my wallet was opened to the tune of Ł140 quid which i was slightly annoyed at to build this system

BlueSmoke

Yes mate I'm certain it's socket A as it's one of the old Athlons and the sempron is just a rebrand as far as I'm aware.

I'll pop over with it tonight if you want to give it a go, but you'll need to pm me your addy again as I can't remember it and I know I'll get lost again

You're at the point now where you're running out of options to test I hate when it gets to that. As I say, I'm not sure if the processor is still ok but I'm 99% sure it is.

Graceland

I've got it down to the processor been at fault - tried it in another machine and its not working as it should and is crap


you forgotten where i live? twat - and you wanted to come help do my gearbox too

BlueSmoke

Yeah I know but I only ever went to yours once mate, and I got lost that time so how'd you expect me to remember?!

You still want me to bring the chip over cause if it works you're welcome to have it. I've got no use for it.

Graceland

Jay - as per the PM's m8, and i owe you a pint or 2 in blackpool