Another computer problem

[Helevitia]

Yes, I load both RAID or SATA at bootup.

[schmosef]

Ok, so try an older build. I've had such problems before.

[VJ]

Just a thought: are you using a slipstreamed xp cd ?
(perhaps the slipstreaming went wrong)

Also, I would try with a new download (perhas with a different version number) of your RAID and SATA drivers. During install, press F6 (when it appears at the bottom) to indicate you will use third party drivers, then insert the floppy with the drivers when asked.
(I once had an error in an Adaptec driver, the driver had been online just 2 days, but I happened to download it: gave all sorts of weird results on a running system)


Jörg

[schmosef]

So that's two votes for trying an older raid driver...

[Helevitia]

I am running memtest as we speak. It is almost done.

With all BIOS memory settings set to default and it recognizing the correct 2-2-2-6 timings, I see:

205K errors! Holy crap! What doesn't make sense is, why was my computer running flawlessly before I started over with the new raptors?

I'm gonna relax the memory settings to the lowest and try again. Also, I will raise the voltage to 2.7v as Mushikin still covers my memory under warranty at that voltage.

OK, it just went through the tests with 205K + errors. I'll let you know how other tests turn out.

[Evildead666]

I've had the same problem as you a few times and it was the memory each time.
Especialy if its the same file it can't find or copy, each time you attempt to install.
Memtest will allow you to see if your ram is stable. so will super pi.
You can even play some games and run 3dmark sometimes, even when you have a lot of memory errors detected in memtest. Its just that there will come a point when the errors will start creating problems.

I administer 2500+ pc's, and memtest is a major memory testing tool, and is very appreciated for detecting bad memory.

With 205 thousand + errors, i would consider lowering the timings as you've said, and testing with another stick of ram from elsewhere...

Jez

[Helevitia]

So I tested at DDR200 & DDR333 with 2-2-2-5 timings and no errors. As soon as I test DDR 400 again, I see errors.

Even at the lowest memory settings, I still can't install winXP.

BTW, just to throw everyone for a loop, a few days before this all happened, I installed WinXP just fine. With the same hardware and memory set to DDR400. As I mentioned in my first post, I ran into a similar problem when I first bought my mobo. Lowering the memory timings allowed me to install winXP. I chalked it up as an early BIOS problem. sure enough, after booting into Windows, I cranked the memory back up to DDR400 w/ 2-3-2-6 timings and no problems since August.

So how come I am now seeing problems? I'm starting to think my crappy 1.02 rev mobo is the problem. I bet if I switched motheboards my problems will go away. Do you all agree?

[Evildead666]

Maybe try to reflash the bios, and give that a go?

and then change mobo if you have the possibility to. Will give you a chance to retest the memory and cpu.

[Wombat]

I wouldn't be so quick to blame the motherboard. Remember that it's not controlling your memory anymore. RAM is my first choice, then CPU or MB.

[rugger]

I would try with some other RAM first. I can verify that memory based on Hynix chips works at DDR400 on AMD board.

[Helevitia]

OK, I had some more time to work on my computer. It gets weirder but it seems a little clearer now. The real problem is, I have multiple problems.

OK, yes, my RAM fails at default settings, but if I up the voltage, it works fine. This is what I experienced 6 months ago when I first bought the system. The difference is, WinXP would install after upping the voltage and/or relaxing the timings and/or DDR speed.

I took my winXP disk, brought it over to my laptop, hoping that I could copy the image to a new CD. Maybe it would read past the errors (if any existed). Upon tryig to copy the disk on my laptop, it would fail about half way through with read errors. Ok, so I think I have this bad disk, plus some memory issues that are resolved by changing a few things. I know the memory works because it worked fine for the last 6+ months without any problems. I am feeling fairly confident that memory is not the issue. I will try new memory tonight just for grins. Now all I need is a new XP CD to try out. I think my problems will be solved. Unfortunately, I don't have one readily available. I am considering downloading one off the net. Shouldn't hurt anything since I'll be using my CD key. Good idea? Bad idea?
Any other opinions, thoughts, or other?

[Evildead666]

Doesn't anyone near you have a win XP cd lying around?

I tend to make images of my CD's when i buy them ,just for this sort of problem.

Off the net i wouldn't feel safe. You have no idea that the image is clean, with no spyware etc, and you haven't even installed yet... ;-)

Find an original XP cd, and copy it. you keep your original as proof of purchase.

[UtwigMU]

I think corporate CDs are slightly different (no activation required), so your key may not work and you'll have to use corporate key.

Otherwise there are lots of slipstreamed SP2 images floating arround.

As long as you have a licence for every computer it's not a problem which CD you install.

[Helevitia]

man, none of my friends that live fairly close have a valid XP CD

I downloaded one off the net, but of course my CD key doesn't work with it.

*bangs head against wall several times*

So atleast I know i just need a new Cd and my problems are solved.

Thanks to everyone for all of the help, i really appreciate it!

Dave

[Helevitia]

ahhh, up and going again.

Thanks again for all the help everyone