23-09-2003 23:33									#1
	Computer problem...Big problem Avatar Enlargement: We've got the solution

Recently i had my computer crash and that seemed normal enough, but now my computer will freeze at the bios screen right after it displays the CPU make and model.

I have
a pentium 4 2.4 mhz (800mhz FSB)
Abit IS7 Mobo
1024 mb geil ram ddr 400
300 watt psu by enermax
40gb ibm hd
80gb Western Digital HD

im really stumped as to the problem because it wont even let me get into the bios menus, it just freezes. Im really stressed and saddened by this because up until recently this computer has had no problems.

what do you think is wrong?

	23-09-2003 23:35									#2
	Remove this text

Any new hardware installed lately?

	23-09-2003 23:37									#3
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization 2

can you go into safe mode?

	23-09-2003 23:39									#4
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

the only new hardware i installed was a wireless ethernet hub that connects via USB. also i installed a few windows security patches recently.

and no, i cant go into safe mode. the computer always freezes right in the middle of the memory check. Ive tried taking out sticks and replacing them with each other and using them seperately and that hasnt yielded any results.

	23-09-2003 23:48									#5
	Support Apolyton or Terrorists Win

Sounds serious.

	23-09-2003 23:51									#6
	Avatar Enlargement: We've got the solution

Have you tried unplugging the USB hub? Have you tried cleaning the board or at least ensuring it isn't caked with dust? Are you getting any beep codes? When the system freezes, is it counting memory or does it freeze before the count even starts?

	23-09-2003 23:55									#7
	Enter the AD-FREE zone

I will try to unplug the usb connection, i will try to get dust off. I dont get any beep codes unfortunately. When the system freezes it counts the first 2 digits(1 and 0 respectively) and then freezes without putting the rest of the digits.

	23-09-2003 23:55									#8
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

Maybe your Processor-Fan was accidentally plugged out?

This could cause the Processor to rapidly overheat at startup
and (if this feature is installed) cause the BIOS to make a safety shutdown.

	23-09-2003 23:55									#9
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

Perhaps you should flash the bios.

	23-09-2003 23:57									#10
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization 2

I checked the processor fan and it is working. Its interesting because i thought that was the problem at first too but its working.

how would i go about flashing the bios. from what i understand you need to actually boot to a floppy to do that.

	23-09-2003 23:58									#11
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization: The Boardgame

quote: Perhaps you should flash the bios.

Hold on there, chief! I wouldn't recommend that.

When you say that it gets a one and a zero, I don't understand. Mine rapidly counts up to 256 as it verifies memory. Is that what yours is doing?

	23-09-2003 23:59									#12
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations: Deluxe Edition

quote: Perhaps you should flash the bios

quote: how would i go about flashing the bios

Step 1: Get a trench coat
Step 2: Take of all your clothes and don said coat
Step 3
.
.
.
.

	24-09-2003 00:00									#13
	Increase the size of your Attachments

no, it doesnt even count, it displays "10" and thats it. i know thats the first 2 digits of my memory. when i unplugged one stick the only digit was 5. its pretty silly.

	24-09-2003 00:01									#14
	Put an end to popups!

quote: how would i go about flashing the bios. from what i understand you need to actually boot to a floppy to do that.

You need a boot floppy to update it. I'll bet that's what Caligastia was talking about. I believe some chips can be blanked, like if you try an update and then cut the power in the middle of it, and if you do that you have to get a new chip.

	24-09-2003 00:04									#15
	Put an end to popups!

You might be able to update the bios. If you go to the manufacturer's website they should have something there for you.

	24-09-2003 00:05									#16
	Inflate your Upload Space

quote: Originally posted by Harry Seldon You need a boot floppy to update it. I'll bet that's what Caligastia was talking about. I believe some chips can be blanked, like if you try an update and then cut the power in the middle of it, and if you do that you have to get a new chip.

Maybe flashing the bios isn't what I'm talking about. I think I meant the update.

	24-09-2003 00:06									#17
	Browse Apolyton AD-FREE

Here's the bios upgrade for your board. It looks like it isn't floppy oriented, though so I don't know how you'd get in on there.

http://www.abit-usa.com/products/mb...ries=1&model=81

	24-09-2003 00:07									#18
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

@ Japher

(Perhaps there should be a single smiley for that oft used phrase)

	24-09-2003 00:10									#19
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

You can't even get your memory count? Doesn't sound good...

	24-09-2003 00:10									#20
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations

I think your board may have cooling issues:

http://forum.abit-usa.com/showthread.php?threadid=11496

How long have you had it?

	24-09-2003 00:11									#21
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

You read my mind Japher.

	24-09-2003 00:25									#22
	Support Apolyton

I don't know if it's a good idea, but you could try to reset the BIOS. I think there are some jumpers ("clear CMOS") on the motherboard to play around with, otherwise you can simply pull out the battery and put it back after a few minutes.

	24-09-2003 00:29									#23
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations

Should an Art major be fooling around with the insides of a computer?

	24-09-2003 00:48									#24
	Avatar Enlargement: We've got the solution

You can't reset BIOS; it's NVRAM. You reset the CMOS that way.

	24-09-2003 00:58									#25
	Get a bigger avatar today!

What is CMOS anyway?

	24-09-2003 01:07									#26
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

Abbreviation of complementary metal oxide semiconductor. Pronounced see-moss, CMOS is a widely used type of semiconductor. CMOS semiconductors use both NMOS (negative polarity) and PMOS (positive polarity) circuits. Since only one of the circuit types is on at any given time, CMOS chips require less power than chips using just one type of transistor. This makes them particularly attractive for use in battery-powered devices, such as portable computers. Personal computers also contain a small amount of battery-powered CMOS memory to hold the date, time, and system setup parameters.

So no one gets the illusion I'm a hardware genius, I had to go elsewhere for a good description:
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/CMOS.html

	24-09-2003 01:18									#27
	Got spare money?

How should he flash the bios or boot into safe mode if he cant get past memory check?

Maybe its the power suppy? Have you tried disconnecting unessecary components like cd/dvd drives from the power supply?
If its not that I also guess it would be a heat problem.

Or your RAM is kaputt

	24-09-2003 01:22									#28
	Increase Your PM Length

But both sticks going out at the same time? I'd think more things on the board or attached would have failed, too. Checking the forum for this board, there appear to be a multitude of problems with it. Glad I don't have one. Sorry, MRT144.

	24-09-2003 01:43									#29
	Tired of ads?

ive had it now for a few months since july. ill see what i can do later tonight and update tomorrow if possible.

	24-09-2003 01:45									#30
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

also i have a thermaltake 6000rpm fan...this is ****ing ridiculous. only christina has helped me get through this by being there for me. i her