Installation still freezing...

[airxdata]

Okay, I've been trying to install WinMe on this new computer of mine as a hold-over until I get my grubby hands on a copy of Win2k. Installation keeps freezing when installing the devices. I have put in only the minimal devices, but I still have problems. I mopved my hard drive over to a different system and I found I could install fine. Now, I have to figure out if the problem is with my: Processor, mobo, RAM, or maybe power supply? I was wondering if any of you have some suggestions or ideas on this?

Devices in new system:
Soltek SL-75DRV5 Motherboard
AMD Athlon XP 2200+
256MB PC2700 Samsung DDR SDRAM
HP Cd-Rewriter
Antek 300W PSU(Soon to get updated)

Other system the hard-drive worked with:
Asus A7V133 w/o sound
Athlon 1.1 T-bird
256MB PC133 Corsair SDRAM
Benq Rewriter
Antec 300W PSU

Absolutely any ideas as to what could be causing the system to freeze like this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a ton guys.

[BipolarBill]

What's the heat situation like? Is this an OEM CPU and 3rd-party heat sink/fan or a boxed CPU with AMD fan? Is there good thermal coupling? Arctic Silver/grease? Go directly into BIOS setup and check your temps. Anything over 60C is suspect.

If you're running "Optimized" or "Performance" default BIOS settings, try Fail-Safe. Your memory may not be up to your timing settings.

I would also try switching video cards.

[airxdata]

Cooling situation is fine. I have a Thermaltake Volvano 7+ strapped onto the CPU and keep it set to medium the whole time. I'll try switching the graphics card and will also change the settings in the BIOS. I'll get back to you when I get home from work on how that all works out. THanks a ton.

[kazuza]

If you are able to install it in a different system, then do it!
After OS install, reboot in safe mode, uninstall all your drivers from the device manager in control panel and shut down.
Transfer the hard drive to your new machine and stuff it with the drivers it requires.
That's all!

[BipolarBill]

That would work fine on Win2K/XP, but ME might choke. Also, PnP device detection would still take place and he may get lockup again.

How are you, Kazuza? :t

[kazuza]

I'm fine thanks, Bill.
I haven't been able to come here much due to work...

But, about the subject above, ME is the OS where I most use this technique.Sucess rate is very high!

[BipolarBill]

It's a good suggestion - everything helps. ;)

Don't work too hard! :(

[airxdata]

Alrighty, just got back from my break at work. I went home and checked a few things out. THings are a bit worse now... But I'll go into the description of events now.

Okay, I went in and changed some BIOS settings. I also removed the video card and slapped in an old Geforce2MX. When I rebooted no input was received by the monitor. The BIOS beeped one long and two shorts as well. I have no idea what that means. Hopefully, one of you can help. Also, the Volcano 7+ I have on my CPU keeps the processor at 75C.

So.... What now? ;)

[BipolarBill]

75C is the ragged edge of acceptable. My plain Volcano 7 puts the Athlon 1900+ at 45C. Is the Volcano sitting flat on the CPU?

[kazuza]

The CPU temp. is too high, but those beeps are due to not having a graphics board connected.
In order for system to past POST, you MUST have a graphics board connected!
Like Bill, said, I would check the thermal contact, before something fries

[airxdata]

I'll go home and check out the contact and all. I think I should note that the mobo has been picking up the 2200+ as a 1500+. Could that be affecting things at all?

[kazuza]

Is the memory speed/FSB configured correctly?

[BipolarBill]

Yes...the default FSB for AMD motherboards is set to 100MHz for Duron processors. you have to manually set to to 133Mhz for the Athlon. I wouldn't do that, however, until you investigate the thermal coupling issue - 75C is way too high if you're set at 100Mhz. Your temp will likely jump about 20C if you switch to 133Mhz. :eek:

[airxdata]

Well, I think that first I am going to have to worry about this graphics card issue that has come up now. If I can't see the BIOS display I can't very well tinker in it, now can I? ;) So, any ideas on what may be going on there? I really seem to have messed things up, eh?

[BipolarBill]

Tale the AGP card out and use rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts. Reseat firmly and try again. Also loosen all motherboard mounting screws - the cards will hold it in place.

[airxdata]

Well, before I got a chance to read your last post, Bill, I took the heatsink off of the mobo and took a gander the thermal grease I put on it. So, I re-applied with a slight increase in the amount this time and slapped it back one. When trying to boot the system up it was only putting out half a second spurts of power where the fans were almost "pumping" with each burst and the LEDs on the case were flashing. I have a feeling this is an absolutely terrible sign.

On another note, I would just like to say thanks to you all for putting up with all this and continueing to help me out. My problem just seems to be getting worse and worse as things progress. :x

[BipolarBill]

Whoa - that's a PSU issue for sure. What the rating on your power supply?

I'm still concerned about the temps, put a bad PSU can cause all sorts or strange behavior. Make sure that the HSF is sitting flush too.

[airxdata]

I've had the case for about a year now. The PSU came with it. Antec 300Watt. I know I really need to upgrade that, but is it too little to push the system? The Volcano7+, 2200+, and GeForce4 hogging too much power maybe?

[BipolarBill]

Very possible. You are pushing the power consumption at every level. Don't forget the DDR - it's a real power hog too.

I would put the Volcano on high until this is sorted.

[airxdata]

I'll order an Enermax 550W PSU in the meantime to see if that makes a difference. If it doesn't I may just give up on this mobo and buy myself an Asus A7V333. I've never had problems with that brand.

Dang, you know how much noise that sucker can put out on high. ;)

[BipolarBill]

Asus makes excellent products. So does Enermax.

I can only imagine how much noise that Volcano can put out. My 4500RPM V7 is loud to me!