Computer Nightmare!

[kache]

I'm having a nightmare with this computer im fixing for a friend. Apparently, one day while typing a paper, my friends computer froze. He shut it down and from that point on, the computer would freeze at the windows 95 screen. About a week later, i took the computer to my house and proceded to format the HD to do a clean install of windows 98. When i tried to install it, however, scandisk would run and when it said "Copying files for windows setup", it would either put me back to the prompt or display garbled lettering. I suspected it to be the video card and changed it with the one in my computer, but it did the same thing. I removed all cards except for the video card, keyboard and mouse connections....same problem. Changed the wiring....same problem. changed cd-rom.....same problem. I then tested his HD on my computer and it worked fine. Oh yeah, and i also tried repartitioning the HD and formating...no success. Even tried installing windows 95 instead. If ANYONE can give any input, i appreciate it tremendously as this is the FIRST computer i have not been able to fix.

Comp specs:
Cyrix 686
16 megs ram
Unknown Motherboard with AWARD Bios 4.51PG

[philipg]

I'm not sure I can be of any help but it sounds like the bios can you access the cmos no problem, and does the drive show on the screen during the post? You may also consider that their may be a virus in his pc.

[This message has been edited by philipg (edited 06-11-99).]

[ktwebb]

Boot Sector virus perhaps.

[kache]

i can get into the cmos no problem and the HD is accessable through dos....ive also done a virus scan with nothing showing up...are boot sector viruses detectable all the time?

-kache-

[philipg]

Have you tried a different drive in your friends PC maybe the drive dosen't like his PC.

[This message has been edited by philipg (edited 06-11-99).]

[magk9]

Disable external cache in BIOS, then turn the harddrive PIO mode down to 3, then try it again.

[kache]

I just tried a different HD and no luck....i also tried the changing the CMOS as suggested, but no luck...

-kache-

ps. I appreciate the help so far.

[philipg]

try checking the pins for the cables and see if you bend over a pin while inserting the cable on both ends. It sounds like the bios is corrupt may want to consider a bios flash. I'm leaving work now Will be on later around 7:00.

[This message has been edited by philipg (edited 06-11-99).]

[kache]

I just flashed a new bios and the same problem is happening. I'm so confused...any new ideas?

-kache-

[Nathan]

Does it lock up in safe mode?

Can you get to a command prompt?

Is the Power management setting turned off in CMOS?

Have you checked the power supply for the proper voltages output?

How about the polarity of the outlet the computer or the surge protector is plugged into?

[MrEd]

Ok, you tried his hd on your pc, and changed video, checked cables, and flashed bios.

Try switching out ram, and see if that has anything to do with it. 16meg for win98 is pretty low.

Just a thought. Couldn't hurt to check.

-MrEd

[This message has been edited by MrEd (edited 06-11-99).]

[kache]

I just switched in 32 megs of ram, but its still doing the same thing. I am really stumped.....could it be an overheating issue?

-kache-

[Mbarb]

Could this be a heat thing?? Is the fan on the processor running? Cyrix are known to run HOT!!

Just a thought...

[MrEd]

I wonder if he could have inadvertantly damaged the processor when he turned it off???????? Do you have a spare one to check?

[kache]

actually, i didn't mention this, but when i brought the computer to my house, it was making a really high pitch whine. I took off the fan, cleaned it (there were chunks of dust) and the sound was gone. Maybe the restricted fan didn't allow enough heat to escape resulting in a damaged processor? Is that possible?

-kache-

[MrEd]

Very likely...

[Ed_S]

Pull the heatsink & look for brown burn marks. Cyrix is one hot runner! Fan & HS should be oversize ballbearing one, cheap thin one just don't get it with Cyrix, especially with dust clogs.

Had a friend with similar problems on an AMD K-5, by the time Windows was loading, it was too hot to run & locked up. New large fan fixed.

[kache]

Hey everyone, I really appreciate the help. Unfortunately, nothing has worked so far. Just to keep you updated, I'm goin to get a new heatsink and fan tomorrow as suggested.
I hope it works because this computer is driving me insane! I have spent 10+ hours trying to figure this mystery out...AHHHH

-kache-

PS. If this doesn't work, should i try replacing the cyrix chip or take it to a shop to have it looked at? (I can get the same cyrix chip for cheap)

[MrEd]

If you can get that chip really cheap, by all means, get a new one. Also get a bigger heatsink and fan, as previously mentioned. Don't stress yourself too much with it, a lot of here have been in the same boat. A little patience, and brainstorming should get that thing going. Get the chip.

[kache]

I tried a new heatsink and fan (bigger ball-bearing fan) but the same problems are happening. i think i'm gonna recomend a new intel chip....i hope its not a motherboard problem. Again, thanks for all the help...I'll post another message after i try the new chip to tell you all how it turned out...but that shouldn't happen for a few days at least.

-kache-

[Ed_S]

If you're gonna replace the CPU, check the prices on AMD or Intel. Would be worth a little more just to get cooler running chip. What speed is this, anyway? Remember that Cyrix uses PR rating, not true Mhz of chip, for example, the 6x86/200 is a 150 mhz piece, so even "same" speed AMD or Intel actually is faster. Also Cyrix is tough to overclock, if this is a concern. Just look at the options, a few bucks extra now may make a big difference later.