random system hangs

[SethP]

I just installed Win98 on a brand new Amptron PM-2200 motherboard. It's using a Celeron 400 Mhz processor with the Socket-370 to SLot 1 adapter, and a total of 48 MB of 66 mHZ SDRAM . Windows install went smoothly, other than a few reboots necessary during the Plug-and-Play setup. Windows now appears to run smoothly, with no conflicts or problems in the device manager, or error messages of any kind. The AMI BIOS indicates no error messages of any kind when booting, as well. However, the system hangs, without allowing "Cntrl-Alt-Del" to End Task, and at what appears to be random times. I could originally reproduce the problem consistently by attempting to transfer files from one hard drive to the other, or from the CD-ROM to the hard drive. This consistently caused the hang about 5 seconds into the file copying procedure. After speaking to an Amptron representative, I tried another memory module, using one 64 MB module instead of the previous 16 and 32-bit modules. I also updated the BIOS to the most recent version and restored all default BIOS values. Now the file copying works, but the system hangs at random times, most recently occuring while attempting to install software, and while a screen saver was running. I ran a demo version of an AMI system diagnostic utility which indicated there were no problems with any of the hardware. With memory out of the picture, I'm left with no areas to troubleshoot but the one PCI device (the video card), the CPU, and the two hard drives and their cables. The processor is not being overclocked in any way, and the hard drives are less than one year old. I'm pretty confident that the problem lies in the hardware, as the Windows install is brand-new on the recently-formatted hard drive, and the hangs occur in both normal and safe mode. Scandisk was run in Windows as well as from a safe-mode command prompt, and detected no problems whatsoever. Does this sound like a faulty motherboard, or perhaps an issue with the CPU and/or adapter? Or am I overlooking an obvious point here?

[Susan]

Sounds like you have really worked hard on getting that system to run properly! /forum/smile.gif


Now the file copying works, but the system hangs at random times, most recently occuring while attempting to install software, and while a screen saver was running.

the hangs occur in both normal and safe mode

Moving it up...

I wish I could help, but I would only be guessing that it could be an overheating problem. A BIOS update did help to solve some of your problems.

[IRED]

Any error messages?

[Underclocked]

Just wondering if you have Slot 1 cpu you could try instead of the Socket-370 to SLot 1 adaptor. Perhaps a problem with the adaptor?

[rockinwy]

YOu might try adjuusting the ram settings in the bios. I had the same problem with my bh6 and 400a, slot 1 . I set the ram precharge settings and the cas settings until the system was stable, on mine the precharge setting made the difference.

[rockinwy]

sorry for the extra posts lost connection

[This message has been edited by rockinwy (edited 09-09-99).]

[rockinwy]

try adjusting the ram settings in the bios, i had the same problem with my bh6 , changing the bios settings made all the difference. also what video card do you have, my creative banshee caused lockups on web pages, a problem that didnt show up with my socket7 amd setup but when I changed to the celeron it showed up. Creative has a fix for it in their latest driver.

[SethP]

You nailed it, "Underclocked." I pulled another Socket-370 to Slot-1 adapter with a 400 mHZ Celeron from another PC, popped it in, and it runs like a dream. I switched the processors, as well, and narrowed it down to the adapter card. I didn't suspect any problems with the processor, as Intel is pretty reputable for their rigorous testing. Sure enough, it was the adapter card, a non brand-name freebie that was thrown in with the motherboard, from Amptron. I'll have to stick with brand-name adapters from now on. I hope you folks can keep my episode in mind in your future PC ventures.

Good Luck, and Thanks.

[Underclocked]

Hey kewl!! I got one, I got one. /forum/wink.gif

[Susan]

/forum/smile.gif /forum/smile.gif /forum/smile.gif