Computer freezes on bootup

[qsqueeq]

hi, i go to reboot my computer, it gets past video card test(it shows the card and card memory), it gets to the cpu test and memory test, it sometimes shows that my cpu is at 5mhz instead of the 550mhz that it's supposed to be, then it shows the amount of memory, then it freezes. usually it would show the IDE devices, like cdrom and hard drive. i have the chance right after it shows the amount of memory to hit DEL to go into the CMOS setup, here i can load whatever defaults(i've tried everything) and nothing works. my computer started running bad before this all happened and i thought it was just because i had it running for 4 days and just needed to reboot to refresh, it then froze up running windows so i had to ctrl alt del. then this happens and hasn't worked since. im using DFI AK70 Motherboard with a slot A AMD Athlon 550mhz cpu. i built the system myself and it has been fine for a year and a half, i just dont know what the problem is. anyone can help i will greatly appreciate it!!! squee_burger@hotmail.com or post here! thank you!
:(

[Bellbus]

First things I'd try:

1] Make sure all the HD cables are installed tightly
2] Make sure no components are loose (maybe a card has 'popped' its slot slightly)
3] Failing that, reset the CMOS using the jumper on the board or by removing the battery and reinserting it.

[qsqueeq]

i've tried already to clear the CMOS, and that doesn't help, but i will check with the HD and all the cables/connections once again.

[Bellbus]

Next, it's time to strip out all none essential components:

1] Start by unplugging all IDE and floppy disk cables
2] Remove all none essential cards.

This should leave you will only the motherboard, RAM, graphics card & CPU.

Still causing a problem?, well you know its one of 4 things, try swapping the smaller parts with friends or spares.

Start with the easiest first the RAM and graphics card.
Next, if you have access to another Chip, try it.

If you don't have access to spares, then at least refit the components, SDRAM can have a habit of popping out at one side on certain boards.

[qsqueeq]

geez wish i woulda thought of that before :(
i dunno if it will help(im at a computer lab right now lol) but thanks so much for the info. i have a cpu on the way, it's faster so if the cpu isn't a problem then it's just an upgrade for me so if the disconnecting of non-essential stuff doesn't work then i'll just stick the cpu in when i get it. if that doesn't work after trying everything then i assume it's the motherboard causing the problem.
right?
thanks so much
~sam

[qsqueeq]

so i tried all the above, and nothing is working, if the cpu isn't working then nothing shows up on the screen so im figuring it's the motherboard now. if i go out and buy a new motherboard, will i need my old hardware install disks? for like the video, sound, or lan card?

[Bellbus]

If your swapping motherboard you may need the driver disks.

(some users will suggest you reinstall Windows, but I've never had a problem with just slapping in a new board and letting Plug N Play do its job - I await the other users disagreements!)

I would suggest that after swapping the board, remove all none essential cards from your system and then Boot Windows. Now add them one at a time with a new Reboot. This will stop Plug N Play screwing up.

When you swap your board, Windows will detect all the new Motherboard resources and you will probably have to reboot several times as it finds different parts of the board.

Now start adding the non essential cards back in.

Some drivers will reinstall themselves quite happily without driver disks (the Graphics and modem are usually OK). The sound card nearly always requests the driver disk, but if you don't have the driver handy, you can route the driver one of the following locations:

C:\Windows
C:\Windows\System
C:\Windows\Inf

It'll be in one of these locations, because you've already installed once before (if not go to Control Panel -- Add Hardware and select it from the list of sound cards).

[qsqueeq]

you have been a great help and i thank you for that
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=91905
this the other thread that i started, im confused as to why my computer is doing this.
thanks
~sam:(

[Imperion1]

Welcome to Sysopt.

As for your other post, I went ahead and closed that thread. Keeping the link to this post.

You could have accidentally clicked on the New Thread button, no harm done.

[qsqueeq]

yeah sorry about that, im kinda new.
great site btw :)
thanks
~sam