Hi, Last night, my computer crashed and re-booted. Then I received the message "cannot locate OS". I hit re-start button, same results. So I powered off and checked the drive cables. Upon re-boot, OS booted up fine. I imaged the drive and then shut down. Today, I restored the image to another drive to rule out drive failure. This drive did the same thing - no OS. So I restored an August image. Same results - the system boots up to Windows logo, then reboots, over and over. I suspect the drives are OK, but that a component has gone bad. Is there any way to test the components to determine which one is bad? I built this system 3 years ago, it has been trouble free. Asus MBO, Athlon dual-core, Windows XP Pro. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated!
If u have 2 ram sticks, check with one at a time. If it works, the other stick may be faulty. Or if there is only one, replace it with another working one and try. It seems to be a problem with the memory. Me too had this problem earlier.
Thank you for the input. I had already swapped the memory sticks and also tested boot with one at a time. Then I ran mem86 for 3 hours. No problems. I have now replaced the motherboard. Exactly the same problem. I swapped the memory out with 2 other memory sticks (same type), same problem. Since I have tried this with 2 different drives, I ruled out the drives. I changed the drive cable with the new mobo. Same problem. I'm now believing the problem to be processor or power supply. I ran prime95 to test the cpu. Seemed to handle that. Both processors (dual core) ran at 100% with no problem. Any suggestions from anyone out there? Is it possible that the cpu can pass the prime95 test and still be bad? Can a problem with the power supply cause this? Thank you for any help. Much appreciated.
Yes it can... What is the brand name...and wattage...of your power supply? The power supply unit in today's modern computer assumes a role probably more critical than any other single component in your system. A poor PSU can also cause other components to fail in your computer. The right Brand names = Quality Some approved Brand names follow... Seasonic - any model Corsair - any model Thermaltake - "Toughpower" series only Coolermaster - "Real Power Pro" series only PC Power & Cooling - any model Silverstone - any model Unless you are not into some serious gaming a 650 watt or higher will take care of your needs...PCI-E requires 26 amps at 12 volts. That's a 650W...Quality...PSU. If you are a serious gamer a 750 Watt, or a little higher will be all that you would need. Power Supply Information and Selection - Tech Support Forum
Thank you so much, Net Jockey, for your help. I have OCZ PSU, 520w, just over 3 years old. I do no gaming. I normally run 3 drives along with the dvd (C drive, Data drive, Backup drive). However, during these problems, only the C and DVD drives are connected, with the same problem. According to the research I did when I built this machine 9/2005, 520w was more power than I needed. You are saying I should have 650w? I will look into one of the PSU's you recommended. Again, thank you. I really appreciate the help.
"PCI-E requires 26 amps at 12 volts" - I don't use PCI-E for monitor. Standard PCI monitor card. Does this reduce the need for power or should I still purchase 650w? Maybe I should go 650w anyway for future upgrading? Again, thanks for your help, Net Jockey.
You are most welcome Carol. In my opinion that would be a wise choice...I have a 750 watt in my rig and I don't do gaming. I don't regret it.
Thanks, again, Net Jockey! I will go for a larger PSU, unless OCZ replaces the one I have. I checked my files and it's supposed to carry a 5 year warranty. I'll find out tomorrow how that works. But, for my next system I'll definitely go more power! (We're thinking about building another for "backup" in the event of more failures.) Seems about every 3 years we have to buy or, - now - build, due to some failure or other. If I put together a replacement with everything operational, I can just change machines and not lose time. My husband's machine is now 2 - so who knows when it will bite the dust. I know they should last longer, but there always seems to be some problem. Thinking back, it has always been PSU. Again, thank you for all of your input. I've saved the PSU recommendations you made.
