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Zombie MMX machine

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7 replies

by erikdr

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Hmmm... I've been using machines as long as they work technically (which is more than what vendors like), and sometimes...

Machine: Pentium II MMX 200 MHz
128 M of RAM (originally used as server...)
OS: At times Win98, at times Win2K Pro
Symptoms:
* With Power-On often simply refuses. Need 3-4 attempts to get it booting
* After that, on some boots reports 150 MHz (later also consistently reported by Windows) and some boots reports the correct 200 MHz
* Under all circumstances, Windows time/date is BREAKING: in one day usually looses 12 hours (when machine is running...).
* But for the rest works like a charm: no Windows errors in eventlog, no breaking programs etc. etc.

I suspect something with powersupply, CMOS battery or CPU. BIOS (type: Award) has no diagnostics, unfortunately. Tried 3 diag programs from Tucows, none of them suitable for this kind of problems. Before deciding to send machine to my techies for replacing a part, or simply to throw it away, I'd like to know more where the culprit might be...

Thanks a lot,

- Netherlands

7 replies

by thechas

At the age of this PC, the CMOS battery would be the first thing to change.

The primary symptoms are very consistent with a low CMOS battery.

Even the problem with power up could be caused by a weak CMOS battery.

As to the power supply, does the fan spin properly and is there noticeable air-flow out of the back of the power supply?
If so, the power supply is likely okay.

Chas

by erikdr

Sorry for delay, finding time for the screwing work and then for finding right shop..
Worked like a charm, new battery did away with troubles.

Thanks a lot,

by ozi eagle

Hi,
After trying Chas' suggestions check the mobo electrolytics. If any have bulging tops or sides they are defunct, which usually means the mobo is toast, as they are almost impossible to remove and replace.

As a last ditch effort you could try replacing them, provided you have decent unsoldering equipment, after all you have nothing to lose.

by daowen

Erik:

Change the mobo battery. If the system still acts up pull the drive and kill the system. You will spend more money fixing it then it will cost to get another PII 200 Mhz machine. Sometimes it is not worth repairing a system when a replacement is just $75.00.

Doug

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