Desktop

I've had the same problem three years ago when I bought an AMD K6-233MHz.
Like you, I couldn't understand where was the problem because it was too strange. When I tried everything, I brought back my new PC and, after analysing it, they told me thatmy motherboard was bad. They changed it and then it worked.

You tell you have a 233MMX? So I imagine it is not a new PC. Therefore, if it used to work well, try to find what hardware you have changed. It may be corrupted or plugged not well. Try to use an IDE cable that you are SURE it works (since you said you changed them) : bad IDE tranferts could create various problems (I know, I have had a bad IDE cable) that are "ununderstandable".
If your problem came suddenly, maybe you caught a virus. Find an antivirus and update it with the newest version (try Norton 5 if you don't have one).
Finnally, you may have a hardware problem : one hardware could be badly plugged or damaged.
If nothing of all this works, take some time : unplug EVERYTHING of your mothe

go to pcsupport.com and ask for Dom in the Live Assist, he knows the answer to this.

If your Bios had been re-initialed and still the numbers dissapear or changes, it means that the battery is no longer capable of holding any information you put on it. I would replace it and see if it solve these problem and re-install the OS fresh.
The Harddrive, i know its not a new one, but if you can boot it install with its own boot disk like for instance "Maxblast for Maxtor Hdd" then do it and do the same for the CDROM if you have its own driver.
If this didnt solve it, then consider athorough check of the Motherboard.

Jun

I have seen Windows 95/98 boot disks do this many times. Try formatting the disk (full format) with system files on another computer. As a last resort, boot to a DOS disk and fdisk the drive from that. This always works but unfortunately, you don't get the benefits of FAT32.

Make sure nothing is touching the motherboard. sounds like something might be grounding the motherboard. if it isnt that, then i would say that the motherboard is bad.