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Freezes on boot up

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15 replies

by lump_16

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When I start up my computer it will get as far as the memory test and just sit there without going on to the drive detection.

I just recently installed a enw hard drive so I thought this mayhad been the problem (Although it had booted up some 10 time before without a prob)

So I unplug the HD leaving just the CDROM plugged in. Same thing. Unplug CDROM. Same thing.

I then go into my BIOS and "load fail-safe settings" it now cycles thru all 640 Mb of RAM but randomly pauses.

I can hit the escape key and continue on but it still pauses at other places in the boot process all I have to do is hit escape and it continues.

So could this be a case of bad memory? (Been using it without a problem for a few months)

Any help on this amtterwoudl be appreciative.

Thanks,
Brian Wright
wrightweb@wright-ontthe-web.com
http://www.wright-onthe-web.com

15 replies

by olisao55

Try to reset your bios by using the jumper settings on your motherboard for cmos back to factory settings. Bad memory could be a problem. Random freezes I have seen it is more a motherboard issue. Memory more typically will corrupt information.

by lump_16

Hows this for an answer. Do nothing, let the thing heal it self. That's basically what happened, I didn't make any changes and the problem seems to have gone away.
Thanks for the responses tho.

Brian Wright
wrightweb@wright-onthe-web.com
http://www.wright-onthe-web.com

by syscokid

Memory would be my first guess. Can you borrow a stick from somewhere and swap yours out one at a time till you find the culprit?

by thechas

While it is possible that you have a memory problem, I recommend that you verify that the video card is fully seated in the AGP port.
The card does not need to be out of place by much (1/32") to cause a problem.

As a side comment, what OS are you running?
If Windows 9X/Me, there is a bug for large amounts of RAM (over 511MB) So, if you have other problems as/after the OS loads, this could be the cause.

Chas

by qballrail

Apparently, the machine does not past POST (Power On Self Test) followed by a beep. If you don't hear a beep, it is something in the BIOS. Memory would send a series of beeps, depending on the mfr., the number and pattern will vary. I've seen machines with cracked motherboards that did just what you are describing. Just a thought, check to be sure your proc is seated properly with no bent pins if it's a socket configuration. If Slot, then just make sure it is seated properly.

by merrickcomp

I have had this problem myself. I ended up replacing my system board. This is probably going to be one of four things. Memory, CPU, System Board, or Video Card. Since you are not getting a squeal of beeps, it is probably not your memory, but that is the easiest to check by pulling out each DIMM one by one. You may want to spend the $30 or so to get your components checked.

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