Hi All,
I am looking for a little bit of help regarding my hardware.
I am currently building a media pc to sit next to my TV – The idea was to make something cheap out of old parts i have around, but due to many problems i am now considering buying a whole new setup.
Firstly, I bought a new Asrock Mobo and placed my old pentium 4 CPU along with some DDR400 ram i had lying around… Because i had a small 2.5in 40gig HD, I used that to load Windows XP. -> Which was then upgraded to xp Media center.
After about 2 days, the power supply appeared to start playing up – The fan would spin maybe a 3rd of a rotation and then stop; Sometimes it would boot, but mainly just act as if i didnt press startup. – I tried it all in a different MOBO and had a Similar result..
figuring something wrong with the PSU i bought a new replacement PSU and Case. During this time the Hd completely died and would not work at all. . Seeing it was old etc and PSU issues, I figured “hey, shi$t happens”. So i went and bought a new 300gig hdd.
OK – Then I get to the next stage.
I am loading up the computer and check it – It all seems to be ok. I shut it down and put in the DVD burner (ready to fresh in stall XP) but as soon as i place the DVD burner it fails to recognise the HDD and now appears to have somehow killed my new 300gig HD. The HD does not boot not is it recognised when plugged into another living computer.
Finally, I decided that i should get another HD – anyway (and attempt to load the strange acting one as a slave) a 500gig media center would be good. This time I buy a SATA HD.
I manage to install XP sucessfully (all seems good) and then i go to upgrade to Media Center during the setup is says:\
setupdd.sys error code 4 which suggest some kind of hardware issue??? anyway, basically, i can view currently installed XP but cannot complete the installation to media center. I have replaced, swapped ram all about (only old ram stick) and tried several re-formats…. All to no avail.
Sometimes it again (with new PSU) seem to be sticking the fan – not always booting first try.
Is my processor stuffed? or have i been very unluky? can this kill my HD?
This exercise which was meant to be free from using spare parts has already cost me a heap and seems certain to cost alot more…
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
G