Well now the CD-ROM works, run an overnight memory check on it using memtest86. It's available on the UltimateBootCD (www.ultimatebootcd.com).

J

When it posts, it does do a ram check and I'm pretty sure it registers its all there.

If I can't even get it to desktop how can I run any checks on it? It either just crashes during first start-up, or gets to the XP Pro screen, then suddenly reboots itself.

:confused: Wondering if £20 MOBO might be good as a repair and a long term lifeline for this PC?

Dont buy a MOBO just yet!

(assuming you have a floppy drive)

memtest86 can be used from a floppy. (google it, i cant remember the link)

1. Insert floppy with memtest86 on

2. Turn on PC

3. Set PC to boot from floppy first in bios, if not already set.

4. Watch as memtest tests the memory, if it shows any errors (leave it running for a few hours if possible) report back.

Memory errors can cause windows problems, even installing windows IIRC.

OK - 1 floppy drive with the 4 memtest files written on, done.

Shall give it a crack thanks.

You haven't shorted the back of the motherboard to the case again i hope?

I assume you haven't rebuilt it, apart from the drive swaps and PSU.

Check the RAM stick(s) are still secure, or better still remove them and re-insert them just to make sure. Then check any other cards.

Nope - this was (a long time ago) a brand new PC from PC world. I've not touched the board in any way. Have fiddled with the RAM chips too, but might remove completely and re-insert to be sure (as the bishop said to the actress )

About to give memtest a shot now

And it says my floppy with the memtest files on is a "non-system disk" so won't boot or do anything from it... .:confused:

memtest is basically a mini-OS in itself. You don't copy it to a floppy disk. Instead, you download an 'image' of a floppy disk - a file containing a byte-for-byte copy of a bootable floppy. You use the 'rawwrite' program to copy the bytes from that image to a blank disk. This puts memtest in exactly the right place on the disk and gives the disk the bootsector it needs for you computer to boot from it.

If you've ever used ISOs, it's the floppy equivalent.

If you're not happy using the command line tool rawwrite, try this one instead: http://www.disoriented.com/diskwrite/

J

All this is going over my head now...

I have noticed one thing though - during boot up when it does the memory test, it stops the memory count at 131mb.... And I have 196mb RAM - a 128 chip alongside the original 64 chip.... Anyone think maybe the 64 chip is FUBAR and I just try and run it with the newer 128 chip alone?

Have you thought that perhaps you dont have the correct RAM configuration? The last few MB's I have had have needed RAM in a certain size and position. It may be your MB does'nt like the RAM you have in the way you have it.

Not sure Andy.

I've not touched the PC in years to be honest, and its only just started going wrong. :(

It used to be my main PC only up until about this time last year - served me well for 5 or 6 years.

try it with just the 128 stick.

I have a memtest floppy here, but i'm bu99ered if i can remember where i got it from:D

I'll look into it, but i reckon someone else will come up with an answer before me.

Wahoooo! :woohoo: :woot:

All working now. As soon as I cranked it up with just the 128 chip in, I could HEAR it booting up in the same way it always used to.

So, now its fine,the wanadoo wireless is now installed on it,and I now have a Belkin USB wireless adaptor atop my monitor talking to the Livebox downstairs. No more wires going into my room.

for all the techie advice

Take the case lid off and have a look at the capacitors on your motherboard.

If any of them are buldgeing or leaked (eg white muck on them) then they are the problem.

This was a very common problem due to a bad batch of capacitors that made its way to market and affected nearly every manufacturer out there.

All sorted now thanks. (see post above yours)

I took great glee in snapping that 64mb RAM chip in half. Would quite like to find another 128 stick of pc100/pc133 RAM now though. Seems a little sluggish on some tasks with just 128mb ram. Anyone help me with that?

Yeah sorry, I didn't notice the third page.

Regarding RAM i'll have a dig around my crap store see what I can find.

Otherwise www.crucial.com still sell it all.

i'm posting you that ally aerial and gear stick surround tomorrow. if i can find a spare stick in my box'o'****e i'll stick it in too.

ric

i'm posting you that ally aerial and gear stick surround tomorrow. if i can find a spare stick in my box'o'****e i'll stick it in too.

ric

Any old PC100 / PC133 ram will do I think. Its just that PC is running XP Pro now and the new owner is playing some quite demanding games (considering the type of games it was designed for back in 1998ish)

128mb just isn't quite enough.