- To test the RAM : download memtest86 from www.memtest86.com. You need a diskette drive to boot from, so maybe do it on another machine. But I don't think this is the problem.
- Are the drives being displayed on the BIOS-screen? Correctly? Does auto-detect work for the hard disk? How about the diskette-drives?
- My first idea: motherboard problem (IDE interface electronics); have it repaired or try another mobo.
- Try step by step: start with only diskette (it's a valid configuration PC's started with around 1980); then add hard disk; then add CD-ROM.
Kees
pcchips m810d mb
256 ddr266 generic
amd 1700+ xp
seagate 5200rpm 20 gig hdd
8x4x32 sony cd-rw
generic 54x cd-rom
generic 300w power supply.
first of all id like to thank everyone who has any ideas. im not an expert in computers but i do know some. ive built a few and never had this problem. the company i bought it from is no help. rma'ed the mobo once and they sent it back (i know because i maked the backside with a marker) although they said it was replaced. i e-mail pcchips and i havent heard anything from them. this is my last draw.
when i try to boot none of the drives are found. all the drives, power supply, and cpu have been tested ok on my other systems. i have no way to test the ram so that is a possibility. i ordered this comp for my mother and now am mad because i suggested she let me do it. its been nothing but a headache. almost 2 months now, she has my old amd900 and i want it back, it is(was) my media pc. btw aviod www.compubuzz.com, found via www.pricewatch.com. thanks.
Josh

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