Paul,
You might try rolling back the drivers for the geforce or updating them to
the latest from the MSI or Nvidia site. Also you could update and or roll
back the drivers for the Promise card..You might try and just boot to the two
HD's on the primary IDE channel without the raid card installed and see if
the problem goes away, if so, It may be the raid card that needs to be
reconfigured updated etc...Are both HD's on the primary IDE channel, with the
CD devices on the secondary IDE channel?

If you have access to another video card you could swap it out and see if
that card solves the problem.. I assume you have been to the ASUS site for
bios and any other related updates ie.. for the chipset drivers, or at least
setup the board with the original setup disk that came with the P4T533-C for
initial chipset support?
http://support.asus.com/download/dow...Language=en-us
http://www.msi.com.tw/program/suppor...UID=534&kind=2
Also, just a thought, when connecting molex 4 pin connectors to HD's, Video
cards etc.. don't use the Y molex cable for a device that needs a full 12v of
power, two devices that need a pure 12v might only get 6v each if running
simultaneously.
Hope this can help
j;-j

"Paul" wrote:

> Ok.
>
> I moved house, so machine came with me.
>
> I have just taken the machine apart. I disconnected everything, and
> reconnected everything. I removed the CMOS battery and put it back. So,
> everything on the hardware level has been reset.
>
> I'm now running that memtest86 to check the machine.
>
> When I first booted it had a problem with the CPU settings. It's an Intel
> P4 2.53ghz CPU. I had to change it down to a lower setting, boot, shutdown,
> and reset it to run at 2.53.
>
> The machine (home built) -
> P4 2.53ghz
> 1.5gb RAM (Rambus 1066)
> 2 cd drives - DVD drive, and DVD-RW drive
> 4 hard disks - 40gb, 80gb, 80gb and 200gb (two disks run off a PCI Promise
> controller)
> 4x AGP Video card (MSI GeForce FX5900)
> Asus P4T533-C motherboard
>
> Any more info you need?
>
> Thanks for all the help/advice.
>
>
>
> "Jaymon" wrote:
>
> > Ok , you moved your rig and you cut the power to do so, right? Did you have
> > this problem after the move? The CMOS battery is at most $3 or less at Radio
> > Shack and even if you can rule it out of the picture thats one down, so to
> > speak. I have solved my own system problems by just removing and replacing
> > the battery to force the bios to reset and in some cases it works, pun
> > intended.
> >
> > With the case open the air flow is negated or in my case it was, because I
> > have 7 80mm fans, 3 drawing in and 4 blowing out heated air. With the case
> > open, air wasn't flowing over the components and they ran hotter.. You might
> > make sure all cables and all connections are indeed tight with the RAM chips
> > seated tight as well.
> > What are your system specs...?
> > j;-j
> >
> > "Paul" wrote:
> >
> > > The PC itself is about 3 years old.
> > >
> > > The CMOS battery hasn't been replaced. Not sure how I'd check if it needs.
> > >
> > > No, the machine is clean inside and certainly isn't overheating. The inside
> > > temp is around normal. I've a good CPU fan on it, and the case is open.
> > >
> > > I am currently running all the latest BIOS and drivers, and run both Windows
> > > Update, and all application updates frequently. That's why I'm confused.
> > >
> > > The only thing I've done recently is move the machine. Now, maybe it got a
> > > little bump in transit. I've rechecked all the disk cables.
> > >
> > > Anyway, thanks for the ideas.
> > >
> > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > >
> > > > How old is the computer? Have you ever replaced the CMOS battery? How about
> > > > dust in the cooling fans and inside the case, see any dust bunny's?
> > > > Overheating can cause prob's ,a slowly dying PSU can too...Updated any
> > > > drivers lately? If not you may actually need too, like, for the
> > > > video/graphics card, BIOS, software, etc..
> > > > A good driver a year ago can get old and nasty and cause prob's as well,
> > > > especially with service pack updates rolling out every few weeks or months...
> > > > j;-j
> > > >
> > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > My PC has just recently started having problems. It just hangs, and the only
> > > > > thing I can do is a power cycle. The keyboard goes dead, mouse dead, and no
> > > > > system response. I have no installed any new software, but have added any
> > > > > recent system patches (automatic). My AV is up-to-date, as well as my
> > > > > firewall. I don't think I've any virus or anything unusual going on.
> > > > >
> > > > > I've checked all I can. There are no entries in the Event Viewer (the system
> > > > > just totally hangs). I've seen no unusual error messages in there recently.
> > > > >
> > > > > I've added no new hardware either.
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm just totally confused. If anyone can guide me as to how I can - a)
> > > > > collect more data as to what the system is doing when it hangs or b) control
> > > > > what's happening or c) by miracle recommend a fix to an unknown problem.
> > > > >
> > > > > The hangs are totally at random. It can happen on boot, just as the startup
> > > > > apps are starting, after 5 min of system running, or after 5 hours of system
> > > > > running. No specific task seems to cause it.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks folks.

Thanks for the advice.

Well, turns out that it was a memory problem. Seems the memory chips had
become very slightly dislodged. I began to notice at times, when booting,
that it wasn't picking up the full amount of memory.

So, I started from scratch. Removing each chip and trying.

Everything has now been working fine for 2-3 days. No hangs and no other
issues.

In the box, I've 2 IDE devices off each channel, plus two disks on the
adapter. 1 disk and 1 cd off each channel.

Thanks again for the advice.


"Jaymon" wrote:

> Paul,
> You might try rolling back the drivers for the geforce or updating them to
> the latest from the MSI or Nvidia site. Also you could update and or roll
> back the drivers for the Promise card..You might try and just boot to the two
> HD's on the primary IDE channel without the raid card installed and see if
> the problem goes away, if so, It may be the raid card that needs to be
> reconfigured updated etc...Are both HD's on the primary IDE channel, with the
> CD devices on the secondary IDE channel?
>
> If you have access to another video card you could swap it out and see if
> that card solves the problem.. I assume you have been to the ASUS site for
> bios and any other related updates ie.. for the chipset drivers, or at least
> setup the board with the original setup disk that came with the P4T533-C for
> initial chipset support?
> http://support.asus.com/download/dow...Language=en-us
> http://www.msi.com.tw/program/suppor...UID=534&kind=2
> Also, just a thought, when connecting molex 4 pin connectors to HD's, Video
> cards etc.. don't use the Y molex cable for a device that needs a full 12v of
> power, two devices that need a pure 12v might only get 6v each if running
> simultaneously.
> Hope this can help
> j;-j
>
> "Paul" wrote:
>
> > Ok.
> >
> > I moved house, so machine came with me.
> >
> > I have just taken the machine apart. I disconnected everything, and
> > reconnected everything. I removed the CMOS battery and put it back. So,
> > everything on the hardware level has been reset.
> >
> > I'm now running that memtest86 to check the machine.
> >
> > When I first booted it had a problem with the CPU settings. It's an Intel
> > P4 2.53ghz CPU. I had to change it down to a lower setting, boot, shutdown,
> > and reset it to run at 2.53.
> >
> > The machine (home built) -
> > P4 2.53ghz
> > 1.5gb RAM (Rambus 1066)
> > 2 cd drives - DVD drive, and DVD-RW drive
> > 4 hard disks - 40gb, 80gb, 80gb and 200gb (two disks run off a PCI Promise
> > controller)
> > 4x AGP Video card (MSI GeForce FX5900)
> > Asus P4T533-C motherboard
> >
> > Any more info you need?
> >
> > Thanks for all the help/advice.
> >
> >
> >
> > "Jaymon" wrote:
> >
> > > Ok , you moved your rig and you cut the power to do so, right? Did you have
> > > this problem after the move? The CMOS battery is at most $3 or less at Radio
> > > Shack and even if you can rule it out of the picture thats one down, so to
> > > speak. I have solved my own system problems by just removing and replacing
> > > the battery to force the bios to reset and in some cases it works, pun
> > > intended.
> > >
> > > With the case open the air flow is negated or in my case it was, because I
> > > have 7 80mm fans, 3 drawing in and 4 blowing out heated air. With the case
> > > open, air wasn't flowing over the components and they ran hotter.. You might
> > > make sure all cables and all connections are indeed tight with the RAM chips
> > > seated tight as well.
> > > What are your system specs...?
> > > j;-j
> > >
> > > "Paul" wrote:
> > >
> > > > The PC itself is about 3 years old.
> > > >
> > > > The CMOS battery hasn't been replaced. Not sure how I'd check if it needs.
> > > >
> > > > No, the machine is clean inside and certainly isn't overheating. The inside
> > > > temp is around normal. I've a good CPU fan on it, and the case is open.
> > > >
> > > > I am currently running all the latest BIOS and drivers, and run both Windows
> > > > Update, and all application updates frequently. That's why I'm confused.
> > > >
> > > > The only thing I've done recently is move the machine. Now, maybe it got a
> > > > little bump in transit. I've rechecked all the disk cables.
> > > >
> > > > Anyway, thanks for the ideas.
> > > >
> > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > How old is the computer? Have you ever replaced the CMOS battery? How about
> > > > > dust in the cooling fans and inside the case, see any dust bunny's?
> > > > > Overheating can cause prob's ,a slowly dying PSU can too...Updated any
> > > > > drivers lately? If not you may actually need too, like, for the
> > > > > video/graphics card, BIOS, software, etc..
> > > > > A good driver a year ago can get old and nasty and cause prob's as well,
> > > > > especially with service pack updates rolling out every few weeks or months...
> > > > > j;-j
> > > > >
> > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > > My PC has just recently started having problems. It just hangs, and the only
> > > > > > thing I can do is a power cycle. The keyboard goes dead, mouse dead, and no
> > > > > > system response. I have no installed any new software, but have added any
> > > > > > recent system patches (automatic). My AV is up-to-date, as well as my
> > > > > > firewall. I don't think I've any virus or anything unusual going on.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I've checked all I can. There are no entries in the Event Viewer (the system
> > > > > > just totally hangs). I've seen no unusual error messages in there recently.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I've added no new hardware either.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I'm just totally confused. If anyone can guide me as to how I can - a)
> > > > > > collect more data as to what the system is doing when it hangs or b) control
> > > > > > what's happening or c) by miracle recommend a fix to an unknown problem.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The hangs are totally at random. It can happen on boot, just as the startup
> > > > > > apps are starting, after 5 min of system running, or after 5 hours of system
> > > > > > running. No specific task seems to cause it.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks folks.

In primary IDE channel properties under advanced settings tab are there 2 hd
devices 0/1 showing with transfer modes "ultra DMA mode 5", yes or no? If the
cd/dvd devices are paired on the secondary IDE channel devices 0/1 the
transfer mode for both should be "ultra DMA mode 2" is this what you have,
yes or no?
The reason I ask this, is if you mix hd and cd devices it could affect their
DMA..
A hd on the secondary channel may get set to DMA 2, a cd device to a higher
DMA than needed. I'm just curious what yours show for your connected devices
for both channels? If you are not experiencing any data loss or disk copy
errors, then don't worry about it..
Glad to here you solved your problem..
j;-j

"Paul" wrote:

> Thanks for the advice.
>
> Well, turns out that it was a memory problem. Seems the memory chips had
> become very slightly dislodged. I began to notice at times, when booting,
> that it wasn't picking up the full amount of memory.
>
> So, I started from scratch. Removing each chip and trying.
>
> Everything has now been working fine for 2-3 days. No hangs and no other
> issues.
>
> In the box, I've 2 IDE devices off each channel, plus two disks on the
> adapter. 1 disk and 1 cd off each channel.
>
> Thanks again for the advice.
>
>
> "Jaymon" wrote:
>
> > Paul,
> > You might try rolling back the drivers for the geforce or updating them to
> > the latest from the MSI or Nvidia site. Also you could update and or roll
> > back the drivers for the Promise card..You might try and just boot to the two
> > HD's on the primary IDE channel without the raid card installed and see if
> > the problem goes away, if so, It may be the raid card that needs to be
> > reconfigured updated etc...Are both HD's on the primary IDE channel, with the
> > CD devices on the secondary IDE channel?
> >
> > If you have access to another video card you could swap it out and see if
> > that card solves the problem.. I assume you have been to the ASUS site for
> > bios and any other related updates ie.. for the chipset drivers, or at least
> > setup the board with the original setup disk that came with the P4T533-C for
> > initial chipset support?
> > http://support.asus.com/download/dow...Language=en-us
> > http://www.msi.com.tw/program/suppor...UID=534&kind=2
> > Also, just a thought, when connecting molex 4 pin connectors to HD's, Video
> > cards etc.. don't use the Y molex cable for a device that needs a full 12v of
> > power, two devices that need a pure 12v might only get 6v each if running
> > simultaneously.
> > Hope this can help
> > j;-j
> >
> > "Paul" wrote:
> >
> > > Ok.
> > >
> > > I moved house, so machine came with me.
> > >
> > > I have just taken the machine apart. I disconnected everything, and
> > > reconnected everything. I removed the CMOS battery and put it back. So,
> > > everything on the hardware level has been reset.
> > >
> > > I'm now running that memtest86 to check the machine.
> > >
> > > When I first booted it had a problem with the CPU settings. It's an Intel
> > > P4 2.53ghz CPU. I had to change it down to a lower setting, boot, shutdown,
> > > and reset it to run at 2.53.
> > >
> > > The machine (home built) -
> > > P4 2.53ghz
> > > 1.5gb RAM (Rambus 1066)
> > > 2 cd drives - DVD drive, and DVD-RW drive
> > > 4 hard disks - 40gb, 80gb, 80gb and 200gb (two disks run off a PCI Promise
> > > controller)
> > > 4x AGP Video card (MSI GeForce FX5900)
> > > Asus P4T533-C motherboard
> > >
> > > Any more info you need?
> > >
> > > Thanks for all the help/advice.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > >
> > > > Ok , you moved your rig and you cut the power to do so, right? Did you have
> > > > this problem after the move? The CMOS battery is at most $3 or less at Radio
> > > > Shack and even if you can rule it out of the picture thats one down, so to
> > > > speak. I have solved my own system problems by just removing and replacing
> > > > the battery to force the bios to reset and in some cases it works, pun
> > > > intended.
> > > >
> > > > With the case open the air flow is negated or in my case it was, because I
> > > > have 7 80mm fans, 3 drawing in and 4 blowing out heated air. With the case
> > > > open, air wasn't flowing over the components and they ran hotter.. You might
> > > > make sure all cables and all connections are indeed tight with the RAM chips
> > > > seated tight as well.
> > > > What are your system specs...?
> > > > j;-j
> > > >
> > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > The PC itself is about 3 years old.
> > > > >
> > > > > The CMOS battery hasn't been replaced. Not sure how I'd check if it needs.
> > > > >
> > > > > No, the machine is clean inside and certainly isn't overheating. The inside
> > > > > temp is around normal. I've a good CPU fan on it, and the case is open.
> > > > >
> > > > > I am currently running all the latest BIOS and drivers, and run both Windows
> > > > > Update, and all application updates frequently. That's why I'm confused.
> > > > >
> > > > > The only thing I've done recently is move the machine. Now, maybe it got a
> > > > > little bump in transit. I've rechecked all the disk cables.
> > > > >
> > > > > Anyway, thanks for the ideas.
> > > > >
> > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > > How old is the computer? Have you ever replaced the CMOS battery? How about
> > > > > > dust in the cooling fans and inside the case, see any dust bunny's?
> > > > > > Overheating can cause prob's ,a slowly dying PSU can too...Updated any
> > > > > > drivers lately? If not you may actually need too, like, for the
> > > > > > video/graphics card, BIOS, software, etc..
> > > > > > A good driver a year ago can get old and nasty and cause prob's as well,
> > > > > > especially with service pack updates rolling out every few weeks or months...
> > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > > My PC has just recently started having problems. It just hangs, and the only
> > > > > > > thing I can do is a power cycle. The keyboard goes dead, mouse dead, and no
> > > > > > > system response. I have no installed any new software, but have added any
> > > > > > > recent system patches (automatic). My AV is up-to-date, as well as my
> > > > > > > firewall. I don't think I've any virus or anything unusual going on.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I've checked all I can. There are no entries in the Event Viewer (the system
> > > > > > > just totally hangs). I've seen no unusual error messages in there recently.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I've added no new hardware either.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I'm just totally confused. If anyone can guide me as to how I can - a)
> > > > > > > collect more data as to what the system is doing when it hangs or b) control
> > > > > > > what's happening or c) by miracle recommend a fix to an unknown problem.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > The hangs are totally at random. It can happen on boot, just as the startup
> > > > > > > apps are starting, after 5 min of system running, or after 5 hours of system
> > > > > > > running. No specific task seems to cause it.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Thanks folks.

Sorry, you've lost me now. Where do I find these settings?

I checked in the device manager, and can't see it. Is it a BIOS setting?

"Jaymon" wrote:

> In primary IDE channel properties under advanced settings tab are there 2 hd
> devices 0/1 showing with transfer modes "ultra DMA mode 5", yes or no? If the
> cd/dvd devices are paired on the secondary IDE channel devices 0/1 the
> transfer mode for both should be "ultra DMA mode 2" is this what you have,
> yes or no?
> The reason I ask this, is if you mix hd and cd devices it could affect their
> DMA..
> A hd on the secondary channel may get set to DMA 2, a cd device to a higher
> DMA than needed. I'm just curious what yours show for your connected devices
> for both channels? If you are not experiencing any data loss or disk copy
> errors, then don't worry about it..
> Glad to here you solved your problem..
> j;-j
>
> "Paul" wrote:
>
> > Thanks for the advice.
> >
> > Well, turns out that it was a memory problem. Seems the memory chips had
> > become very slightly dislodged. I began to notice at times, when booting,
> > that it wasn't picking up the full amount of memory.
> >
> > So, I started from scratch. Removing each chip and trying.
> >
> > Everything has now been working fine for 2-3 days. No hangs and no other
> > issues.
> >
> > In the box, I've 2 IDE devices off each channel, plus two disks on the
> > adapter. 1 disk and 1 cd off each channel.
> >
> > Thanks again for the advice.
> >
> >
> > "Jaymon" wrote:
> >
> > > Paul,
> > > You might try rolling back the drivers for the geforce or updating them to
> > > the latest from the MSI or Nvidia site. Also you could update and or roll
> > > back the drivers for the Promise card..You might try and just boot to the two
> > > HD's on the primary IDE channel without the raid card installed and see if
> > > the problem goes away, if so, It may be the raid card that needs to be
> > > reconfigured updated etc...Are both HD's on the primary IDE channel, with the
> > > CD devices on the secondary IDE channel?
> > >
> > > If you have access to another video card you could swap it out and see if
> > > that card solves the problem.. I assume you have been to the ASUS site for
> > > bios and any other related updates ie.. for the chipset drivers, or at least
> > > setup the board with the original setup disk that came with the P4T533-C for
> > > initial chipset support?
> > > http://support.asus.com/download/dow...Language=en-us
> > > http://www.msi.com.tw/program/suppor...UID=534&kind=2
> > > Also, just a thought, when connecting molex 4 pin connectors to HD's, Video
> > > cards etc.. don't use the Y molex cable for a device that needs a full 12v of
> > > power, two devices that need a pure 12v might only get 6v each if running
> > > simultaneously.
> > > Hope this can help
> > > j;-j
> > >
> > > "Paul" wrote:
> > >
> > > > Ok.
> > > >
> > > > I moved house, so machine came with me.
> > > >
> > > > I have just taken the machine apart. I disconnected everything, and
> > > > reconnected everything. I removed the CMOS battery and put it back. So,
> > > > everything on the hardware level has been reset.
> > > >
> > > > I'm now running that memtest86 to check the machine.
> > > >
> > > > When I first booted it had a problem with the CPU settings. It's an Intel
> > > > P4 2.53ghz CPU. I had to change it down to a lower setting, boot, shutdown,
> > > > and reset it to run at 2.53.
> > > >
> > > > The machine (home built) -
> > > > P4 2.53ghz
> > > > 1.5gb RAM (Rambus 1066)
> > > > 2 cd drives - DVD drive, and DVD-RW drive
> > > > 4 hard disks - 40gb, 80gb, 80gb and 200gb (two disks run off a PCI Promise
> > > > controller)
> > > > 4x AGP Video card (MSI GeForce FX5900)
> > > > Asus P4T533-C motherboard
> > > >
> > > > Any more info you need?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks for all the help/advice.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Ok , you moved your rig and you cut the power to do so, right? Did you have
> > > > > this problem after the move? The CMOS battery is at most $3 or less at Radio
> > > > > Shack and even if you can rule it out of the picture thats one down, so to
> > > > > speak. I have solved my own system problems by just removing and replacing
> > > > > the battery to force the bios to reset and in some cases it works, pun
> > > > > intended.
> > > > >
> > > > > With the case open the air flow is negated or in my case it was, because I
> > > > > have 7 80mm fans, 3 drawing in and 4 blowing out heated air. With the case
> > > > > open, air wasn't flowing over the components and they ran hotter.. You might
> > > > > make sure all cables and all connections are indeed tight with the RAM chips
> > > > > seated tight as well.
> > > > > What are your system specs...?
> > > > > j;-j
> > > > >
> > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > > The PC itself is about 3 years old.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The CMOS battery hasn't been replaced. Not sure how I'd check if it needs.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > No, the machine is clean inside and certainly isn't overheating. The inside
> > > > > > temp is around normal. I've a good CPU fan on it, and the case is open.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I am currently running all the latest BIOS and drivers, and run both Windows
> > > > > > Update, and all application updates frequently. That's why I'm confused.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The only thing I've done recently is move the machine. Now, maybe it got a
> > > > > > little bump in transit. I've rechecked all the disk cables.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Anyway, thanks for the ideas.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > > How old is the computer? Have you ever replaced the CMOS battery? How about
> > > > > > > dust in the cooling fans and inside the case, see any dust bunny's?
> > > > > > > Overheating can cause prob's ,a slowly dying PSU can too...Updated any
> > > > > > > drivers lately? If not you may actually need too, like, for the
> > > > > > > video/graphics card, BIOS, software, etc..
> > > > > > > A good driver a year ago can get old and nasty and cause prob's as well,
> > > > > > > especially with service pack updates rolling out every few weeks or months...
> > > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > My PC has just recently started having problems. It just hangs, and the only
> > > > > > > > thing I can do is a power cycle. The keyboard goes dead, mouse dead, and no
> > > > > > > > system response. I have no installed any new software, but have added any
> > > > > > > > recent system patches (automatic). My AV is up-to-date, as well as my
> > > > > > > > firewall. I don't think I've any virus or anything unusual going on.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I've checked all I can. There are no entries in the Event Viewer (the system
> > > > > > > > just totally hangs). I've seen no unusual error messages in there recently.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I've added no new hardware either.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I'm just totally confused. If anyone can guide me as to how I can - a)
> > > > > > > > collect more data as to what the system is doing when it hangs or b) control
> > > > > > > > what's happening or c) by miracle recommend a fix to an unknown problem.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > The hangs are totally at random. It can happen on boot, just as the startup
> > > > > > > > apps are starting, after 5 min of system running, or after 5 hours of system
> > > > > > > > running. No specific task seems to cause it.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Thanks folks.

Sorry, Look in device manager, click the + next to IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers,
right click on the primary IDE channel, click properties, click advanced
tab...What is the current transfer mode for device 0, device 1? What about
the secondary IDE channel? What is it's current transfer mode for device 0,
device 1?
You mentioned that you had one HD and one CD on each channel and I am just
curious as to what the current transfer mode is for all of your devices on
both channels..
Hard drives usually use UDMA 5 mode and CD/DVD devices UDMA 2 mode, for
example. So, the Primary IDE channel device 0 should be the HD with UDMA 5
and device 1 the CD with UDMA 2, for their respective transfer mode settings.

j;-)

"Paul" wrote:

> Sorry, you've lost me now. Where do I find these settings?
>
> I checked in the device manager, and can't see it. Is it a BIOS setting?
>
> "Jaymon" wrote:
>
> > In primary IDE channel properties under advanced settings tab are there 2 hd
> > devices 0/1 showing with transfer modes "ultra DMA mode 5", yes or no? If the
> > cd/dvd devices are paired on the secondary IDE channel devices 0/1 the
> > transfer mode for both should be "ultra DMA mode 2" is this what you have,
> > yes or no?
> > The reason I ask this, is if you mix hd and cd devices it could affect their
> > DMA..
> > A hd on the secondary channel may get set to DMA 2, a cd device to a higher
> > DMA than needed. I'm just curious what yours show for your connected devices
> > for both channels? If you are not experiencing any data loss or disk copy
> > errors, then don't worry about it..
> > Glad to here you solved your problem..
> > j;-j
> >
> > "Paul" wrote:
> >
> > > Thanks for the advice.
> > >
> > > Well, turns out that it was a memory problem. Seems the memory chips had
> > > become very slightly dislodged. I began to notice at times, when booting,
> > > that it wasn't picking up the full amount of memory.
> > >
> > > So, I started from scratch. Removing each chip and trying.
> > >
> > > Everything has now been working fine for 2-3 days. No hangs and no other
> > > issues.
> > >
> > > In the box, I've 2 IDE devices off each channel, plus two disks on the
> > > adapter. 1 disk and 1 cd off each channel.
> > >
> > > Thanks again for the advice.
> > >
> > >
> > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > >
> > > > Paul,
> > > > You might try rolling back the drivers for the geforce or updating them to
> > > > the latest from the MSI or Nvidia site. Also you could update and or roll
> > > > back the drivers for the Promise card..You might try and just boot to the two
> > > > HD's on the primary IDE channel without the raid card installed and see if
> > > > the problem goes away, if so, It may be the raid card that needs to be
> > > > reconfigured updated etc...Are both HD's on the primary IDE channel, with the
> > > > CD devices on the secondary IDE channel?
> > > >
> > > > If you have access to another video card you could swap it out and see if
> > > > that card solves the problem.. I assume you have been to the ASUS site for
> > > > bios and any other related updates ie.. for the chipset drivers, or at least
> > > > setup the board with the original setup disk that came with the P4T533-C for
> > > > initial chipset support?
> > > > http://support.asus.com/download/dow...Language=en-us
> > > > http://www.msi.com.tw/program/suppor...UID=534&kind=2
> > > > Also, just a thought, when connecting molex 4 pin connectors to HD's, Video
> > > > cards etc.. don't use the Y molex cable for a device that needs a full 12v of
> > > > power, two devices that need a pure 12v might only get 6v each if running
> > > > simultaneously.
> > > > Hope this can help
> > > > j;-j
> > > >
> > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Ok.
> > > > >
> > > > > I moved house, so machine came with me.
> > > > >
> > > > > I have just taken the machine apart. I disconnected everything, and
> > > > > reconnected everything. I removed the CMOS battery and put it back. So,
> > > > > everything on the hardware level has been reset.
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm now running that memtest86 to check the machine.
> > > > >
> > > > > When I first booted it had a problem with the CPU settings. It's an Intel
> > > > > P4 2.53ghz CPU. I had to change it down to a lower setting, boot, shutdown,
> > > > > and reset it to run at 2.53.
> > > > >
> > > > > The machine (home built) -
> > > > > P4 2.53ghz
> > > > > 1.5gb RAM (Rambus 1066)
> > > > > 2 cd drives - DVD drive, and DVD-RW drive
> > > > > 4 hard disks - 40gb, 80gb, 80gb and 200gb (two disks run off a PCI Promise
> > > > > controller)
> > > > > 4x AGP Video card (MSI GeForce FX5900)
> > > > > Asus P4T533-C motherboard
> > > > >
> > > > > Any more info you need?
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks for all the help/advice.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > > Ok , you moved your rig and you cut the power to do so, right? Did you have
> > > > > > this problem after the move? The CMOS battery is at most $3 or less at Radio
> > > > > > Shack and even if you can rule it out of the picture thats one down, so to
> > > > > > speak. I have solved my own system problems by just removing and replacing
> > > > > > the battery to force the bios to reset and in some cases it works, pun
> > > > > > intended.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > With the case open the air flow is negated or in my case it was, because I
> > > > > > have 7 80mm fans, 3 drawing in and 4 blowing out heated air. With the case
> > > > > > open, air wasn't flowing over the components and they ran hotter.. You might
> > > > > > make sure all cables and all connections are indeed tight with the RAM chips
> > > > > > seated tight as well.
> > > > > > What are your system specs...?
> > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > > The PC itself is about 3 years old.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > The CMOS battery hasn't been replaced. Not sure how I'd check if it needs.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > No, the machine is clean inside and certainly isn't overheating. The inside
> > > > > > > temp is around normal. I've a good CPU fan on it, and the case is open.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I am currently running all the latest BIOS and drivers, and run both Windows
> > > > > > > Update, and all application updates frequently. That's why I'm confused.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > The only thing I've done recently is move the machine. Now, maybe it got a
> > > > > > > little bump in transit. I've rechecked all the disk cables.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Anyway, thanks for the ideas.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > How old is the computer? Have you ever replaced the CMOS battery? How about
> > > > > > > > dust in the cooling fans and inside the case, see any dust bunny's?
> > > > > > > > Overheating can cause prob's ,a slowly dying PSU can too...Updated any
> > > > > > > > drivers lately? If not you may actually need too, like, for the
> > > > > > > > video/graphics card, BIOS, software, etc..
> > > > > > > > A good driver a year ago can get old and nasty and cause prob's as well,
> > > > > > > > especially with service pack updates rolling out every few weeks or months...
> > > > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > My PC has just recently started having problems. It just hangs, and the only
> > > > > > > > > thing I can do is a power cycle. The keyboard goes dead, mouse dead, and no
> > > > > > > > > system response. I have no installed any new software, but have added any
> > > > > > > > > recent system patches (automatic). My AV is up-to-date, as well as my
> > > > > > > > > firewall. I don't think I've any virus or anything unusual going on.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > I've checked all I can. There are no entries in the Event Viewer (the system
> > > > > > > > > just totally hangs). I've seen no unusual error messages in there recently.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > I've added no new hardware either.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > I'm just totally confused. If anyone can guide me as to how I can - a)
> > > > > > > > > collect more data as to what the system is doing when it hangs or b) control
> > > > > > > > > what's happening or c) by miracle recommend a fix to an unknown problem.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > The hangs are totally at random. It can happen on boot, just as the startup
> > > > > > > > > apps are starting, after 5 min of system running, or after 5 hours of system
> > > > > > > > > running. No specific task seems to cause it.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > Thanks folks.

Sorry for not replying sooner. Life has been hectic.

I've no advanced settings in there. In fact, I can't find anywhere that the
DMA settings are.


"Jaymon" wrote:

> Sorry, Look in device manager, click the + next to IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers,
> right click on the primary IDE channel, click properties, click advanced
> tab...What is the current transfer mode for device 0, device 1? What about
> the secondary IDE channel? What is it's current transfer mode for device 0,
> device 1?
> You mentioned that you had one HD and one CD on each channel and I am just
> curious as to what the current transfer mode is for all of your devices on
> both channels..
> Hard drives usually use UDMA 5 mode and CD/DVD devices UDMA 2 mode, for
> example. So, the Primary IDE channel device 0 should be the HD with UDMA 5
> and device 1 the CD with UDMA 2, for their respective transfer mode settings.
>
> j;-)
>
> "Paul" wrote:
>
> > Sorry, you've lost me now. Where do I find these settings?
> >
> > I checked in the device manager, and can't see it. Is it a BIOS setting?
> >
> > "Jaymon" wrote:
> >
> > > In primary IDE channel properties under advanced settings tab are there 2 hd
> > > devices 0/1 showing with transfer modes "ultra DMA mode 5", yes or no? If the
> > > cd/dvd devices are paired on the secondary IDE channel devices 0/1 the
> > > transfer mode for both should be "ultra DMA mode 2" is this what you have,
> > > yes or no?
> > > The reason I ask this, is if you mix hd and cd devices it could affect their
> > > DMA..
> > > A hd on the secondary channel may get set to DMA 2, a cd device to a higher
> > > DMA than needed. I'm just curious what yours show for your connected devices
> > > for both channels? If you are not experiencing any data loss or disk copy
> > > errors, then don't worry about it..
> > > Glad to here you solved your problem..
> > > j;-j
> > >
> > > "Paul" wrote:
> > >
> > > > Thanks for the advice.
> > > >
> > > > Well, turns out that it was a memory problem. Seems the memory chips had
> > > > become very slightly dislodged. I began to notice at times, when booting,
> > > > that it wasn't picking up the full amount of memory.
> > > >
> > > > So, I started from scratch. Removing each chip and trying.
> > > >
> > > > Everything has now been working fine for 2-3 days. No hangs and no other
> > > > issues.
> > > >
> > > > In the box, I've 2 IDE devices off each channel, plus two disks on the
> > > > adapter. 1 disk and 1 cd off each channel.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks again for the advice.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Paul,
> > > > > You might try rolling back the drivers for the geforce or updating them to
> > > > > the latest from the MSI or Nvidia site. Also you could update and or roll
> > > > > back the drivers for the Promise card..You might try and just boot to the two
> > > > > HD's on the primary IDE channel without the raid card installed and see if
> > > > > the problem goes away, if so, It may be the raid card that needs to be
> > > > > reconfigured updated etc...Are both HD's on the primary IDE channel, with the
> > > > > CD devices on the secondary IDE channel?
> > > > >
> > > > > If you have access to another video card you could swap it out and see if
> > > > > that card solves the problem.. I assume you have been to the ASUS site for
> > > > > bios and any other related updates ie.. for the chipset drivers, or at least
> > > > > setup the board with the original setup disk that came with the P4T533-C for
> > > > > initial chipset support?
> > > > > http://support.asus.com/download/dow...Language=en-us
> > > > > http://www.msi.com.tw/program/suppor...UID=534&kind=2
> > > > > Also, just a thought, when connecting molex 4 pin connectors to HD's, Video
> > > > > cards etc.. don't use the Y molex cable for a device that needs a full 12v of
> > > > > power, two devices that need a pure 12v might only get 6v each if running
> > > > > simultaneously.
> > > > > Hope this can help
> > > > > j;-j
> > > > >
> > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > > Ok.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I moved house, so machine came with me.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I have just taken the machine apart. I disconnected everything, and
> > > > > > reconnected everything. I removed the CMOS battery and put it back. So,
> > > > > > everything on the hardware level has been reset.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I'm now running that memtest86 to check the machine.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > When I first booted it had a problem with the CPU settings. It's an Intel
> > > > > > P4 2.53ghz CPU. I had to change it down to a lower setting, boot, shutdown,
> > > > > > and reset it to run at 2.53.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The machine (home built) -
> > > > > > P4 2.53ghz
> > > > > > 1.5gb RAM (Rambus 1066)
> > > > > > 2 cd drives - DVD drive, and DVD-RW drive
> > > > > > 4 hard disks - 40gb, 80gb, 80gb and 200gb (two disks run off a PCI Promise
> > > > > > controller)
> > > > > > 4x AGP Video card (MSI GeForce FX5900)
> > > > > > Asus P4T533-C motherboard
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Any more info you need?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks for all the help/advice.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > > Ok , you moved your rig and you cut the power to do so, right? Did you have
> > > > > > > this problem after the move? The CMOS battery is at most $3 or less at Radio
> > > > > > > Shack and even if you can rule it out of the picture thats one down, so to
> > > > > > > speak. I have solved my own system problems by just removing and replacing
> > > > > > > the battery to force the bios to reset and in some cases it works, pun
> > > > > > > intended.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > With the case open the air flow is negated or in my case it was, because I
> > > > > > > have 7 80mm fans, 3 drawing in and 4 blowing out heated air. With the case
> > > > > > > open, air wasn't flowing over the components and they ran hotter.. You might
> > > > > > > make sure all cables and all connections are indeed tight with the RAM chips
> > > > > > > seated tight as well.
> > > > > > > What are your system specs...?
> > > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > The PC itself is about 3 years old.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > The CMOS battery hasn't been replaced. Not sure how I'd check if it needs.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > No, the machine is clean inside and certainly isn't overheating. The inside
> > > > > > > > temp is around normal. I've a good CPU fan on it, and the case is open.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I am currently running all the latest BIOS and drivers, and run both Windows
> > > > > > > > Update, and all application updates frequently. That's why I'm confused.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > The only thing I've done recently is move the machine. Now, maybe it got a
> > > > > > > > little bump in transit. I've rechecked all the disk cables.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Anyway, thanks for the ideas.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > How old is the computer? Have you ever replaced the CMOS battery? How about
> > > > > > > > > dust in the cooling fans and inside the case, see any dust bunny's?
> > > > > > > > > Overheating can cause prob's ,a slowly dying PSU can too...Updated any
> > > > > > > > > drivers lately? If not you may actually need too, like, for the
> > > > > > > > > video/graphics card, BIOS, software, etc..
> > > > > > > > > A good driver a year ago can get old and nasty and cause prob's as well,
> > > > > > > > > especially with service pack updates rolling out every few weeks or months...
> > > > > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > My PC has just recently started having problems. It just hangs, and the only
> > > > > > > > > > thing I can do is a power cycle. The keyboard goes dead, mouse dead, and no
> > > > > > > > > > system response. I have no installed any new software, but have added any
> > > > > > > > > > recent system patches (automatic). My AV is up-to-date, as well as my
> > > > > > > > > > firewall. I don't think I've any virus or anything unusual going on.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > I've checked all I can. There are no entries in the Event Viewer (the system
> > > > > > > > > > just totally hangs). I've seen no unusual error messages in there recently.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > I've added no new hardware either.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > I'm just totally confused. If anyone can guide me as to how I can - a)
> > > > > > > > > > collect more data as to what the system is doing when it hangs or b) control
> > > > > > > > > > what's happening or c) by miracle recommend a fix to an unknown problem.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > The hangs are totally at random. It can happen on boot, just as the startup
> > > > > > > > > > apps are starting, after 5 min of system running, or after 5 hours of system
> > > > > > > > > > running. No specific task seems to cause it.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > Thanks folks.

Yep, I know what you mean..
No advanced settings tab?? What's your ver of XP? Retail or OEM? Computer
make and model? Hard drive and CD/DVD drive make and model? Do you have a
CD/DVD RW drive? Burning software installed?

The reason for all the questions is that I had my advanced settings tab
disappear on my system. I got it back by uninstalling my old burning software
B's Clip and B's Recorder Gold 5 that came bundled with a CD RE drive that I
had removed from the system in order to install a DVD/CD combo drive. The
combo drive came with Nero and at the time I liked the other apps better. I
realized my mistake with the system being a little unstable at times as well
finally opting for signed and updated drivers, which restored reasonable
stability and the advanced settings tab too.
j:-j

"Paul" wrote:

> Sorry for not replying sooner. Life has been hectic.
>
> I've no advanced settings in there. In fact, I can't find anywhere that the
> DAM settings are.
>
>
> "Jaymon" wrote:
>
> > Sorry, Look in device manager, click the + next to IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers,
> > right click on the primary IDE channel, click properties, click advanced
> > tab...What is the current transfer mode for device 0, device 1? What about
> > the secondary IDE channel? What is it's current transfer mode for device 0,
> > device 1?
> > You mentioned that you had one HD and one CD on each channel and I am just
> > curious as to what the current transfer mode is for all of your devices on
> > both channels..
> > Hard drives usually use UDMA 5 mode and CD/DVD devices UDMA 2 mode, for
> > example. So, the Primary IDE channel device 0 should be the HD with UDMA 5
> > and device 1 the CD with UDMA 2, for their respective transfer mode settings.
> >
> > j;-)
> >
> > "Paul" wrote:
> >
> > > Sorry, you've lost me now. Where do I find these settings?
> > >
> > > I checked in the device manager, and can't see it. Is it a BIOS setting?
> > >
> > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > >
> > > > In primary IDE channel properties under advanced settings tab are there 2 hd
> > > > devices 0/1 showing with transfer modes "ultra DMA mode 5", yes or no? If the
> > > > cd/dvd devices are paired on the secondary IDE channel devices 0/1 the
> > > > transfer mode for both should be "ultra DMA mode 2" is this what you have,
> > > > yes or no?
> > > > The reason I ask this, is if you mix hd and cd devices it could affect their
> > > > DMA..
> > > > A hd on the secondary channel may get set to DMA 2, a cd device to a higher
> > > > DMA than needed. I'm just curious what yours show for your connected devices
> > > > for both channels? If you are not experiencing any data loss or disk copy
> > > > errors, then don't worry about it..
> > > > Glad to here you solved your problem..
> > > > j;-j
> > > >
> > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Thanks for the advice.
> > > > >
> > > > > Well, turns out that it was a memory problem. Seems the memory chips had
> > > > > become very slightly dislodged. I began to notice at times, when booting,
> > > > > that it wasn't picking up the full amount of memory.
> > > > >
> > > > > So, I started from scratch. Removing each chip and trying.
> > > > >
> > > > > Everything has now been working fine for 2-3 days. No hangs and no other
> > > > > issues.
> > > > >
> > > > > In the box, I've 2 IDE devices off each channel, plus two disks on the
> > > > > adapter. 1 disk and 1 cd off each channel.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks again for the advice.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > > Paul,
> > > > > > You might try rolling back the drivers for the geforce or updating them to
> > > > > > the latest from the MSI or Nvidia site. Also you could update and or roll
> > > > > > back the drivers for the Promise card..You might try and just boot to the two
> > > > > > HD's on the primary IDE channel without the raid card installed and see if
> > > > > > the problem goes away, if so, It may be the raid card that needs to be
> > > > > > reconfigured updated etc...Are both HD's on the primary IDE channel, with the
> > > > > > CD devices on the secondary IDE channel?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > If you have access to another video card you could swap it out and see if
> > > > > > that card solves the problem.. I assume you have been to the ASUS site for
> > > > > > bios and any other related updates ie.. for the chipset drivers, or at least
> > > > > > setup the board with the original setup disk that came with the P4T533-C for
> > > > > > initial chipset support?
> > > > > > http://support.asus.com/download/dow...Language=en-us
> > > > > > http://www.msi.com.tw/program/suppor...UID=534&kind=2
> > > > > > Also, just a thought, when connecting molex 4 pin connectors to HD's, Video
> > > > > > cards etc.. don't use the Y molex cable for a device that needs a full 12v of
> > > > > > power, two devices that need a pure 12v might only get 6v each if running
> > > > > > simultaneously.
> > > > > > Hope this can help
> > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > > Ok.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I moved house, so machine came with me.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I have just taken the machine apart. I disconnected everything, and
> > > > > > > reconnected everything. I removed the CMOS battery and put it back. So,
> > > > > > > everything on the hardware level has been reset.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I'm now running that memtest86 to check the machine.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > When I first booted it had a problem with the CPU settings. It's an Intel
> > > > > > > P4 2.53ghz CPU. I had to change it down to a lower setting, boot, shutdown,
> > > > > > > and reset it to run at 2.53.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > The machine (home built) -
> > > > > > > P4 2.53ghz
> > > > > > > 1.5gb RAM (Rambus 1066)
> > > > > > > 2 cd drives - DVD drive, and DVD-RW drive
> > > > > > > 4 hard disks - 40gb, 80gb, 80gb and 200gb (two disks run off a PCI Promise
> > > > > > > controller)
> > > > > > > 4x AGP Video card (MSI GeForce FX5900)
> > > > > > > Asus P4T533-C motherboard
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Any more info you need?
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Thanks for all the help/advice.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Ok , you moved your rig and you cut the power to do so, right? Did you have
> > > > > > > > this problem after the move? The CMOS battery is at most $3 or less at Radio
> > > > > > > > Shack and even if you can rule it out of the picture thats one down, so to
> > > > > > > > speak. I have solved my own system problems by just removing and replacing
> > > > > > > > the battery to force the bios to reset and in some cases it works, pun
> > > > > > > > intended.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > With the case open the air flow is negated or in my case it was, because I
> > > > > > > > have 7 80mm fans, 3 drawing in and 4 blowing out heated air. With the case
> > > > > > > > open, air wasn't flowing over the components and they ran hotter.. You might
> > > > > > > > make sure all cables and all connections are indeed tight with the RAM chips
> > > > > > > > seated tight as well.
> > > > > > > > What are your system specs...?
> > > > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > The PC itself is about 3 years old.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > The CMOS battery hasn't been replaced. Not sure how I'd check if it needs.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > No, the machine is clean inside and certainly isn't overheating. The inside
> > > > > > > > > temp is around normal. I've a good CPU fan on it, and the case is open.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > I am currently running all the latest BIOS and drivers, and run both Windows
> > > > > > > > > Update, and all application updates frequently. That's why I'm confused.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > The only thing I've done recently is move the machine. Now, maybe it got a
> > > > > > > > > little bump in transit. I've rechecked all the disk cables.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > Anyway, thanks for the ideas.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > How old is the computer? Have you ever replaced the CMOS battery? How about
> > > > > > > > > > dust in the cooling fans and inside the case, see any dust bunny's?
> > > > > > > > > > Overheating can cause prob's ,a slowly dying PSU can too...Updated any
> > > > > > > > > > drivers lately? If not you may actually need too, like, for the
> > > > > > > > > > video/graphics card, BIOS, software, etc..
> > > > > > > > > > A good driver a year ago can get old and nasty and cause prob's as well,
> > > > > > > > > > especially with service pack updates rolling out every few weeks or months...
> > > > > > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > My PC has just recently started having problems. It just hangs, and the only
> > > > > > > > > > > thing I can do is a power cycle. The keyboard goes dead, mouse dead, and no
> > > > > > > > > > > system response. I have no installed any new software, but have added any
> > > > > > > > > > > recent system patches (automatic). My AV is up-to-date, as well as my
> > > > > > > > > > > firewall. I don't think I've any virus or anything unusual going on.
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > I've checked all I can. There are no entries in the Event Viewer (the system
> > > > > > > > > > > just totally hangs). I've seen no unusual error messages in there recently.
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > I've added no new hardware either.
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > I'm just totally confused. If anyone can guide me as to how I can - a)
> > > > > > > > > > > collect more data as to what the system is doing when it hangs or b) control
> > > > > > > > > > > what's happening or c) by miracle recommend a fix to an unknown problem.
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > The hangs are totally at random. It can happen on boot, just as the startup
> > > > > > > > > > > apps are starting, after 5 min of system running, or after 5 hours of system
> > > > > > > > > > > running. No specific task seems to cause it.
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > Thanks folks.

Here's some info,

Nero InfoTool 2.27

Drive Information
------------------
Drive : ASUS DVD-RW DRW-0402P

Drive Information
------------------
Drive : TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-M1202

Interface Information
---------------------
Adapter 1
---------
Description : Primary IDE Channel

Driver
Description : System32\DRIVERS\IdeChnDr.sys
Company : Intel Corporation
Version : 2.2.0.2126, 04/10/2002
Description : Intel Application Accelerator Driver

Attached Devices
Description : Master: WDC WD400AB-00BVA0
Type : Disk Drive
DMA : On
Description : Slave: ASUS DVD-RW DRW-0402P
Type : CD-Rom Drive
DMA : Off
Autorun : On

Adapter 2
---------
Description : Secondary IDE Channel

Driver
Description : System32\DRIVERS\IdeChnDr.sys
Company : Intel Corporation
Version : 2.2.0.2126, 04/10/2002
Description : Intel Application Accelerator Driver

Attached Devices
Description : Master: ST3120024A
Type : Disk Drive
DMA : On
Description : Slave: TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-M1202
Type : CD-Rom Drive
DMA : Off
Autorun : On

Adapter 3
---------
Description : Promise Technology Inc. Ultra IDE Controller

Driver
Description : System32\DRIVERS\ultra.sys
Company : Promise Technology, Inc.
Version : 2.00.0.42
Description : Promise Ultra Series Driver for Windows2000

Attached Devices
Description : ID 0 (0): WDC WD2000JB-00EVA0 15.0
Type : Disk Drive

Hardware Information
--------------------
CPU : Intel Pentium 4 Processor 2533 MHz
Bus Speed : 133 MHz
Motherboard : ASUSTeK P4T533-C
System : System System Name
BIOS : Award ASUS P4T533-C ACPI BIOS Revision 1010
Memory : 1536 MB


I use the Nero burning software with it.



"Jaymon" wrote:

> Yep, I know what you mean..
> No advanced settings tab?? What's your ver of XP? Retail or OEM? Computer
> make and model? Hard drive and CD/DVD drive make and model? Do you have a
> CD/DVD RW drive? Burning software installed?
>
> The reason for all the questions is that I had my advanced settings tab
> disappear on my system. I got it back by uninstalling my old burning software
> B's Clip and B's Recorder Gold 5 that came bundled with a CD RE drive that I
> had removed from the system in order to install a DVD/CD combo drive. The
> combo drive came with Nero and at the time I liked the other apps better. I
> realized my mistake with the system being a little unstable at times as well
> finally opting for signed and updated drivers, which restored reasonable
> stability and the advanced settings tab too.
> j:-j
>
> "Paul" wrote:
>
> > Sorry for not replying sooner. Life has been hectic.
> >
> > I've no advanced settings in there. In fact, I can't find anywhere that the
> > DAM settings are.
> >
> >
> > "Jaymon" wrote:
> >
> > > Sorry, Look in device manager, click the + next to IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers,
> > > right click on the primary IDE channel, click properties, click advanced
> > > tab...What is the current transfer mode for device 0, device 1? What about
> > > the secondary IDE channel? What is it's current transfer mode for device 0,
> > > device 1?
> > > You mentioned that you had one HD and one CD on each channel and I am just
> > > curious as to what the current transfer mode is for all of your devices on
> > > both channels..
> > > Hard drives usually use UDMA 5 mode and CD/DVD devices UDMA 2 mode, for
> > > example. So, the Primary IDE channel device 0 should be the HD with UDMA 5
> > > and device 1 the CD with UDMA 2, for their respective transfer mode settings.
> > >
> > > j;-)
> > >
> > > "Paul" wrote:
> > >
> > > > Sorry, you've lost me now. Where do I find these settings?
> > > >
> > > > I checked in the device manager, and can't see it. Is it a BIOS setting?
> > > >
> > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > In primary IDE channel properties under advanced settings tab are there 2 hd
> > > > > devices 0/1 showing with transfer modes "ultra DMA mode 5", yes or no? If the
> > > > > cd/dvd devices are paired on the secondary IDE channel devices 0/1 the
> > > > > transfer mode for both should be "ultra DMA mode 2" is this what you have,
> > > > > yes or no?
> > > > > The reason I ask this, is if you mix hd and cd devices it could affect their
> > > > > DMA..
> > > > > A hd on the secondary channel may get set to DMA 2, a cd device to a higher
> > > > > DMA than needed. I'm just curious what yours show for your connected devices
> > > > > for both channels? If you are not experiencing any data loss or disk copy
> > > > > errors, then don't worry about it..
> > > > > Glad to here you solved your problem..
> > > > > j;-j
> > > > >
> > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks for the advice.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Well, turns out that it was a memory problem. Seems the memory chips had
> > > > > > become very slightly dislodged. I began to notice at times, when booting,
> > > > > > that it wasn't picking up the full amount of memory.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > So, I started from scratch. Removing each chip and trying.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Everything has now been working fine for 2-3 days. No hangs and no other
> > > > > > issues.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > In the box, I've 2 IDE devices off each channel, plus two disks on the
> > > > > > adapter. 1 disk and 1 cd off each channel.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks again for the advice.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > > Paul,
> > > > > > > You might try rolling back the drivers for the geforce or updating them to
> > > > > > > the latest from the MSI or Nvidia site. Also you could update and or roll
> > > > > > > back the drivers for the Promise card..You might try and just boot to the two
> > > > > > > HD's on the primary IDE channel without the raid card installed and see if
> > > > > > > the problem goes away, if so, It may be the raid card that needs to be
> > > > > > > reconfigured updated etc...Are both HD's on the primary IDE channel, with the
> > > > > > > CD devices on the secondary IDE channel?
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > If you have access to another video card you could swap it out and see if
> > > > > > > that card solves the problem.. I assume you have been to the ASUS site for
> > > > > > > bios and any other related updates ie.. for the chipset drivers, or at least
> > > > > > > setup the board with the original setup disk that came with the P4T533-C for
> > > > > > > initial chipset support?
> > > > > > > http://support.asus.com/download/dow...Language=en-us
> > > > > > > http://www.msi.com.tw/program/suppor...UID=534&kind=2
> > > > > > > Also, just a thought, when connecting molex 4 pin connectors to HD's, Video
> > > > > > > cards etc.. don't use the Y molex cable for a device that needs a full 12v of
> > > > > > > power, two devices that need a pure 12v might only get 6v each if running
> > > > > > > simultaneously.
> > > > > > > Hope this can help
> > > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Ok.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I moved house, so machine came with me.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I have just taken the machine apart. I disconnected everything, and
> > > > > > > > reconnected everything. I removed the CMOS battery and put it back. So,
> > > > > > > > everything on the hardware level has been reset.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I'm now running that memtest86 to check the machine.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > When I first booted it had a problem with the CPU settings. It's an Intel
> > > > > > > > P4 2.53ghz CPU. I had to change it down to a lower setting, boot, shutdown,
> > > > > > > > and reset it to run at 2.53.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > The machine (home built) -
> > > > > > > > P4 2.53ghz
> > > > > > > > 1.5gb RAM (Rambus 1066)
> > > > > > > > 2 cd drives - DVD drive, and DVD-RW drive
> > > > > > > > 4 hard disks - 40gb, 80gb, 80gb and 200gb (two disks run off a PCI Promise
> > > > > > > > controller)
> > > > > > > > 4x AGP Video card (MSI GeForce FX5900)
> > > > > > > > Asus P4T533-C motherboard
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Any more info you need?
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Thanks for all the help/advice.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > Ok , you moved your rig and you cut the power to do so, right? Did you have
> > > > > > > > > this problem after the move? The CMOS battery is at most $3 or less at Radio
> > > > > > > > > Shack and even if you can rule it out of the picture thats one down, so to
> > > > > > > > > speak. I have solved my own system problems by just removing and replacing
> > > > > > > > > the battery to force the bios to reset and in some cases it works, pun
> > > > > > > > > intended.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > With the case open the air flow is negated or in my case it was, because I
> > > > > > > > > have 7 80mm fans, 3 drawing in and 4 blowing out heated air. With the case
> > > > > > > > > open, air wasn't flowing over the components and they ran hotter.. You might
> > > > > > > > > make sure all cables and all connections are indeed tight with the RAM chips
> > > > > > > > > seated tight as well.
> > > > > > > > > What are your system specs...?
> > > > > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > The PC itself is about 3 years old.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > The CMOS battery hasn't been replaced. Not sure how I'd check if it needs.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > No, the machine is clean inside and certainly isn't overheating. The inside
> > > > > > > > > > temp is around normal. I've a good CPU fan on it, and the case is open.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > I am currently running all the latest BIOS and drivers, and run both Windows
> > > > > > > > > > Update, and all application updates frequently. That's why I'm confused.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > The only thing I've done recently is move the machine. Now, maybe it got a
> > > > > > > > > > little bump in transit. I've rechecked all the disk cables.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > Anyway, thanks for the ideas.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > How old is the computer? Have you ever replaced the CMOS battery? How about
> > > > > > > > > > > dust in the cooling fans and inside the case, see any dust bunny's?
> > > > > > > > > > > Overheating can cause prob's ,a slowly dying PSU can too...Updated any
> > > > > > > > > > > drivers lately? If not you may actually need too, like, for the
> > > > > > > > > > > video/graphics card, BIOS, software, etc..
> > > > > > > > > > > A good driver a year ago can get old and nasty and cause prob's as well,
> > > > > > > > > > > especially with service pack updates rolling out every few weeks or months...
> > > > > > > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > My PC has just recently started having problems. It just hangs, and the only
> > > > > > > > > > > > thing I can do is a power cycle. The keyboard goes dead, mouse dead, and no
> > > > > > > > > > > > system response. I have no installed any new software, but have added any
> > > > > > > > > > > > recent system patches (automatic). My AV is up-to-date, as well as my
> > > > > > > > > > > > firewall. I don't think I've any virus or anything unusual going on.
> > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > I've checked all I can. There are no entries in the Event Viewer (the system
> > > > > > > > > > > > just totally hangs). I've seen no unusual error messages in there recently.
> > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > I've added no new hardware either.
> > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > I'm just totally confused. If anyone can guide me as to how I can - a)
> > > > > > > > > > > > collect more data as to what the system is doing when it hangs or b) control
> > > > > > > > > > > > what's happening or c) by miracle recommend a fix to an unknown problem.
> > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > The hangs are totally at random. It can happen on boot, just as the startup
> > > > > > > > > > > > apps are starting, after 5 min of system running, or after 5 hours of system
> > > > > > > > > > > > running. No specific task seems to cause it.
> > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks folks.

Paul,
Update Nero first of all and get the newer ver of the infotool here..
http://www.nero.com/en/nero-up.php
http://www.nero.com/en/Info_Tool.html
Here is my info to compare, I don't have a raid card, but it may be the
drivers that are causing you to be missing the advanced settings tab..Mine
are signed from MS and yours are from Intel, are they signed?
Also, Norton has been known to have a prob with Intel's app excel driver. I
don't use it for now, (I do use NIS) until I can update a Norton fix , just
haven't gotten around to it yet..

Nero InfoTool 3.00

Interface Information
---------------------
Adapter 1
---------
Description : Primary IDE Channel

Driver
Description : system32\DRIVERS\atapi.sys
Company : Microsoft Corporation
Version : 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
Description : IDE/ATAPI Port Driver

Attached Devices
Description : Master: Maxtor 6Y200P0
Type : Disk Drive
DMA : On
Description : Slave: Maxtor 6B250R0
Type : Disk Drive
DMA : On

Adapter 2
---------
Description : Secondary IDE Channel

Driver
Description : system32\DRIVERS\atapi.sys
Company : Microsoft Corporation
Version : 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
Description : IDE/ATAPI Port Driver

Attached Devices
Description : Master: GENERIC DVD DUAL 4XMax
Type : CD-Rom Drive
DMA : On
Autorun : On
Description : Slave: TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-M1612
Type : CD-Rom Drive
DMA : On
Autorun : On

Let me know what you think..
j;-j

"Paul" wrote:

> Here's some info,
>
> Nero InfoTool 2.27
>
> Drive Information
> ------------------
> Drive : ASUS DVD-RW DRW-0402P
>
> Drive Information
> ------------------
> Drive : TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-M1202
>
> Interface Information
> ---------------------
> Adapter 1
> ---------
> Description : Primary IDE Channel
>
> Driver
> Description : System32\DRIVERS\IdeChnDr.sys
> Company : Intel Corporation
> Version : 2.2.0.2126, 04/10/2002
> Description : Intel Application Accelerator Driver
>
> Attached Devices
> Description : Master: WDC WD400AB-00BVA0
> Type : Disk Drive
> DMA : On
> Description : Slave: ASUS DVD-RW DRW-0402P
> Type : CD-Rom Drive
> DMA : Off
> Autorun : On
>
> Adapter 2
> ---------
> Description : Secondary IDE Channel
>
> Driver
> Description : System32\DRIVERS\IdeChnDr.sys
> Company : Intel Corporation
> Version : 2.2.0.2126, 04/10/2002
> Description : Intel Application Accelerator Driver
>
> Attached Devices
> Description : Master: ST3120024A
> Type : Disk Drive
> DMA : On
> Description : Slave: TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-M1202
> Type : CD-Rom Drive
> DMA : Off
> Autorun : On
>
> Adapter 3
> ---------
> Description : Promise Technology Inc. Ultra IDE Controller
>
> Driver
> Description : System32\DRIVERS\ultra.sys
> Company : Promise Technology, Inc.
> Version : 2.00.0.42
> Description : Promise Ultra Series Driver for Windows2000
>
> Attached Devices
> Description : ID 0 (0): WDC WD2000JB-00EVA0 15.0
> Type : Disk Drive
>
> Hardware Information
> --------------------
> CPU : Intel Pentium 4 Processor 2533 MHz
> Bus Speed : 133 MHz
> Motherboard : ASUSTeK P4T533-C
> System : System System Name
> BIOS : Award ASUS P4T533-C ACPI BIOS Revision 1010
> Memory : 1536 MB
>
>
> I use the Nero burning software with it.
>
>
>
> "Jaymon" wrote:
>
> > Yep, I know what you mean..
> > No advanced settings tab?? What's your ver of XP? Retail or OEM? Computer
> > make and model? Hard drive and CD/DVD drive make and model? Do you have a
> > CD/DVD RW drive? Burning software installed?
> >
> > The reason for all the questions is that I had my advanced settings tab
> > disappear on my system. I got it back by uninstalling my old burning software
> > B's Clip and B's Recorder Gold 5 that came bundled with a CD RE drive that I
> > had removed from the system in order to install a DVD/CD combo drive. The
> > combo drive came with Nero and at the time I liked the other apps better. I
> > realized my mistake with the system being a little unstable at times as well
> > finally opting for signed and updated drivers, which restored reasonable
> > stability and the advanced settings tab too.
> > j:-j
> >
> > "Paul" wrote:
> >
> > > Sorry for not replying sooner. Life has been hectic.
> > >
> > > I've no advanced settings in there. In fact, I can't find anywhere that the
> > > DAM settings are.
> > >
> > >
> > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > >
> > > > Sorry, Look in device manager, click the + next to IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers,
> > > > right click on the primary IDE channel, click properties, click advanced
> > > > tab...What is the current transfer mode for device 0, device 1? What about
> > > > the secondary IDE channel? What is it's current transfer mode for device 0,
> > > > device 1?
> > > > You mentioned that you had one HD and one CD on each channel and I am just
> > > > curious as to what the current transfer mode is for all of your devices on
> > > > both channels..
> > > > Hard drives usually use UDMA 5 mode and CD/DVD devices UDMA 2 mode, for
> > > > example. So, the Primary IDE channel device 0 should be the HD with UDMA 5
> > > > and device 1 the CD with UDMA 2, for their respective transfer mode settings.
> > > >
> > > > j;-)
> > > >
> > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Sorry, you've lost me now. Where do I find these settings?
> > > > >
> > > > > I checked in the device manager, and can't see it. Is it a BIOS setting?
> > > > >
> > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > > In primary IDE channel properties under advanced settings tab are there 2 hd
> > > > > > devices 0/1 showing with transfer modes "ultra DMA mode 5", yes or no? If the
> > > > > > cd/dvd devices are paired on the secondary IDE channel devices 0/1 the
> > > > > > transfer mode for both should be "ultra DMA mode 2" is this what you have,
> > > > > > yes or no?
> > > > > > The reason I ask this, is if you mix hd and cd devices it could affect their
> > > > > > DMA..
> > > > > > A hd on the secondary channel may get set to DMA 2, a cd device to a higher
> > > > > > DMA than needed. I'm just curious what yours show for your connected devices
> > > > > > for both channels? If you are not experiencing any data loss or disk copy
> > > > > > errors, then don't worry about it..
> > > > > > Glad to here you solved your problem..
> > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > > Thanks for the advice.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Well, turns out that it was a memory problem. Seems the memory chips had
> > > > > > > become very slightly dislodged. I began to notice at times, when booting,
> > > > > > > that it wasn't picking up the full amount of memory.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > So, I started from scratch. Removing each chip and trying.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Everything has now been working fine for 2-3 days. No hangs and no other
> > > > > > > issues.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > In the box, I've 2 IDE devices off each channel, plus two disks on the
> > > > > > > adapter. 1 disk and 1 cd off each channel.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Thanks again for the advice.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Paul,
> > > > > > > > You might try rolling back the drivers for the geforce or updating them to
> > > > > > > > the latest from the MSI or Nvidia site. Also you could update and or roll
> > > > > > > > back the drivers for the Promise card..You might try and just boot to the two
> > > > > > > > HD's on the primary IDE channel without the raid card installed and see if
> > > > > > > > the problem goes away, if so, It may be the raid card that needs to be
> > > > > > > > reconfigured updated etc...Are both HD's on the primary IDE channel, with the
> > > > > > > > CD devices on the secondary IDE channel?
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > If you have access to another video card you could swap it out and see if
> > > > > > > > that card solves the problem.. I assume you have been to the ASUS site for
> > > > > > > > bios and any other related updates ie.. for the chipset drivers, or at least
> > > > > > > > setup the board with the original setup disk that came with the P4T533-C for
> > > > > > > > initial chipset support?
> > > > > > > > http://support.asus.com/download/dow...Language=en-us
> > > > > > > > http://www.msi.com.tw/program/suppor...UID=534&kind=2
> > > > > > > > Also, just a thought, when connecting molex 4 pin connectors to HD's, Video
> > > > > > > > cards etc.. don't use the Y molex cable for a device that needs a full 12v of
> > > > > > > > power, two devices that need a pure 12v might only get 6v each if running
> > > > > > > > simultaneously.
> > > > > > > > Hope this can help
> > > > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > Ok.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > I moved house, so machine came with me.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > I have just taken the machine apart. I disconnected everything, and
> > > > > > > > > reconnected everything. I removed the CMOS battery and put it back. So,
> > > > > > > > > everything on the hardware level has been reset.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > I'm now running that memtest86 to check the machine.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > When I first booted it had a problem with the CPU settings. It's an Intel
> > > > > > > > > P4 2.53ghz CPU. I had to change it down to a lower setting, boot, shutdown,
> > > > > > > > > and reset it to run at 2.53.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > The machine (home built) -
> > > > > > > > > P4 2.53ghz
> > > > > > > > > 1.5gb RAM (Rambus 1066)
> > > > > > > > > 2 cd drives - DVD drive, and DVD-RW drive
> > > > > > > > > 4 hard disks - 40gb, 80gb, 80gb and 200gb (two disks run off a PCI Promise
> > > > > > > > > controller)
> > > > > > > > > 4x AGP Video card (MSI GeForce FX5900)
> > > > > > > > > Asus P4T533-C motherboard
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > Any more info you need?
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > Thanks for all the help/advice.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > Ok , you moved your rig and you cut the power to do so, right? Did you have
> > > > > > > > > > this problem after the move? The CMOS battery is at most $3 or less at Radio
> > > > > > > > > > Shack and even if you can rule it out of the picture thats one down, so to
> > > > > > > > > > speak. I have solved my own system problems by just removing and replacing
> > > > > > > > > > the battery to force the bios to reset and in some cases it works, pun
> > > > > > > > > > intended.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > With the case open the air flow is negated or in my case it was, because I
> > > > > > > > > > have 7 80mm fans, 3 drawing in and 4 blowing out heated air. With the case
> > > > > > > > > > open, air wasn't flowing over the components and they ran hotter.. You might
> > > > > > > > > > make sure all cables and all connections are indeed tight with the RAM chips
> > > > > > > > > > seated tight as well.
> > > > > > > > > > What are your system specs...?
> > > > > > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > The PC itself is about 3 years old.
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > The CMOS battery hasn't been replaced. Not sure how I'd check if it needs.
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > No, the machine is clean inside and certainly isn't overheating. The inside
> > > > > > > > > > > temp is around normal. I've a good CPU fan on it, and the case is open.
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > I am currently running all the latest BIOS and drivers, and run both Windows
> > > > > > > > > > > Update, and all application updates frequently. That's why I'm confused.
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > The only thing I've done recently is move the machine. Now, maybe it got a
> > > > > > > > > > > little bump in transit. I've rechecked all the disk cables.
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > Anyway, thanks for the ideas.
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > "Jaymon" wrote:
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > How old is the computer? Have you ever replaced the CMOS battery? How about
> > > > > > > > > > > > dust in the cooling fans and inside the case, see any dust bunny's?
> > > > > > > > > > > > Overheating can cause prob's ,a slowly dying PSU can too...Updated any
> > > > > > > > > > > > drivers lately? If not you may actually need too, like, for the
> > > > > > > > > > > > video/graphics card, BIOS, software, etc..
> > > > > > > > > > > > A good driver a year ago can get old and nasty and cause prob's as well,
> > > > > > > > > > > > especially with service pack updates rolling out every few weeks or months...
> > > > > > > > > > > > j;-j
> > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > "Paul" wrote:
> > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > > My PC has just recently started having problems. It just hangs, and the only
> > > > > > > > > > > > > thing I can do is a power cycle. The keyboard goes dead, mouse dead, and no
> > > > > > > > > > > > > system response. I have no installed any new software, but have added any
> > > > > > > > > > > > > recent system patches (automatic). My AV is up-to-date, as well as my
> > > > > > > > > > > > > firewall. I don't think I've any virus or anything unusual going on.
> > > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > > I've checked all I can. There are no entries in the Event Viewer (the system
> > > > > > > > > > > > > just totally hangs). I've seen no unusual error messages in there recently.
> > > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > > I've added no new hardware either.
> > > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > > I'm just totally confused. If anyone can guide me as to how I can - a)
> > > > > > > > > > > > > collect more data as to what the system is doing when it hangs or b) control
> > > > > > > > > > > > > what's happening or c) by miracle recommend a fix to an unknown problem.
> > > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > > The hangs are totally at random. It can happen on boot, just as the startup
> > > > > > > > > > > > > apps are starting, after 5 min of system running, or after 5 hours of system
> > > > > > > > > > > > > running. No specific task seems to cause it.
> > > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks folks.

Thought this might help..
XP Pro/Home raid IAA driver update ver 2.3.0.2160
http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scri...4&submit=Go%21
XP Home raid IAA driver update seems to be the same as XP Pro. These may be
signed and may solve the advanced settings tab disappearance in device
manager..
Your thoughts..
j;-j

"Paul" wrote:

> Here's some info,
>
> Nero InfoTool 2.27
>
> Drive Information
> ------------------
> Drive : ASUS DVD-RW DRW-0402P
>
> Drive Information
> ------------------
> Drive : TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-M1202
>
> Interface Information
> ---------------------
> Adapter 1
> ---------
> Description : Primary IDE Channel
>
> Driver
> Description : System32\DRIVERS\IdeChnDr.sys
> Company : Intel Corporation
> Version : 2.2.0.2126, 04/10/2002
> Description : Intel Application Accelerator Driver
>
> Attached Devices
> Description : Master: WDC WD400AB-00BVA0
> Type : Disk Drive
> DMA : On
> Description : Slave: ASUS DVD-RW DRW-0402P
> Type : CD-Rom Drive
> DMA : Off
> Autorun : On
>
> Adapter 2
> ---------
> Description : Secondary IDE Channel
>
> Driver
> Description : System32\DRIVERS\IdeChnDr.sys
> Company : Intel Corporation
> Version : 2.2.0.2126, 04/10/2002
> Description : Intel Application Accelerator Driver
>
> Attached Devices
> Description : Master: ST3120024A
> Type : Disk Drive
> DMA : On
> Description : Slave: TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-M1202
> Type : CD-Rom Drive
> DMA : Off
> Autorun : On
>
> Adapter 3
> ---------
> Description : Promise Technology Inc. Ultra IDE Controller
>
> Driver
> Description : System32\DRIVERS\ultra.sys
> Company : Promise Technology, Inc.
> Version : 2.00.0.42
> Description : Promise Ultra Series Driver for Windows2000
>
> Attached Devices
> Description : ID 0 (0): WDC WD2000JB-00EVA0 15.0
> Type : Disk Drive
>
> Hardware Information
> --------------------
> CPU : Intel Pentium 4 Processor 2533 MHz
> Bus Speed : 133 MHz
> Motherboard : ASUSTeK P4T533-C