Resolved This is another XP Pro freezes issue but I think hardware.

History: Bought an external hard drive but it was very slow "“ Norton ghost backup of 64 gig partition less than 1/2 full, to a back-up file and it takes several hours to copy to ext dive. Talked to person who sold it and he suggested to was due to USB 1.0. (I how see the board is 2.0). Bought a used USB 2.1 card, installed it.

Initially, the system would not boot, sometimes would not see one or both hard drives. Removed the card, it came up. Fiddled with it and got the system to boot with card, still had some drive errors. Saw I "USB 2.0" on mother board, removed card.

Now, without the card it usually boots but freezes. Sometimes after awhile, but now usually after a few minutes. I have opened task manager and nothing else, left it and come back. It is frozen: idle process 95%, task mgr 2%, explorer 3%.

Sometimes, it doesn’t come up completely, gets errors after reading boot, or even can’t find IDE hard drive.

I originally thought corrupted OS, but now clearly I believe H/W. I have reseated cables, etc, no luck.

I have to believe the USB card had a problem that messed up something. I hope I don’t have to replace the mother board….. It is roughly 6 yrs old, but for running office, email, etc more that adequate. Any ideas before I start digging into my pocket book. I suspect it will force me into SATA drives, force replacement of everything else. My laser printer is parallel and I have an ALPS dry transfer printer that may not be supported on later s/w.

Thanks,
Clark
Columbia, SC

 

Hi

It is an old Motherboard, but if you still use parallel ports then I suppose keep it (although new computers do not come with onboard parallel ports, you can still purchase PCI cards with parallel interface)

Can I ask when you turn on the computer does it give a short beep sound?
If so then you are not using the latest Bios (of which came out in 2003 anyway!)

Please try resetting your Bios to defaults. To do this:

• Turn on your computer
• Press the F2 key during the system power on self test
• Using your keyboard arrows, move to the title: Exit
• Using your keyboard arrows, move to: Load Default Settings
• Press Enter key. Then Exit and save settings.

Then turn your computer back off (you can hold down the power button for 3secs to force off)

• Remove the power cable from the back
• Hold in the ON button for 30 secs (dispersing internal voltage)
• Then, put the power cable back in
• Turn on

Please let me know if it fixed the issue, or if you need to update the Bios.

 

'This is another XP Pro freezes issue but I think hardware - fixed!

WOW!

First, I very much appreciate your reply.

I read your directions and thought, no way. But I tried it anyway, and it did work! It has been up without problem for almost an hour. I did email, created a document, accessed a drive from my net book, and so far it all works. I did have to go back into the bios and set up my hard drives, but expected to do that.

FYI: It does beep once, after I reset it, it now goes BEEP "¦.. beep-beep. I also see a ASROCK splash screen very briefly.
The BIOS is version K7VT2 BIOS P1.0.
Processor: AMD Athlon XP 2000+ speed 1667 mz.

Very many thanks.

A couple questions though:
How did adding the USB card mess up the BIOS?
I assume the card is bad, don’t get it near the computer again?
Should I update my BIOS? Would that solve the USB problem?

Again many many thanks,
Clark

 

Thanks for your thanks

The USB Card caused a small voltage to be kept in your motherboard (even after turning off)
This small voltage needed to be dispersed to continue the normal running of your computer.
Note: It can also be a sign of failing Power Supply. But since your Power Supply is the old 20pin one, then lets not spend any money on it

The card may still be ok. Its difficult to tell.
Since your computer (again) is so old, then I would sway more to that than the card

BIOS Update...
The BIOS update is basically critical stuff. ie If you are in the middle of updating your BIOS and the power turns off (murphy's law - that if something bad is going to happen, it will happen just at the worst time)

Mind you I would update the BIOS. But that's just me, I tend to be update mad on these things, and if doesn't work I call the manufacturer.
But 2 issues there as well 1. Its really old (we covered that already )
2. BIOS updates are not the manufacturer's responsibility. Imagine that. They take no responsibility that their software won't bugger up your computer!

The BIOS update you have is 2 versions old. And there were some USB update stuff as well.
If you want to do it (of which I would) at your responsibility not mine, then yep, go for it.
Here's the help file on howto install it: http://www.asrock.com/support/BIOSUI.asp?cat=DOS
Here's the actual update file itself: ftp://174.142.97.10/bios/462/K7VT2(1.30).zip
Note: You need to unzip it first

Note: the FTP link I supplied came directly from your computer support page, BIOS download link

 

> This is another XP Pro freezes issue but I think hardware

Again, thanks.

I am more of f it ain’t broke… person. I guess that’s from time in mainframe support 40 years ago. I got OS patches on tape, read what it fixed, applied what may effect us. They came as a job in, had messages and a pause: you selected EOB or cancel at the main console. However, I think I’ll go ahead and update this time.

I know it’s old, I am also not a keep up with Joneses – I upgrade when I see a need. I work with computers all day. It is only a tool, I don’t game, video edit, etc. I went from W95 to XP to install Visual Basic to learn and for a project. I will go from XP to ? when I need a feature for something I need to do. In this case, however, I have another issue: I have an Alps dry transfer printer I use to print decals. It is the only printer that actually prints white ink. I can print white text, graphics on clear decal film and put on red boxcars for my model trains. It also makes multiple passes so I can lay down white under blue so it looks good on red, etc. The printer is older than my motherboard, and drivers for vista are not available, but I am not aware of any way to make decals like this with the latest and greatest stuff. Ink jets do not print white.

Again many thanks,
Clark

 

Please let me know the result
After a pause from my last post to you to now, I still would do it if it were mine
Basically if it didn't work or many users complained, I'm sure they would have pulled it from the support website since 2003 !

edit:
wow that's bad grammar

 

Hi kimsland and cgreg3, I would like to pont out out a minor misconception here.
Regarding the Post (beep or beeps on startup)

Troubleshooting BIOS Beep Codes

The BIOS performs a power-on self-test (POST) when the system is turned on. This test is used to ensure that the system is functioning properly and to gather information about what the system contains. When a problem is identified with the system during the POST, the BIOS will normally produce an error message. However, in some cases the problem is detected so early in the test that the BIOS cannot even access the video card to print the message! In this case the BIOS will produce a beeping pattern on the speaker to tell you what the problem is.

The exact meaning of the beep codes depends on the type and version of BIOS that you have. The three most popular types of BIOS are those made by Award, American Megatrends (AMI) and Phoenix. The beep codes for these BIOS products are described in this part of the troubleshooter. If you are using a PC made by a company that writes its own BIOS, you will have to consult your owner's manual or the company's web site or other technical information for assistance.

Warning: The normal procedure is for a motherboard or computer manufacturer to purchase the BIOS code from one of these companies and then modify it as they see fit to match what they are doing with their hardware. So it is possible that the codes may be slightly different for your PC than what I have here, which is for the generic products. In general, the beep codes are usually identical or very close to what I have here, but the tests performed by the BIOS can easily be different or be executed in a different order.

Note: A single beep during the boot process, usually right before the BIOS startup screen is displayed, is normal and does not indicate a failure as long as the boot continues on.

Beep codes can be in several different patterns, depending on the BIOS that you are using. Some BIOSes use very simple beep codes in a pattern of varying numbers of short beeps, while others may mix short and long beeps. The Phoenix BIOS is famous for its complicated beep patterns that are actually in up to four groups--one or more beeps and then a pause, followed by as many as three more patterns.

Warning: Despite what the BIOS companies say, these codes are not always that consistent. I have seen systems that when booted without a video card give just a single beep and not the code that they are supposed to give when the video card is missing.

3 Beeps: Base 64K RAM failure

Explanation: There is a failure of some sort within the first 64 KB of system memory.

Diagnosis: The first bank of memory probably has a bad memory chip in it somewhere. It is possible that there is a failure related to the motherboard or a system device as well.

cgreg3, don,t be concerned your system is not too bad it is old but not that old I still use a K7 for testing also with a AMD XP2000+

 

Sorry, you have misunderstood here.

I'm fully aware of beep codes and I probably know most off by heart.
But the reason why I mentioned this "beep" was because of the newest bios revision update description:

I have then confirmed that the OP does in fact have the old BIOS revision

This issue has nothing to do with beep codes. It was merely an easy way to find out if his BIOS was the newest revision or not (without getting too technical)

 

I am referring to cgreg3 pointing out that he has now 3 beeps.

 

Doh! I missed that
I did read it at the time, and I meant to discuss it, but then we got stuck on BIOS updating.

ok Good point


edit

cgreg3, if you haven't done the BIOS update as yet, then don't do it.
Faulty Ram can cause detrimental issues to BIOS Updating
Please reply at what is presently happening with your computer

 

Have not updated yet.

Planned to let it run as is for a few days to see if I have additional problems before introducing additional variables. Would have probably done that either this or next Sunday.

Based on this, if I have any additional problems, I may start with a memory card. However. It ran for a couple hours last night without problems. That’s better than any time since l added the card last Saturday. (I shut it down when done - There are a few nasties that can pass thru firewalls, but they can't pass thru the power off button.) And, I don't necessarily use it every day.

Will definitely keep you posted, have a meeting tonight, and tied-up most of Saturday, so will probably get back Sunday or Monday.

Thanks,
Clark

 

I guess I spoke too soon.

Came in tonight after my meeting turned it on, and walked out for a minute and it was locked up when I returned. Power down & back up froze again. Repeated and it died before I could get the task manager open.

Tried the 30 second power button, no good. Reset BIOS, no good. Did both exactly as you indicated, but also re-seated my two memory cards, and it came up and this time it worked – still running. Downloaded a some emails, replied to a couple and all works.

Don’t tell me, my new power on procedure each day is to reset BIOS, hold power on button down 30 seconds, etc!!!!!

I also noticed last night that there is a motherboard flash screen (ASROCK) when I first power on. Had not seen it before, but it was very brief. Tonight, after doing the above, it appeared for a longer time probably a second or more. Long enough to easily read the directions on the use of F2, etc.

Another thought, it probably has the original battery. The clock is accurate so that would indicate the battery is OK or not?

Have not updated BIOS, or changed/remove memory (except remove clips, reseat and clip back) or changed out any H/W (or S/W).

Last night, I made a point to just turn it on after being turned off all day and it quickly failed just like tonight. So, I think that would eliminate any heat related issues.

Thanks,
Clark

 

Hi Clark

No its definitely not resolved as yet, and normally users don't need to do the 30second trick everyday

That logo is in the Bios settings, it can be disabled but it doesn't really make that much difference if not. Obviously someone must have disabled it originally.

Anyway the fault.
Are you still receiving the three beeps at startup?
Ram faults can just appear, so it wasn't caused from what has been tried so far.
The reason why its happened after the Bios Reset can be because of a couple of things
1. The Ram and CPU settings have been defaulted (not over or under clocked) thus showing faulty Ram that was already faulty
2. The system board since been defaulted and has finally allowed the Ram quick test to be more thorough (or even enabled when it was disabled before)

Either way, the Ram now requires testing
I have a simple Memtest guide HERE. That I'd like you to follow through and create the BootCD and test the Ram (Note: The Bios settings must have CD as the first bootable drive)

Once you have tested the Ram for approx 4hrs (or even overnight, monitor can be left off)
Then reply back here

The process of elimination is:
RAM (you need to test)
Hard drive or CD Drive data cables (usually just replace)
Power Supply (this can be it, even though it does power up)
CPU (well we could just re-seat this, under instruction later on)
And even Benchtesting the Motherboard and removing all dust (reconnecting everything as well)

I understand you may not want to go through the entire process
So we'll take one step at a time then decide on what next to do
1st Step: Memtest

 

Thanks, I'll download and run tonight - probably overnight.

I thought about just getting a memory module on the way home and sticking it in, but it looks like DDR (not DDR2) will be hard to get except online. I would get 1 GB stick and replace both my current sticks and see if this fixes the problem.

Correct me if I am wrong, any DDR stick will work, but not DDR2 or DDR3. Anything available today is way more than fast enough.

Also, on the beeps, I get 1 loud Beep, then a delay and then two lower volume beeps. Is this what you mean by "3 beeps" or is it a Hello beep and "2 code beeps?" (I believe either two or three are memory problems anyway.)

Many thanks,
Clark

 

I just checked your specs again

I'd suggest 512Meg x2
Because having 4 Ram slots, it's possible that your board will only take up to 512Meg of Ram in each slot.

Anyway, I'll hear back from you later on. Good luck

 

Came home, turned it on, brought up task mgr. I then went out to extended dinner, came back still running. Down loaded email (3) did a couple other things. Then downloaded your memtest, did the extract, wrote it to CD with nero.

I have 2 memory sticks, slot 1 is 1G slot 2 is the original 256K.

I removed the 256, turned it back on, still got the beeps.

Removed the 1G and inserted the 256, still got the beeps.

So I don’t think it’s the memory.

Reinsert memory into original slots, disconnected the power from hard drives, I started to run your memtest but it hung up even with dos prompt. Tried it a couple times could not get it to stay up to run the memtest.

I could probably do the 30 second power + reset BIOS trick and it would run. But, I want to go back to compuzone and talk to the guy who sold the USB card to me. It was used, and the technician said it was his, not the store’s so I doubt it will matter, but maybe he’ll have an idea or even possibly an old mother board. I would prefer to take it in “broke” mode.

I did some online looking at BIOS codes today. What I hear is one loud beep just like at normal start-up. A little later I hear two beeps together. Looking at the AMI BIOS – 2 beeps is parity circuit error. I am thinking that may be the problem. I personally still feel it was caused by the USB port board – only because inserting it is when the problem started. I did notice the technician had no qualms with holding it in his hands as he walked across the carpet. I did have him put it in a static bag before I brought it home.

I should have more info tomorrow night.

Many thanks, I’ll update you tomorrow. If nothing else it's been anj education.
Clark

 

I wonder which Ram is presently installed (like all the specs of it)
Crucial System Scanner: http://images.crucial.com/drivers/CrucialScan.exe May tell you all the specs.

 

I did go by the store today:

He also did the memory swap (remove each board) and that did not stop the beeps. He ran his memory test - it ran for about 20 minutes, did not find anything.

He changed the “display diagnostic screen” in the bios to "Enable" – no more beeps, no more splash screen, seemed to run OK. That explains why I started seeing the BIOS ASRock splash screen. He is a technician, but obviously not as knowledgeable as you are. I now know, but he didn't know that setting stopped the beeps. You mentioned a bios setting that changed this.

Got home, it started failing again. Reset bios, did the 30 second, it is running now, beeps are back since I reset the BIOS. So I have not yet run your memory test, but I think the memory is OK.

I will probably try to run your memory test tonight, but I am satisfied it is OK.

Of course there is also the possibility that one of my peripherals is causing the problem and would have not been a problem at the store. However, since the problem started with adding the used USB card, I find that unlikely.


Ran your scan from crucial, this is what I got:
Guaranteed-compatible memory upgrades for your ASRock K7VT2 Motherboard .
We were not able to determine the manufacturer and/or model of your PC, but we were able to complete our scan with information from your motherboard.
Scan Id: 5D4F24F831D926C3

This is what it says:
· Maximum Memory Capacity: 2048MB
· Currently Installed Memory: 1.25GB
· Available Memory Slots: 0
· Total Memory Slots: 2
· Dual Channel Support: No
· CPU Manufacturer: AuthenticAMD
· CPU Family: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2000+ Model 8, Stepping 0
· CPU Speed: 1665 MHz
Currently installed memory:
1GB DDR PC3200
256MB DDR PC2100
Each memory slot can hold DDR PC3200,DDR PC2700,SDRAM, PC133 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.*

Also: I dug through my paper work:
The 1GB stick is
PNY PC3200 400mhz / 333mhz / 266mhz
Optima memory.
Part# MD1024SD1-400

The 256M stick is:
PNY 256MB DDR Optima DIMM DDR 2100
Part # D256M64210PT

 

Thanks, that's pretty thorough.

I don't think the Ram is at fault (exactly) either. I think its Video memory or cache to it.
So, back to Bios update and what it fixes:

Looks like there is some Video memory fixes Plus a few others that could be indirectly involved:

I'm thinking that once you confirm your Memory is ok, then you could go for the Bios update (all at your responsibility of course)

Anyway, thanks for the continual update

 

Ran memtest. Found no problems:

It ran for just over 7 hours: the result at that time was:
PASS COMPLETE: NO ERRORS. Pass 4 errors 0.

Which we expected. I will try the upgrade late this afternoon or evening.

However, unless I miss my guess, the motherboard is toast. Once I get it up, it will probably work until I turn it off. But once I turn it off, I have to reset, do the 30 second drain to get to come up properly.

There is a recycle business in the area that will probably sell me a used board/processor roughly the same vintage as mine for less than $50. My only other option is a new machine, and dual boot to XP (or just install XP in place of W7) if I want to use my Alps printer. I don’t know if M/S will allow me to transfer my XP license to the new machine.

Will re-reply after the upgrade.

Thanks,
Clark