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

They should, be if your license key is OEM (it has some manufacturer listed on it like Dell or HP or your actual manufacturer or any others) then they won't.

Although your key may (and possibly won't) activate online with another machine
Usually, after calling them up and stating you have changed a whole bunch of parts in your computer (not exactly the entire computer! ) and after a clean install it won't activate , then they will likely allow activation.
It all depends on how you word it

But obviously you will be doing the Bios update before changing machines
The Motherboard idea for $50 I wouldn't do.

 

I haven’t forgotten you, tied on other things, also decided to do “offsite” (to DVDs) type backup. My latest to DVDs was about a month ago.

Looking at the directions:
Can I use bootable CD? – I have a floppy, but it is not dependable.

I would copy the file unzipped to it and create a standard bootable (DOS) CD with Nero

It said the flash is not suitable for all ASRock motherboards. The one you had a link to is the one for my motherboard???

FWIW: as long as I don’t power down it seems to keep working. I even did a “re-boot” from your memory test Sunday to prevent removing power. I just disconnected the modem and left it up, it is still up.

Thanks,
Clark

 

Yes And No
You can create a bootable disc, but no its not ideal
The reason why is because the floppy idea is ideal to back up the old Bios rom

Yes
According to your own specs. HERE is a large pictre of your motherboard.
It uses AMI Bios HERE is another direct link to the correct download
HERE is how to flash it again. Note: you can just type ASRFLASH without the extended bios version number. That way you can manually backup the old one first.

How horrible. Have you thought of updating the BIOS?

 

I got cold feet.

I created a cd and carefully did a restart so it would not power off, I changed bios to boot cd and booted. Apparently, Nero didn’t copy the flash utility, but I considered executing it off the hard drive.

I started to do that and it froze up again. Fortunately I had not started to update yet, but if I had, I may have had a totally dead system.

Currently, if I do your 30 second and reset, I can get it up. I don’t know how long this will work, but for now it works.

Because windows 7 does not support my Alps printer, I cannot just go to Best Buy and just buy a new computer. (I posted the support issue to M/S forums and the best suggestion they could come up with was instead of just printing my decals, to go to a silk screen type of process.)

I have thought about a couple options, but none are good. That’s why I have considered a used mother board. I have also thought about a virtual PC package or dual boot (XPmode will still not support the printer out right), setting up a separate print server, etc. I even considered writing my own driver, There are a lot of Alps people that would like that, but best case, a long term though educational effort.

In anycase at this point a crippled computer is better than a totally dead one. I do want to eventually try the bios update, but not until I have a clear plan B. Once I have a plan, I’ll try the bios update. I think there is a problem with the motherboard, so at that point, why not. But, I think my best bet is to limp along for a few weeks or so while I look into alternatives. I get Monday off, so a good time to start.

I do very much appreciate your help. You did get me to the point I can limp along. That alone is a life saver for me. My sister-in-law will be intown this week-end to deal with issues on my father-in-law who passed a few weeks ago. Without your help, I would have a real serious problem and likely forced into a panic purchase. So you have solved a serious problem. I also am very pleased I found this site, I want to spend more time and learn more.

I much appreciate your help and I will keep posted and let you know what happens when I do try the update.

So with very thanks ,
Clark

 

All you stated above is very good and safe.
We haven't even determined if the Bios update will fix it fully as yet, its more of a try this best option idea.

Since you stated 1. It may take weeks, and 2. Its solved to an acceptable level
Then I'm going to suggest that you mark the thread as resolved. Reading below you will see that you can unmark the thread at any time you feel its not right

I'm happy with the result so far. Good luck in the coming weeks.



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Please mark this thread as 'Resolved', see .....

 

Went by a recycle place who I have worked with before, Got a motherboard for $20:
MSI 645 ULTRA with AMI BIOS V2.01A. It had a Pentium 4 1.6 Ghrz. I put my 1GB memory stick in, not the other.

Set up bios w/ hard drives, DVDs. I think I got the front panel connections OK.

It will boot DOS from the CD but hangs up.

Will not boot windows. On I disk, I have dual boot, brings that up and fails. On the other, the one I usually use, I get the incomplete boot and regardless, I can get it past this point.

This is replaced mother board and processor chip. It has the same video card, parallel card, power supply, and IDE devices.

Any thoughts?

 

When you replace the Motherboaard chipset you must do a Repair of Windows.

Here's some guides with that (since not sure which OS or multiple OS you have this minute)

I must rush off but will check later for any responses

 

Thanks, did not know that. Makes since - that would explain why it stopped where it did.

I replaced old M/B and it is up.

 

Thanks for letting us know

 

I have one question and will then market resolved.

I have my old motherboard and it appears to work.

Monday: I tried to install the new (used) board and it would not boot (because I did not repair the OS).

Put my old board in it worked. Turned it off and placed it in its normal place (had to rerun cables to move it) power up without the 30 second & reset, still worked. Shut down.

Tuesday evening power up (no reset) email, internet, etc still worked. Shut down.

Wednesday: power up all still OK. Shut down, restart change bios to “Diagnostic screen = enable” Let boot all still OK.

The difference between last week and now is in attempting to install the New (used) motherboard, I removed everything from the old. I had already removed memory, and reseated IDE & floppy cables. But now also removed expansion cards (video, dual parallel port, that silly modem) and front panel connections. All is back except the front panel “reset” and the modem.

My current thinking is that after 6+ years, an extension card, likely the video, had a marginal connection and installing the USB card flexed the board slightly causing the problem. Reseating (reinstalling) them Monday fixed the problem.

If I don’t have any more problems by the week-end I will button up and assume fixed (and remark resolved).


I do have a BIOS question however: with “Diagnostic screen = enabled” I do not get the Beep-Beep. With it disabled, I do. Is this normal???

Again many thanks,
Clark