Resolved Computer freezes during post after reporting ram amount as OK.

Computer freezes during post after reporting ram amount as OK.

My computer freezing during post after reporting it has "Initializing USB Controllers ".. Done ... and reporting 2048 Memory as "OK ".

I have removed a 3rd gig of memory as it was not a match with the first 2 gig but was never a problem. Either way it reported all my memory as "OK "..

I also had the original 450w power supply go belly up and replaced it with a 350w power supply. The manual says that the lowest wattage PS I should use.

All was OK for about 1 month.

I also unplugged all CD drives and floppy drive & changed the mouse from wireless to a wired mouse.

I still got the post freeze.

I tried booting to a live CD but still got the post freeze.

I do get some errors when viewing my event viewer logs at the time of the occurrence but I can't find any log about the post freeze. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place.

There's a possibility that my older 350 w PS is not up to speed and that's my real problem, or maybe the MB was damaged when the original PS failed.. but thought I'd run by the Windows BBS.

So far I can always get the computer to boot and run Windows XP SP3 without any additional problems, but it usually takes 1 or 2 hits with the power reset button.

And sometimes just waiting a few minuets after the freeze happens will result in the computer resuming the boot procedure on its own to complete the loading of Windows.. .

So all I have now is assumptions as to what is the problem...

thanks...
denny

 

How long is the freeze (I'm assuming it's not indefinite as you can check event viewer)

It may be worthwhile testing your memory (the POST checks are extremely basic), your live CD may have a memory test program on it.

Even if the memory check work out try testing the ram and slots individually by swapping/removing sticks.

Also as you've gathered 350watts is a pretty low spec PSU nowadays, can you test with a more powerfull one.

 

Every time I start the computer it freezes, Sometimes it will resume post on its own after a minute or two, but most times I hit the reset button after about 2-3 minuets.

I did swap the memory in slots A to B but the computer didn't boot at all.

I noticed it sequencing the CD drives than nothing.. I moved the memory back to the A slots and did receive a 2 item post error of either under or overpower and or overclocking of the cpu and my only option was to run the bios setup or continue. I checked the bios and choose all the defaults for the MB. Computer than started but still I get the post freezes.

I will try with different memory and also run memcheck later. I don't have a another PS to swap with yet.

 

It does sound like a memory issue to me, let us know how the testing goes.

I'm posting the following for others as I think you're already aware of the issues...

The only satisfactory way of testing RAM is to test the installed RAM in various configurations. If you have a single module swap it around the slots. If you have a pair of modules run each one singly, swapping between slots; then run them in pairs swapping between pairs of slots. If you have 2 sets of matched modules do not get them mixed up.

 

Using MemTest 86 V1.70 I ran 2 passes with a stick of memory installed in both Channel A1 and Channel B1. Than ran single sticks test in all 4 slots. There was no errors with any of the test passes.

The memory error I reported earlier was my misunderstanding of acceptable memory configuration. (I tried to boot with memory installed in only Channel A2 & B2 resulting in the overvoltage and or overclocking error message).

I do have 1 beep at post but I think that beep has been present every time I turn on the computer.

The beep code for 1 beep is:
1. Keyboard controller error
2. Refresh Time error
3. No master drive detected

My keyboard is a salvaged "Emachines" keyboard> I will try changing out the keyboard next.

The "Refresh Time error" I'm clueless about and the hard drive boots to Windows so the hard drive can be ruled out.

All other hardware works if used.. modem, tv card, and the video card obvious works.

 

I would look for a BIOS update. You need to be careful it is for your the exact model of your motherboard.

 

Thanks for the suggestion.. My bios is V 0603, There is only a Beta version that's newer... I hesitate to re-flash with a "Beta version" of the bios as the computer does freeze during the post.. and the procedure for re-flashing the bios is to boot to a floppy with the bios update... and I'm thinking that could result in a unrecoverable bios error if done when flashing the bios.. maybe I'm over-thinking it...

I did replace the keyboard but still get random freeze's during post.

I could try clearing the cmos... but 1st still want to try a power supply greater than 350 watts.... (motherboard manual say's 350 watt is the lowest I could / should use) and re-appliy the thermal paste (cpu temps are normal).

I needed to remove the cpu fan when changing out the first 450 watt PS that failed..

I replaced it with a 350 watt Power supply and that was the event that lead to the random post freezes.

As always.... The "Keep it Simple Stupid rule" is to suspect the first event or deviation from the known good configuration point...

denny

 

For 2 days now I have been bench testing with a 500 watt power supply and so far so good.. No post freezes or any other errors... Will run this way for a week and if no problems will swap out the Power Supplies... guess my used 350 watt was not up to speed or ASUS was incorrect about the wattage needed to run this motherboard / hardware.

 

Thanks for the information and link to the eXtreme Power Supply Calculator Lite.

Real useful tool... Will bookmark it for future reference...

I ran the numbers and the calculator suggested minimum of 307 watts and the recommend size is 357 watts..

I was using a older used 350 watt unit...

So that could mean the 350 watt I was using might be ok for a bare-bones system and the ASUS manual was correct in stating its the lowest I could use...

However hindsight tells me to add 100 watts to anything the book says as the lowest wattage I could use.. especially if I'm using a older used power supply.

thanks again