Messed up BIOS?

[Rhinosaur]

Hi all, first post and i really need help. Ill start out with as much info on teh computer and then i will give a history of problems.

Computer:
Gateway
1.5ghz pentium 4
1 gb RAM
2 HDD's
Master: 20gb
Slave: 60Ggb
128mb video card
Windows XP Sp 3

Problems:
When i first bought the computer (used) it worked fine, it then started crashing every few minutes- later it worked better and i could go about an hour before crashing. I found i had some drivers that needed updating so i did what i could and then it worked prety well, crashing every 2 hours or so. Since i got teh computer so cheap i figured it was no big deal.

BIG problem: The other day i thought i would transfer some of the stuff from my old HDD onto this computer. So i uplugged the slave HDD and put my old one in its place (not knowing it was set to master) the computer didn't boot so i took it out and put the oldo one it. The computer turned on but it didn't have the other HDD there, just the master 20gb hard drive. So stupidly i went to BIOS and tried to fix somthing. Now i can't even get to the Windows XP screen, it just says "windows had a problem" (or somthing) and then a list of ways to start up the computer, safe mode, last known settings tath worked ect. None of these work and i really don't know what to do.

I tried: Resseting the bios, did this by taking out the battery on the motherboard (little round thing) i tested it and found that the battery has verrry low power so i thought maybe that is the problem? If not what can i do to get my computer working?

Anyways if you there is anything i can do to fix this comp i really need the help. Thanks a million.

[beango]

i cannot get it:
is the computer now at the same status before the big problem? or are still trying to install another hdd?

Very far away answer, but it is possible, that system crashes while replacing the hard drive with an other one.
That dont mean a loss of all data, but the operating system.

Can zou write here the exact error msg you get from windows?

Greets

[stevejohnson1958]

Since you've already changed the BIOS settings...you probably do not know what they were before you made the changes.

I'd start, first, by replacing the CMOS battery with a brand new one.  Boot into BIOS and use BIOS default settings...exit saving changes.

However, make sure you have the drives installed correctly before attempting any of this.

Keep us posted, please...

[Rhinosaur]

@beango
the comp is at the worst status ever- wont boot.

Drives installed correctly? is this somthing to do with software or do you mean somthing about being plugged in correctly? They are plugged in exactly as they were when they were working.

Im getting a battery later today and will see if it works.

[beango]

Well i don't think this is really an hardware malfunction.
Try the battery, but at this time the batteries are not as important as they were years ago.

It wont boot, OK. But what can you see, what message do you get. Where is the computer stopping to reboot.
You must give us a little bit more detailed information.

And at first, but the old battery in and set the BIOS to default settings. Should be already done by removing the battery. But do it again for test.

If you tell me what the computer what the computer is doing while trying to boot, i can tell you what we can do to repair it.

Seems like at the end we will have to reinstall windows. But that should be one of the latest solutions.

[Rhinosaur]

Got the new battery, put it in, reset to defaults ect. But nothing happend. I will try to give a detailed description of whats going on.

1. Turn computer on.

2. Screen comes up (black with white letters) "sorry for the inconvinience..." options showing: Safe mode, safe mode with networking, start windows normally ect.

3. Select one of the options (results are always the same) Gateway logo comes up and in a few seconds the computer goes down and goes back to 2.

The files on the computer arent to important so reinstalling windows isn't a big deal.

[stevejohnson1958]

That being the case...why not perform the reinstallation and let us know how it goes.

Booting from your recovery CD...or Windows CD...make sure you wipe the drive clean.

Me...I'd remove the current partition...create a new one, format...and reinstall the operating system.

Keep us posted, please...

[beango]

OK, if you are not able to enter safe mode then i think reinstalling windows is the best now.
You dint have to format the hard disk, even if it would be the clean way, if you really have the opinion that you data is not important.

Tell us if there is another problem.

Greets from Germany.

[Rhinosaur]

I tried to boot using the windows xp CD but nothing happend, i switched the boot order so the CD booted first, now the computer behaves the exact same way as before but somtimes it will turn off completly.

Do i have any options

[stevejohnson1958]

With the computer case open...and turned on...do you see the CPU fan spinning at all?  Is there a lot of dust accumulation around the fan and heatsink?

if so...it may require cleaning.

I, myself, do believe this is a hardware issue.

Let's take care of the small things...and go from there.

Use compressed air to clean the inside of the computer case.  Make sure its unplugged from its power source, first.

Then, please try again to see if you're still experiencing the same problem.

Troubleshooting may take some time...so, please be patient..as we will do the best we can to help...okay?

[Rhinosaur]

-Gave the computer a good cleaning, all fans are working. Now the computer stays on for about 4 seconds and then turns off.

[stevejohnson1958]

This could also be a sign of a failing, or failed power supply.

Take a look here:  Power Supply Trobleshooting

[Rhinosaur]

Don't think its a power supply falure. I checked the fan and it is working fine, and i used the test switch and everything powered up.

I replaced some of the "power strips" (?the long flat cables which connect things to the motherboard) and the computer didn't power off quite as much, but this is probly nothing.

Another note, the second HDD (slave) is no longer recognized in the BIOS...

[patio]

Don't think its a power supply falure. I checked the fan and it is working fine, and i used the test switch and everything powered up.

This is not a reliable test of the PSU.....

[believer]

okay...there is a lot going on here.

I would like to reply to you original post:

Hi all, first post and i really need help. Ill start out with as much info on teh computer and then i will give a history of problems.

Computer:
Gateway
1.5ghz pentium 4
1 gb RAM
2 HDD's
Master: 20gb
Slave: 60Ggb
128mb video card
Windows XP Sp 3

Problems:
When i first bought the computer (used) it worked fine, it then started crashing every few minutes- later it worked better and i could go about an hour before crashing. I found i had some drivers that needed updating so i did what i could and then it worked prety well, crashing every 2 hours or so. Since i got teh computer so cheap i figured it was no big deal.

This sounds like overheating issue....CPU fan working you said...how many other fans? Is the back fan blowing out or in?

BIG problem: The other day i thought i would transfer some of the stuff from my old HDD onto this computer. So i uplugged the slave HDD and put my old one in its place (not knowing it was set to master) the computer didn't boot so i took it out and put the oldo one it. The computer turned on but it didn't have the other HDD there, just the master 20gb hard drive. So stupidly i went to BIOS and tried to fix somthing. Now i can't even get to the Windows XP screen, it just says "windows had a problem" (or somthing) and then a list of ways to start up the computer, safe mode, last known settings tath worked ect. None of these work and i really don't know what to do.

I recommend putting in master with OS in it by itself. Make sure Bios recongizes it as master and set the boot sequence to look at HDD first. If this fails then set Bios to have CD drive first. Put XP cd in it and try repair option.
If this fails then go ahead and reinstall windows BUT keep second HDD out of PC.
If you have both in then when installing windows XP it may not recongize slave drive unless it is refomatted through disk management.

I tried: Resseting the bios, did this by taking out the battery on the motherboard (little round thing) i tested it and found that the battery has verrry low power so i thought maybe that is the problem? If not what can i do to get my computer working?

Anyways if you there is anything i can do to fix this comp i really need the help. Thanks a million.

Replacing battery doesn't hurt....

[drmsucks]

and set the boot sequence to look at HDD first.

I really, really urge you to leave the CD as the first boot device since you're having so much trouble. It costs you nothing and may save your *censored* later.

Good luck!

[Rhinosaur]

Im not really able to do anything, if i put the CD in it just crashes faster... Anything i can do short of buying a new comp

[kpac]

There might be one way if you are willing....

Download some kind of Linux (all free) (http://www.linux.org/) and see if you can use it...

It may not be as good as Windows, even though some people call it better, but it may be your only chance.

Good luck.

[Rhinosaur]

How do i download linux when i can't use my computer? Do you mean use a CD or somthing?

[kpac]

All Linux operating systems generalyl boot from CD.
Can you not download it?

[stevejohnson1958]

What model Gateway is this?

There is the possibility this computer was screwed when you first got it.  I really don't know...I wasn't there.

Anyhow...what you may think about doing is going to the manufacturer's website and looking for a BIOS driver for your computer.

Flashing the BIOS is usually done as a LAST RESORT.  However, in this case may be warranted...since BIOS chips can become infected with malware.  It would also update your BIOS chip to the latest version and help resolve the issue you are currently facing.

From there...I would select the best hard drive you have and jumper it as a Master or Cable Select.  I would then perform a diagnostic on the drive to make sure there are no issues with it.  If the hard drive passes diagnostics...I'd perform a low-level format (some people say reinitialize) of the hard drive...writing zeros to every sector.  Basically...making the hard drive as if it came straight from the factory.  I'd then partition the drive and format it using NTFS if you plan to put XP back on it.  The CD you use for installing the operating system should be a licensed copy and "cherry"...meaning it has not been installed on any other computer in the home (or anywhere else for that matter).  It should also be clean and free of smudges and scratches.

If you follow my advice above...you should find your way on the road to happiness...barring any other unforeseen hardware catastrophe.


Keep us posted...

[Rhinosaur]

So get a new BIOS chip? how much do these cost?

And what do i do once i get a bios driver? as my problemed computer is completly usless.

I don't know how to do any of this hard drive buisness, any good guides out there?

Thanks allot.

[stevejohnson1958]

No...not a new BIOS chip...you just "flash" it...which means to write over it.  What's the model of your Gateway?

[Rhinosaur]

Model is...

Gateway MFATXTL

prety old...

Im just not convinced that this didn't have somthing to do with switching up Hard drives, could this have somhow 'infected' my bios?

[Fed]

I think you have created 2 problems, firstly swapping HHds and playing in bios has got your computer confused but that should be easily fixed by the bios settings. Secondly it seems that after you cleaned your computer in an attempt to fix it now it cuts out after only a few seconds so obviously this problem must be fixed first.
The switching off sounds like a heat problem, did you disturb the thermal compound under the heat sink? It really sounds like your cpu is getting too hot to me.
I wouldn't give up on this one yet.

[Rhinosaur]

The problems were there before i cleaned it, the heat sink and the fans have not been changed since before the problems started.

And even if the CPU was getting hot, i would think it could stay on for over a few seconds.

[Fed]

Reply #10 where as previously this wasn't listed as happening.

-Gave the computer a good cleaning, all fans are working. Now the computer stays on for about 4 seconds and then turns off.

The way I see it is that if the computer cuts out after 4 seconds then we will get nowhere until that is fixed.

Was it cutting out after 4 seconds before you cleaned it?

[Fed]

And even if the CPU was getting hot, i would think it could stay on for over a few seconds.

I sort of agree with you there, 4 seconds does sound like a very sort time but who knows for sure?
We have to start somewhere hence my questions.

Have a read of the following link and tell us your thoughts.
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000689.htm

[believer]

Sound like you have an unstable PC.

Take it back to where it went wrong which was at Bios. what are the settings you changed? There may be on thing you changed that is causing all of this issue. It worked before Bios was touched and depending on your setup resetting Bios may not fix it.

What does PC say before it reboots or crashes? actually which is it complete power off or a reboot?

[Rhinosaur]

-The computer still had tons of problems before i cleaned it, i don't think anything changed, my bad for wording it poorly. I only blew air over the computer, so i don't think anything i did caused the problem to worsen.

-The computer will either power off completly or restart, usually it will restart more often, unless the CD is in, then it powers off completly.

-one thing i forgot the mention, the bios error reporting thing says that a pre boot faliure occured -somthing to do with the simos/bios battery, i put in a new battery but the problem is still there.

[Fed]

Some more reading for you Rhinosaur.
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000607.htm

Are you able to get into bios setup without the computer failing?

[Rhinosaur]

Thanks for that link.
-I am able to stay as long as i wan't in the BIOS, when i get the Gateway screen it then restarts.

Make sure all fans are running in the computer. If a fan has failed (especially the heat sink fan for the CPU) your computer could be overheating and/or detecting the fan failure causing the computer not to boot. (from article)

My heat sink is not conected to the computer, it is sitting on top of the proccesor (exactly the same position) but is it possible that the computer does not know it is there and is not allowing itself to boot? The thing is that the heat sink hasn't been conected for a long time however, but possibly when i reset the BIOS it now turns itself off?

If it helps i get two quick beeps while the computer is starting up.

[Fed]

Is that Gateway screen some sort of logo that can be turned off from within bios, it may be hiding vital onscreen messages.

My heat sink is not conected to the computer, it is sitting on top of the proccesor (exactly the same position) but is it possible that the computer does not know it is there and is not allowing itself to boot? The thing is that the heat sink hasn't been conected for a long time however, but possibly when i reset the BIOS it now turns itself off?

I'm not sure what you mean exactly but the heatsink should be firmly fixed to the top of the processor and the fan should be connected and running.

If it helps i get two quick beeps while the computer is starting up.

http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm

You may have to follow the steps suggested in here... http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000607.htm

Do you have the motherboard book for this computer, if not then it may help to download one.

[Rhinosaur]

I don't belive i can turn of the Gateway logo-

I tested some computer parts in the computer (removing one and turning computer on) and they all seem to work, so far i have tested..

Hard Drive(s)
Ram
Bios Battery
Cables in Computer

When i remove or switch one of these the same problem still happens, so i don't know where to go from here.

A quick recap of all of the things the computer does.

1. Powers on - two quick beeps
2. "Bios clock not set (or somthing) press F1 to enter setup
2. F1- setup, set time, save and exit (can stay in here as long as i want, wont crash)
3. Gateway Logo- a few seconds, sounds of things running in computer- sounds stop
4. Step 2

[believer]

Okay I found what might be the right direction to take here.
You appear to be have a Parity circuit failure.

I have given a link to a page from this website check it out. It has some good ideas of how to trouble shoot this.
Basically 2 beeps on boot up indicates Memory issues or motherboard problem.
http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm

Also try this link for some info....a lot of reading.

http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/sys/beep/amiB2-c.html

Let us know how it goes

[kpac]

I have given a link to a page from this website check it out. It has some good ideas of how to trouble shoot this.
Basically 2 beeps on boot up indicates Memory issues or motherboard problem.
http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm

Already has that one....

[believer]

oops my bad.

Can you get into Bios still?

[street1 (RIP)]

Let's talk about the heatsink fan.You need to get it working properly to
advance to anywhere. Is it plugged in and working yet ?You should remove
the heatsink fan and CPU.Clean them properly get some thermal paste applied properly and reassemble.Your CPU is overheating.

[believer]

not sure overheating is occuring since he can stay on bios clock setting without it crashing and rebooting.

[Fed]

Model is...

Gateway MFATXTL

Can you double check this please.


Also check the fitment of the new battery, once you have set the time it should be retained.

[merlin]

Nice woe....have you got anymore

[Fed]

Nice woe....have you got anymore

I have plenty of woes, you want some?

[Rhinosaur]

ok been a while but i am ready to try fixing this comp again.

I think my best option is to reinstall windows and see if that helps. But i am having some trouble... i don't want to spend 100$ on a xp CD. So i thought i would create one. I read the article on this site but that seems that the CD only works for that one computer, meaning if i made a boot disk on another it wouldn't work. Is this true?

-simplified, if i create a boot disk on another computer can i use it on the messed up computer?

@Fed
Model MFATXSTL ELP, im not sure exactly what to check for on the battery...