Is it a mobo fault?

[Bulwark]

Intel P3 1.0gb - 256mb ram - mobo Epox EP-3SPA

Trying to install Win.XP
Hdd is recognized in bios on ide1 as is the dvd r/rw on ide2

System boots but does not start setup, just gets to a blank (black) screen with flashing cursor.

So far have tried:-
(a) booting from a hdd which already has XP installed
(b) booting from dvd and floppy  (changing boot sequence to suit)
(c) changing dvd and floppy drive to known good ones
(d) changing ribbon cables
(e) setting bios to defaults
(f) reseating ram (when the ram is installed in a second pc Memtest86 finds no problem

Any ideas welcomed.

Thanks

[xavier]

Can you get into windows?

[Zylstra]

Also, when you reset the BIOS to defaults, how did you do that? The ultimately best way is to unplug the computer, remove the battery from the motherboard, press the power button to assure that all is drained, wait ten minutes, and put the battery back and power it up.

[Bulwark]

Can you get into windows?

No - nothing past the blank screen with cursor.

Also, when you reset the BIOS to defaults, how did you do that? The ultimately best way is to unplug the computer, remove the battery from the motherboard, press the power button to assure that all is drained, wait ten minutes, and put the battery back and power it up.

I used the appropriate link on the mobo but have since used your suggestion, even waiting 30 minutes made no difference.