Older home Built system boot up problems, help

[kozak]

Ok I built this computer like 6 years ago when i was really into computers but I've lost interest and knowledge and not i am stuck with a broken computer (my only personal computer btw). So here we go,

I push the power button on my computer, It starts and shows the MoBo manufacturers logo, then i switches to a black screen that says "Fasttrack 378 BIOS (more words here but i couldn't copy them down)
                        Scanning for IDE drives.......... No BIOS installed"

Than it switches to a black screen with a lot of writing basically saying that my computer won't start because there was a problem the last time it was shutdown, or started, or it lost power or something. Here it gives me 4 options, safe mode, safe mode networking, safe mode something else, and start computer with last known working configuration. I've chosen all and all options lead me to the same place. So i chose any of the options and i go to the black windows logo screen with the load bar, then to an all black screen, then it flashes a BSOD for about .5 sec and it shuts down and starts over again. I copied down what some of the BSOD says, "STOP: C0000218(more numbers)
                                                            (registry file ended *more words*) Then it says something about physical memory dump. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Sorry if this is a little incoherent

[drmsucks]

Start by replacing the CMOS battery on the motherboard. After 6 years it is almost assuredly dead.

After replacing the battery, enter the BIOS and load "Optimized" BIOS values. "Save changes and exit."

[kozak]

Where can I get the battery? Thanks.

[drmsucks]

Where can I get the battery? Thanks.

Typically a CR2032 which is available most everywhere that batteries are sold. But, check yours first; it ought to be a common type.

[kozak]

I should also say that the "BIOS not installed" message has been appearing on my screen for the better part of 2 weeks now but the computer has started normally untill now. Also i did more reaserch and other people with similar MOBO's (p4-p800-e) have reported similar problems and they mentioned somehting about turning off raid controller in the bios?

[drmsucks]

I should also say that the "BIOS not installed" message has been appearing on my screen for the better part of 2 weeks now but the computer has started normally untill now. Also i did more reaserch and other people with similar MOBO's (p4-p800-e) have reported similar problems and they mentioned somehting about turning off raid controller in the bios?

I would start with the battery. A dead or weak battery will not allow the CMOS settings to be kept in memory and very erratic computer performance will result. The battery will cost ≈$2.00.

After 6 years, why do you think that it has to do with a RAID setting? Do/did you ever have RAID installed? Have you recently changed BIOS settings?

[kozak]

No, i've never really messed with the BIOS. Just from some of my other searches that was one thing that some people said worked to fix this problem. When this problem happened i got into the BIOS and messed with the settings a little, that didn't work, so i loadeddefault bios settings and it still didn't work. I will try the battery tonight. Thanks.

[drmsucks]

Keep us informed.

[kozak]

Oh believe me I will!
My computer problems are almost never as simple as a battery change! Thanks again.

[drmsucks]

Oh believe me I will!
My computer problems are almost never as simple as a battery change! Thanks again.

LOL!!

[kozak]

I changed the batteryand it still does the exact same thing. When i started it again it gave me 4 beeps and said that a bunch of stuff wasn't configured so i set the date and time and let use the defauly BIOS settings and it it did all the same stuff over again.Whats next?

[drmsucks]

1) Post physical components of the computer - video, memory, etc.

2) What version of XP?

3) Are there still beeps on boot? Enter BIOS and load "Setup Default" values or similar - save and exit.

4) Disconnect all peripherals.

*Unplug Computer from Wall - Ground Yourself*

5) Re-seat video card and RAM.

6) Strip the computer down to: keyboard, mouse, one RAM module and video. Remove all other add-in cards.

7) Power the computer on.

Post back.