hangs at BIOS page on startup

[landa321]

OK, I started XP Pro and it is actually detecting 131069 MB

should i go ahead with the XP install? Will it detect the rest of it once I download SP1?

[landa321]

by the way, no strange noises. There is the one beep when the computer turns on, that is all.

[Raptor]

For the moment, I think having established that the hard drive shows +/- 137GB means it's O.K (Although you can still run a diagnostic test if you like)

Now we have to find the cause of the slow downs.

What hardware have you unplugged or removed that was previously inserted during the slow downs?

Were there different beeps before?

[landa321]

So, install XP now or no?

as far as beeps before... I don't recall any weird beeps before either.

Here is what was installed before:
GOOD-PC TV Tuner+FM PC Video / TV / FM Capture Card 701013821090
CREATIVE DI5630-30 56k Modem
 ENCORE 5 Port USB2.0 PCI Card Model ENLUSB2-5PCI-BR
 Linksys NC100 Network Card Driver version 2.1

I also had the optical mouse plugged in, speakers, and there was a cable going from audio out (internal sound card) to audio in of the TV tuner.

[Raptor]

Here is what was installed before:
GOOD-PC TV Tuner+FM PC Video / TV / FM Capture Card 701013821090
CREATIVE DI5630-30 56k Modem
 ENCORE 5 Port USB2.0 PCI Card Model ENLUSB2-5PCI-BR
 Linksys NC100 Network Card Driver version 2.1

I also had the optical mouse plugged in, speakers, and there was a cable going from audio out (internal sound card) to audio in of the TV tuner.

Ok, plug one of those devices in and then turn it on. See if the slowdown comes back and/or if Windows XP reports less than 131GB.  Repeat for all devices but make sure you only insert one of these devices at the time.

You might also want to try different PCI slots per PCI card, some devices don't play nice in certain PCI slots.

Once we've found the hardware causing the slowdown, leave it out and you can install XP with the hardware that does work. I'd find a replacement for whatever piece of hardware is causing the problem and no longer stick it back in.

Have to go now, checking back in 12 hours again or so but I think you'll do just fine with these instructions and now knowing where the problem comes from.

[landa321]

ok, i tried every pci card on their own... problem did not come back.

I tried with only speakers plugged in... problem did not come back.

I tried with only mouse plugged in... problem did not come back.

I tried every pci slot too... worked fine.

I now put in ALL of the PCI cards back and plugged in speakers and mouse and everything looks good.

I also have a printer and external USB drive, external USB DVD burner, USB game controller, but all of those have been disconnected for days, so I know they weren't the problem.

Don't know why it is working fine now... everything that was connected before is connected again now and it all is working.

Oh, also still showing 131069 MB of space available.

[killerb255]

So you're using a Windows XP disc with no Service Pack to install?

Slipstream the latest Service Pack into your installation:

http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,16507.msg86915.html#msg86915

If your XP installation is at least at SP1 level, then it will see the entire hard drive.  If not, it will only see roughly 137 GB.

[Raptor]

Don't know why it is working fine now... everything that was connected before is connected again now and it all is working.

Heh, guess something just needed to be reseated!

[landa321]

thanks so much for the help!

now comes the task of installing all old programs and drivers... but my system is up and running so no complaints here!!!

happy holidays

[Raptor]

thanks so much for the help!

now comes the task of installing all old programs and drivers... but my system is up and running so no complaints here!!!

happy holidays

No problemo, enjoy your Christmas.