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From: MZB on 27 Apr 2010 09:23 William and Brian: OK, I started with the primary IDE channel. Before doing this, things had gotten worse. Constant freezing, even at bootup. I would only be able to boot up successfully 1 out of 3 times and even when that happened I could use the computer for maybe a few minutes or 2 hours, but often it would freeze. Anyway, I did the primary IDE last night and since then no problems. However, today when I booted up it again said it found new hardware, but this time the CD-ROM drive (Phillips). So, it installed that. I'm not sure if this was a one-time only deal or that it will do this every time. I'll know soon. One other question: could this be a CMOS battery problem? It's probably time for a new battery, but it is not easy to replace. I would have to have that done for me. (http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins2200/en/SM/coincell.htm). Now, if the problem occurs again, should I then proceed to remove the controller and then reboot? Mel "Brian K" <remove_this(a)hotmail.com> wrote in message news:MWnBn.21640$pv.20636(a)news-server.bigpond.net.au... > Mel, > > Start with the Primary IDE channel. Uninstall and reboot. Then see if you > can set DMA. > >
From: mb_ on 27 Apr 2010 10:28 On Apr 27, 9:23 am, "MZB" <m...(a)noway.prudigy.net> wrote: > William and Brian: > > OK, I started with the primary IDE channel. Before doing this, things had > gotten worse. Constant freezing, even at bootup. I would only be able to > boot up successfully 1 out of 3 times and even when that happened I could > use the computer for maybe a few minutes or 2 hours, but often it would > freeze. > > Anyway, I did the primary IDE last night and since then no problems. > However, today when I booted up it again said it found new hardware, but > this time the CD-ROM drive (Phillips). So, it installed that. > > I'm not sure if this was a one-time only deal or that it will do this every > time. I'll know soon. > > One other question: could this be a CMOS battery problem? It's probably time > for a new battery, but it is not easy to replace. I would have to have that > done for me. > (http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins2200/en/SM/coincell.htm). > > Now, if the problem occurs again, should I then proceed to remove the > controller and then reboot? > > Mel > > "Brian K" <remove_t...(a)hotmail.com> wrote in message > > news:MWnBn.21640$pv.20636(a)news-server.bigpond.net.au... > > > > > Mel, > > > Start with the Primary IDE channel. Uninstall and reboot. Then see if you > > can set DMA.- Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text - Sadly, computer freezes are back. Mel
From: Brian K on 28 Apr 2010 07:04 Mel, Have you checked your RAM with MemTest86+ V4.00? Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip) and burn it with ImghBurn. from http://www.memtest.org/#downiso Let the app run overnight.
From: Brian K on 28 Apr 2010 07:06 I meant to say unzip the file and burn the .ISO with ImgBurn.
From: William R. Walsh on 28 Apr 2010 11:27
Hi! > OK, I started with the primary IDE channel. Before doing this, > things had gotten worse. Constant freezing, even at bootup. > I would only be able to boot up successfully 1 out of 3 times You could have a hard disk going bad, but if you did, I'd expect much more consistent misbehavior. (However, that points mainly to mechanical failure of the drive, which is usually pretty consistent. Electronic device failures (components on the drive's circuit board) are also possible and can cause pretty screwy behavior.) As Brian K pointed out, checking the rest of the computer is a good idea to be sure it's working. In addition to Memtest86, I'd suggest running the Dell diagnostics (F12 at POST time) if you still have them on the hard disk. That way you can be reasonably sure the computer itself is not having a meltdown. Also check the system and power supply fans to be sure they are running. William |