After upgrading CPU, can't boot or reinstall WinXP

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kent
  • Start date Start date
K

Kent

I have WinXP pro and when I upgraded my AMD 1800+ to a
2400+ WinXP would not boot past the loading windows
splash screen. Same when doing a fresh install of WinXP.
I know the AsusA7V333 mobo reconizes the CPU because I
have WinME and Linux running now. I think WinXP won't
load because of the hardware upgrade and I was wondering
if anyone knew how to fix or a work around for this?

Thanks in advance,
Kent
 
Kent

During the initial installation XP configures itself to suit the hardware in
order to provide a more stable system. Because of this a major change in
hardware can cause problems.

**** If you have a XP installation CD ****

You should always back up any important files in advance of a hardware
change.

Many users, myself included, prefer to do a full clean install after major
hardware changes as you describe.

The alternative, and equally valid option, is the repair install (also known
as an In-Place Upgrade).

See following Knowledge Base article for details. Pay careful attention to
the possible loss of data links in the MS article.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;Q315341&ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341

After doing this you may need to re-activate your installation of XP. If it
has been more than 120 days since you last re-activated you should be able
to activate over the internet, otherwise it will require a short phonecall.

After the repair install you will need to re-install any XP service packs
and updates, but you will not need to re-install any applications.

Hope that helps
Pete
 
Kent

My apologies for not reading your original post correctly, you did specify
that you were having problems with a clean installation of XP.

After a little more research, it seems that the Asus website recommends BIOS
version 1017 to correctly identify all version of the AMD 2400+. It may be
that is the cause of the problem so check your current BIOS and update if
necessary.

Hope that helps
Pete
-----------------------
 
Thanks! I'll try that. My mobo came with BIOS 1006 and
i've flashed it to 1016, It runs ok with winME and Linux
but it's got problems with WinXP. My 2400+ CPU came
unlocked so I can change the multiplier in the BIOS.
Don't think that would make any difference though. WinXP
doesn't like my sound blaster live value card so I take
it out during installation and XP doesn't like my Geforce
4400 either. but i can't help that. Don't have a spare to
put in. I would rather do a clean install of XP and I may
give it a try soon. Well i'm off to Asus's site to read
about their bios updates.

thanks,
Kent
 
I just got back from the Asus site and the way I see it
my motherboard is a PCB 1.01 and doesn't support the
333mhz FSB CPU's. I can run my ram at 333 but not the
CPU. The higher BIOS updates are for the newer 333 FSB
CPU's. I've noticed in my BIOS that it shows I can turn
the CPU speed up to 333 but Asus doesn't seem to show
that it will work with my older version motherboard . :(
But i'll try it anyway to see if it will help with the XP
install when I have time to bak up all my junk.
Thanks,
Kent
 
Hi Kent

My apologies again for the initial misreading of your post.

As I understand your current hardware, you have the 2400+ Model 10 (333Mhz)
on a A7V333 PCB 1.01?

Although the CPU Support page does reference the PCB 2.00 with this CPU
model along with BIOS 1017, there isn't a restriction referenced on the
actual BIOS download page.

Before updating the BIOS to 1017 I think you'd be best advised to contact
Asus and request assistance from them. Specifically whether you need the
BIOS update with your CPU (give them full details of model and rating) and
if it will conflict with the PCB version you have with a XP installation.
They're really the only people who can answer that question and if it's
going to cause a problem then you need to know in advance.

In the meantime it may be worth trying to set the CPU FSB speed in the BIOS
to 333Mhz and then attempt to install XP - assuming that your CPU is 333Mhz.
My understanding of the way XP loads specific drivers during installation
means that, although the resulting system is more stable than most OS, this
process makes XP less tolerant of hardware mismatches for this step which
may explain the initial problem.

BTW Don't overclock anything (RAM etc) if you can avoid it during the
installation.

Post an update when you can.
Hope that helps
Pete
----------------------------------
 
Hi Kent

The instability when the RAM is set at 333 MHz suggests a timing problem
that a BIOS update may be able to fix. If you haven't already, send an
email off to Asus support detailing your current problem and specifying your
hardware (make and models) - mainboard, RAM, CPU and hard-drive should cover
it.

As for the "reinstall on an upgraded computer" I believe that is the repair
install procedure detailed in the MS Knowledge Base article I linked in my
original reply.

That procedure should replace all drivers required by an upgrade in the same
way that a new installation would, but is not always successful.

Apart from waiting for a reply from Asus, the next step when a repair
install fails is to perform a full clean installation. I'm not sure if this
was as complete as necessary when you attempted it before. You will need to
delete, recreate and reformat the partition you wish to install XP on.

Details on this procedure can be found here -
313348 - How to: partition and format a hard disk in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;313348

Scroll down to the section headed -
How to Partition and Format Your Hard Disk by Using Windows XP Setup

and then install as normal.

Post an update when you can.

Hope that helps
Pete
 
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