PC POSSESSED !

  • Thread starter Thread starter teknowbabble
  • Start date Start date
T

teknowbabble

I found this cool computer laying next to a dumpster in my apartment
complex. That should have been my first clue. But oooooooooh
nooooooooo, I had to pick it up and open Pandora's Box. I think I
released some Trapped Demons inside because this baby is taking me for
a wild ride into Hells Kitchen.

Is there a 12-step group for Hardware Geeks that cant say NO!

Ive burned the midnight oil trying to figure out how to stabilize this
BEAST!

I wont Rest until the the boot is as smooth as glass and all l can hear
is the quite hum of bearingless fans.

PROBLEMS:

- Computer Locks-Up after about 20+ minutes of operation. The system
loads up fine and operates fine and then just hangs. I cant do
Control-Alt-Delete and power ON/OFF switch doesnt work. Sometimes the
cursor still works but I cant select anything. I have to RESET the
computer to Re-Boot.

-->SPECIAL NOTE<--
Just before the system hangs, I HEAR A CLICK. I havent a clue what it
is. It happens most of the time but not always. Ive swapped out power
supplies and modem cards. I cant think of anything else that would make
a click in my system except for the main hard drive which I havent
tried yet.

- Lately Ive been getting an exception error during operation

"an exception 0E has occurred at 0028:C0031A54 in VXD---. This was
called from 0028:C00301F9 in VXD---. It may be possible to continue
normally"

I havent had this before. I used CCleaner, and may have messed with
some Registry files so I will use the Registry Checker to reinstall
them. Maybe Ive got BAD RAM? I dont know?

- I also have problems running SISOFT SANDRA 2004 SP2 and AVG 7
Antivirus software. Sometimes the system just hangs or spits out an
error. Also SCREEN SAVER is now creating system faults.

Things seem to be getting progressively worse.

Any help is appreciated.

Ive included the MOBO Manufactures Information, SISOFT SANDRA Runs, and
a HIJACKTHIS Log.

Teknowbabble


THINGS I HAVE TRIED:
- Installed latest Bios and System Drivers
- Swapped out Power Supply
- Upgraded Memory from 32 MB to 128 MB
- Installed 32 MB Video Card to Take the pressure off the Onboard
Graphics
- Swapped out PCI Modem Cards


*** Setup ***

TOSHIBA V3100 SYSTEM
MicroATX Mother Board
200W Power Supply (original was a 150W)
CPU: Intel Celeron 366 mhz
Motherboard: GVC/BCM IN810P
Chipset: Intel 810E
128 MB RAM = 2 x 64 MB
Windows 98
Video Board: Nvidia gforce 400 MX 32 MB
2 Hard Drives: C drive 6 GB Maxtor, D drive 4 GB Maxtor
Dual Boot Setup with GRUB;
--> C drive Windows 98, D drive Debian Linux
--> Both Drives hooked up to Maxtor IDE ATA/100 PCI interface Card
(Cable Select JMP'ers set on both drives)
Generic 1.44 MB Floppy Drive
ASUS CD Rom Drive
Agere Systems 56.6K Modem PCI Card


*** BCM Motherboard (Company information) ***
IN810P
CPU: CPU speed/voltage support may be dependant upon motherboard/BIOS
revision
233MHz-850MHz
Intel Celeron and Pentium III
Intel Socket 370 For CPU

System Chipset:
Intel 810 Chipset
66/100 FSB
Winbond W83627HF-AW I/O Controller

Cache Memory:
Integrated in the CPU

Intel AGP Graphics:
3D 64bit 133Mhz AGP
2-11 MB Dynamic UMA memory architecture

On-Board Sound:
ADI soft sound codec

Wake On LAN:
Remote Wake-Up of computer through a network.

System Memory:
2 x 168 pin DIMM sockets, support 32MB minimum and up to 512MB maximum
Supports 32, 64, 128 and 256MB SDRAM DIMM using 16/64/128Mb technology

On Board PCI IDE:
2 X PCI Bus Master IDE Ports (Up to 4 IDE Devices)
Support PIO Mode 0, 1, 2, 3
Supports Enhanced IDE PIO mode 3 and 4, 17MB/sec. (Max.)
Support UDMA Mode 66MB/sec. (Max.)

On board I/O:
1 Floppy Port (up to 2.88 MB)
1 Parallel Port (ECP, EPP)
2 Serial Ports (16C550 Fast UART Compatible) with FIFO's, Plug & Play
1 PS/2 Keyboard Port
1 PS/2 Mouse Header
2 Standard USB Ports (48MHz) Supports up to 127 USB Devices
Consumer IR and IrDA interface

BIOS:
4M-bit Flash EPROM
AMI BIOS with Green and PnP Function
IDE Auto-configuring
PC97/98 Ready
ACPI Compliant
DMI Support
Instant-On

Expansion Slots:
1 AMR Slot
3 PCI Slots
1 DFP Slots

Form Factor:
Micro ATX form factor
Board size: 8.625" x 9.625"


**** SISOFT SANDRA 2004 SP2 SYSTEM SCAN ***

SiSoftware Sandra

System
Manufacturer : Compaq <--- Not Sure Why Sisoft thinks this is a Compaq?
The case says Toshiba
Host Name : xxxxx
User : xxxxx

Processor
Model : Intel(R) Celeron(tm)
Speed : 376MHz
Performance Rating : PR451 (estimated)
Type : Standard
L2 On-board Cache : 128kB ECC Synchronous Write-Back (4-way, 32 byte
line size)

Mainboard
Bus(es) : PCI USB i2c/SMBus
MP Support : No
MP APIC : No
System BIOS : American Megatrends Inc. IN810P BIOS Ver: 1.05
System : IBM 2276
Mainboard : INTEL WHITNEY
Total Memory : 126MB SDRAM

Chipset 1
Model : GVC/BCM Advanced Research 82810E 810e Host-Hub Interface and
Memory Controller
Front Side Bus Speed : 1x 68MHz (68MHz data rate)
Total Memory : 128MB SDRAM
Shared Memory : 1MB

Video System
Monitor/Panel : CTX 1451
Adapter : Standard PCI Graphics Adapter (VGA)
Adapter : NVIDIA GeForce2 MX/MX 400

Physical Storage Devices
Hard Disk : Maxtor 9 0680D4
Hard Disk : Maxtor 9 0320D2
Hard Disk : GENERIC NEC FLOPPY DISK
CD-ROM/DVD : ASUS CD-S400/A

Logical Storage Devices
1.44MB 3.5" (A:) : 1MB (1MB, 100% Free) (FAT)
Hard Disk (C:) : 6.3GB (3.9GB, 62% Free) (FAT32)
My disc (D:) : 8MB (0MB, 0% Free) (CDFS)

Peripherals
Serial/Parallel Port(s) : 2 COM / 1 LPT
USB Controller/Hub : Intel 82801AA USB Universal Host Controller
USB Controller/Hub : USB Root Hub
Keyboard : Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard

MultiMedia Device(s)
Device : Gameport Joystick
Device : MPU-401 Compatible
Device : SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio
Device : Wave Device for Voice Modem
Device : Microsoft Kernel System Renderer
Device : Microsoft Kernel GS Wavetable Synthesizer
Device : Microsoft Kernel Audio Mixer
Device : Microsoft DirectMusic SW Synth (WDM)

Communication Device(s)
Device : Agere Systems PCI Soft Modem

Printers and Faxes
Model : MightyFAX Printer Driver
Model : MS Publisher Color Printer
Model : MS Publisher Imagesetter

Power Management
AC Line Status : On-Line

Operating System(s)
Windows System : Microsoft Windows 98 (Win32 x86) 4.10.2222 ( A )
DOS System : Microsoft MS-DOS Version 7.10 A

Network Services
Adapter : Dial-Up Adapter


*** SISOFT SANDRA2004 SP2 MAINBOARD SCAN ***

SiSoftware Sandra

System
Manufacturer : IBM
Model : 2276
Version : 0000000
Serial Number : 000
ID : 00000000-00000000-00000000-00000000

System Chassis
Manufacturer : INTEL String
Type : Desktop
Can be locked : No
Version : 1.0
Serial Number : 0000000
Asset Tag : 0123ABC

Mainboard
Manufacturer : INTEL
MP Support : No
Model : WHITNEY
Version : 1.0
Serial Number : 00000000
System BIOS : 63-0104-001259-00101111-071595-WHITNEY

On-board Devices
Intel Corporation : Video Adapter (Enabled)
AC97 Audio : Sound Adapter (Enabled)
AC97 Modem : Other (Disabled)

FLASH Memory Controller
Location : Mainboard
Error Correction Capability : None
Number of Memory Slots : 1
Bank 1 - U11 M/B : Non-Volatile FLASH 512kB/8

System Memory Controller
Location : Mainboard
Error Correction Capability : None
Number of Memory Slots : 2
Maximum Installable Memory : 512MB
Bank 2 - DIMM1 M/B : DIMM Synchronous DRAM 64MB/64
Bank 3 - DIMM2 M/B : DIMM Synchronous DRAM 64MB/64

Chipset 1
Model : GVC/BCM Advanced Research 82810E 810e Host-Hub Interface and
Memory Controller
Bus(es) : PCI USB i2c/SMBus
Front Side Bus Speed : 1x 68MHz (68MHz data rate)
Maximum FSB Speed / Max Memory Speed : 1x 133MHz / 1x 133MHz
Width : 64-bit
IO Queue Depth : 4 request(s)

Chipset 1 Hub Interface
Type : Hub-Interface
Version : 1.00
Number of Ports : 1
Width : 8-bit
Full Duplex : Yes
Multiplier : 1/1x

Logical/Chipset 1 Memory Banks
Bank 0 : 64MB SDRAM 3-3-3-0CL
Bank 2 : 64MB SDRAM 3-3-3-0CL
Shared Memory : 1MB
Width : 64-bit
Refresh Rate : 15.60µs
Power Save Mode : No
Fixed Hole Present : No

Memory Module(s)
Memory Module 1 : Micron 8LSDT864AG-10EC7 510BC85B 64MB 8x(8Mx8) SDRAM
PC100-222-622 (CL3 up to 125MHz) (CL2 up to 100MHz)
Memory Module 2 : Micron 8LSDT864AG-10EC7 510BC85D 64MB 8x(8Mx8) SDRAM
PC100-222-622 (CL3 up to 125MHz) (CL2 up to 100MHz)

Environment Monitor 1
Model : Winbond W83627(T)HF ISA
Version : 2.01
Mainboard Specific Support : No

Temperature Sensor(s)
Board Temperature : 32.0°C / 89.6°F
CPU Temperature : 33.5°C / 92.3°F td
Power / Aux Temperature : 64.0°C / 147.2°F

Cooling Device(s)
Auto Fan Speed Control : No
CPU Fan Speed : 5444rpm

Voltage Sensor(s)
CPU Voltage : 1.97V
Aux Voltage : 1.52V
+3.3V Voltage : 3.30V
+5V Voltage : 5.00V
+12V Voltage : 11.73V
-12V Voltage : -11.95V
-5V Voltage : -5.05V
Standby Voltage : 4.95V
Battery Voltage : 3.23V

PCI Bus(es) on Hub 1
Version : 2.10
Number of Bridges : 1
PCI Bus 0 : PCI (34MHz)
PCI Bus 1 : PCI (34MHz)
Multiplier : 1/2x

LPC Hub Controller 1
Model : Intel Corporation 82801AA 8xx Chipset LPC Interface Bridge
ACPI Power Management Enabled : Yes
Delayed Transaction Enabled : Yes

USB Controller 1
Model : Intel Corporation 82801AA 8xx Chipset USB Controllers
Version : 1.10
Interface : UHCI
Channels : 2
Speed : 48MHz
Supported Speed(s) : Low (1.5Mbps) Full (12Mbps)
Legacy Emulation Enabled : No

System SMBus Controller 1
Model : Intel 801xx/63xx SMBus
Version : 0.02
Advanced TCO Mode Enabled : No
Slave Device Enabled : No
PEC Support : No
Speed : 100kHz

Expansion Slot(s)
PCI1 (1h) : PCI 32-bit +3.3V Shared PME Full-Length Used (GVC/BCM
Advanced Research 82810E 810e Graphics Controller)
PCI2 (2h) : PCI 32-bit +3.3V Shared PME Full-Length Used
PCI3 (3h) : PCI 32-bit +3.3V Shared PME Full-Length Used

Port Connector
COM Port - Serial Port A : Serial Port 16550A - None / DB-9 pin male
COM Port - Serial Port B : Serial Port 16550A - None / DB-9 pin male
LPT Port - Parallel Port : Parallel Port ECP/EPP - None / DB-25 pin
female
Keyboard - Keyboard : Keyboard - None / PS/2
Mouse - PS/2 Mouse : Mouse - None / PS/2
Floppy - Floppy : None - Floppy Disk / None
Primary IDE - IDE-1 : None - ATA / None
Secondary IDE - IDE-2 : None - ATA / None
USB Port - USB : USB - None / USB

Performance Tips
Notice 224 : SMBIOS/DMI information may be inaccurate.
Warning 2507 : Mainboard has too few memory slots. Upgrading the memory
may be difficult or expensive.
Warning 2508 : All memory slots are full. Upgrading the memory may be
difficult or expensive.
Warning 2544 : System/Video shared memory greatly reduces performance.
Use external video card.
Warning 2518 : Mainboard temperature is too high.
Tip 10 : To benchmark/test your PDA / SmartPhone, use the 'Switch Test
System' button.
Tip 2 : Double-click tip or press Enter while a tip is selected for
more information about the tip.

*** HIJACKTHIS LOG ***

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 11:34:58 AM, on 9/22/06
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 (6.00.2600.0000)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\ACCSTAT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\LOGITECH\MOUSEWARE\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGCC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGAMSVR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT ACTIVESYNC\WCESCOMM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ZONE LABS\ZONEALARM\ZLCLIENT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HIJACKTHIS\HIJACKTHIS-V1-99-1.EXE

O2 - BHO: FDMIECookiesBHO Class -
{CC59E0F9-7E43-44FA-9FAA-8377850BF205} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\FREE DOWNLOAD
MANAGER\IEFDMCKS.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} -
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC]
C:\PROGRA~1\LOGITECH\MOUSEW~1\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundFusion] RunDll32 cwcprops.cpl,CrystalControlWnd
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe
powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [agrsmMSG] agrsmMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGCC.EXE
/STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_AMSVR]
C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGAMSVR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] C:\Program Files\Zone
Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe
powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [TrueVector]
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE -service
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [H/PC Connection Agent] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT
ACTIVESYNC\WCESCOMM.EXE"
O4 - Startup: zonealarm.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Zone
Labs\ZoneAlarm\zonealarm.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download with Free Download Manager -
file://C:\Program Files\Free Download Manager\dllink.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download all with Free Download Manager -
file://C:\Program Files\Free Download Manager\dlall.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download selected with Free Download
Manager - file://C:\Program Files\Free Download Manager\dlselected.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} -
(no file)
O9 - Extra button: Create Mobile Favorite -
{2EAF5BB1-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SHDOCVW.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} -
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SHDOCVW.DLL
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Create Mobile Favorite... -
{2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SHDOCVW.DLL
O16 - DPF: Dialpad Java Applet -
http://www.dialpad.com/applet/src/vscp.cab
O16 - DPF: Dialpad US Java Applet -
http://www.dialpad.com/applet/src/vscp.cab
O16 - DPF: {2B323CD9-50E3-11D3-9466-00A0C9700498} (Yahoo! Audio
Conferencing) -
http://us.chat1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/chat/applet/v43/yacscom.cab
O16 - DPF: {7D1E9C49-BD6A-11D3-87A8-009027A35D73} (Yahoo! Audio UI1) -
http://chat.yahoo.com/cab/yacsui.cab
O16 - DPF: {7A32634B-029C-4836-A023-528983982A49} (MSN Chat Control
4.2) - http://fdl.msn.com/public/chat/msnchat42.cab
 
That click is the hard drive head retraction to re-zero
itself. You have a bad spot(s) on the hard drive.

johns
 
I think I solved at least one problem.

AVG 7, my anti-virus program, seems to be the culprit as far as making
my system hang. I found out because I had no problems when I was in
safe-mode. I noticed that AVG did not load up so I decided to unselect
it during my startup through msconfig.

Now I can run Sisoft Sandra 2004 as well. I think AVG 7 is just a
little too bloated for Windows 98SE.

Now I have to find a smaller size anti-virus program.

The one thing that is still giving me a headache is that my system says
it has performed an illegal operation when the screen-saver is
activated.

I have a 32 MB Nvidia card which seems to work well as far as I can
tell. Maybe I need to reload Windows 98 because the screen saver files
are corrupt.

Hopefully thats the problem. Got any Ideas let me know.

Teknowbabble


******** Good Advice I found off the Internet **********

DRAM wait-state incorrect -
Try changing the BIOS/CMOS DRAM wait-state settings to "Normal" if this
value is not set to that.

USB Port -
Can be related to having a USB port installed on a computer but not
having the USB software. Look for a file called USBSUPP.EXE on your
windows CD and install it to fix the error.

possible corrupt files -
Reinstall system files or the Windows program.

Norton Anti-Virus related - see Microsoft KB article Q189655.
It can occur if an older version of a Symantec program (such as Norton
AntiVirus) is installed. To resolve this issue, disable the Symantec
Symevnt.386 file as describe in the KB article Link above.

*****************************************************************
 
I found this cool computer laying next to a dumpster in my apartment
complex. That should have been my first clue. But oooooooooh
nooooooooo, I had to pick it up and open Pandora's Box. I think I
released some Trapped Demons inside because this baby is taking me for
a wild ride into Hells Kitchen.
Click to expand...


Before you do anything else, have you formatted the drives and
reinstalled 98se? If not, really youre wasting your time. If you
already have, then...


Have you checked the temps of cpu and case? More reliable to check with
a hand than rely on mobo readings, which can occasionally be wrong.

RAM: test overnight with Memtest86 flopy.

AVG is solid on 98, and one of the less bloated choices. Maybe
reinstall it, but if AVG wont run I'd be pretty sure the problem is OS
rather than AVG.

Why have you got a screen saver running? Thyre an obsolete technology
that waste power, shorten monitor life and do nothing of any use. They
had 2 valid uses once but things have come a long way since then.

HDD surface scans might be in order in the circumstances.


NT
 
I found this cool computer laying next to a dumpster in my apartment
complex. That should have been my first clue. But oooooooooh
nooooooooo, I had to pick it up and open Pandora's Box. I think I
released some Trapped Demons inside because this baby is taking me for
a wild ride into Hells Kitchen.

Is there a 12-step group for Hardware Geeks that cant say NO!
Click to expand...

Rule number 1 in dealing with a basketcase

Open it up and check for bad capicitors. If any are bulging or leaking,
you can save yourself a lot of effort by realising that the motherboard
is shot. And your only hope is to replace all the bad caps with good
ones, or replace the whole motherboard.

Rule 2 : Blow out the dust and check the mechanics.

Rule 3: Wipe the original OS. Don't even look, it's evil. Its' either a
virus monster, or otherwise screwed up.

dban from dban.sourceforge.net is a good wiping tool

Rule 4: DIAGNOSTICS

memtest86+ from www.memtest.org
MHDD from http://hddguru.com/content/en/software/2005.10.02-MHDD/
not much to do about video but to swap with Known Good

rule 5 Strip to BARE minimun

If it's not one of the big 4 components, it's somenhing else. Remove
EVERYTHING you can, go into the BIOS to disable an much as possible.

If it's not stable even then, toss it. If you get stability, re-enable
stuff until it crashes again.
 
I found this cool computer laying next to a dumpster in my apartment
complex. That should have been my first clue. But oooooooooh
nooooooooo, I had to pick it up and open Pandora's Box. I think I
released some Trapped Demons inside because this baby is taking me for
a wild ride into Hells Kitchen.
Click to expand...

Don't quit your day job.
 
I found this cool computer laying next to a dumpster in my apartment
complex. That should have been my first clue. But oooooooooh
nooooooooo, I had to pick it up and open Pandora's Box. I think I
released some Trapped Demons inside because this baby is taking me for
a wild ride into Hells Kitchen.


<snipo>

I'm sure you've gotten it all sorted out by now...but I just wanted to say
that i too *cannot* pass up and curbside computer.

The only one I've ever let go...I later found out was a collector's item
(One of those Compaq, "sewing machine" types)


Anyway a year later I saw another one and got it. Works perfectly but will
only work with dos3x.

Those original IBM XT's will work with any version of dos
 
Thanks for all the feedback.

I think Johns is right. The main hard drive is damaged. Im still
getting the "CLICK" sound and then the system hangs. I think AVG 7 has
a conflict with Sisoft Sandra 2004. When its not running Sandra works
fine.

I also got rid of the GRUB boot loader program for choosing which hard
drive to boot up from (Windows 98SE or Debian Linux). I will just work
with Windows 98SE for the time being. Eventually Im shooting for a dual
boot Windows 98SE and Debian Linux system. Ill just choose the boot
drive from Bios to uncomplicate things.

I agree that I should start with a bare-bones system and then add
things on. Ive got a second hard drive (D:), CDR drive, and a Floppy
drive which Ill unplug the power connections to, and then add stuff on
to.

Physical Storage Devices
Hard Disk : Maxtor 9 0680D4
Hard Disk : Maxtor 9 0320D2
Hard Disk : GENERIC NEC FLOPPY DISK
CD-ROM/DVD : ASUS CD-S400/A

I havent tried the Memtest86 yet, but will once I get a known good hard
drive working.

All I have to do now is copy the files I want to keep from my old drive
to the new one. First Ill Format the new drive to make sure its clean.
Are there any 3rd party software programs that can check hard drive
integrity- a Sisoft Sandra for hard drives only? Scandisk doesnt seem
to cut it.

I do have one question about this MicroATX Toshiba V3100 box. The main
drive I have is mounted vertically and sideways to the case. There is
an auxillary 5 1/4" bay where I mounted the second drive. Im using
older/recycled 3 & 4 GB Maxtor drives. Is that going to affect the
performance? and reading and writing? I think just to play it safe Im
going to mount the primary drive in the horizontal auxillary bay. Then
I dont have worry about whether it is or not.

Im still having problems where Im getting an Error saying --> computer
has performed an illegal operation.
It happens intermittently and also when the screen saver initiates. Ive
turned the screen saver off for now.

Someone I talked to suggested it might be the 32 MB nVidia card I have
in one of my PCI slots.

Video System
Monitor/Panel : CTX 1451
Adapter : Standard PCI Graphics Adapter (VGA)
Adapter : NVIDIA GeForce2 MX/MX 400

I may just default to the onboard graphics intitally and see if the
problem resolves itself. That would suck because I like the nVidia
card.

Intel AGP Graphics:
3D 64bit 133Mhz AGP
2-11 MB Dynamic UMA memory architecture


Teknowbabble
 
I havent tried the Memtest86 yet, but will once I get a known good hard
drive working.
Click to expand...

Memtest doesn touch the hdd , so it makes no differencew what the hdd
situ is for that.

NT
 
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