Computer can't find HDD or CDROM

[Peter Kaufman]

Hi,

I have 2 hard drives and 2 cdroms in a computer. Every now and then
the BIOS and therefore Windows cannot find one of them, - could be
either a CDROM or HDD that is not found. If I unplug the device - not
just the computer but the device itself and plug it in again, it will
usually come back. That is my first question - why is unplugging the
device itself from a power supply that is already off - why does that
have any effect - a different effect than just shutting off the
computer power?

I have changed everything but the CPU - I mean everything:
cables - several times.
power supply - 3 times
Mainboard - different model! (but both Asus)
HDDs and cdroms several times - different types and brands. CDROMs are
CDR or CDRW or CDRW/DVD R.
Memory - haven't changed but there are no problems with the RAM

The power here (Thailand) is not up to 1st world standards, but is
pretty good - not enough fluctuations to notice lights getting weaker
or brighter.

What the heck is going on? Has anyone ever seen this before? Any ideas
appreciated.

Peter

 

[Mike D]

Try this:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;191579&Product=win2000
Also make sure Service Pack 4 for Windows 2000 is installed.
Mike D

 

[Peter Kaufman]

Mike,

I know this is a Windows group, but I wish you had read my post
carefully before responding. The problem evidences itself at the BIOS
level, before Windows even loads. SP4 or Tweak UI has nothing to do
with it, but in fact SP4 is applied and I would never install Tweak
UI.

Peter

 

[DL]

You seem to have covered all options.
The only other suggestion is the actual power supply, ie from mains
If its fluctuating, maybe the problem?

 

[Guest]

Have you tried a UPS (backup battery)? Sounds VERY power supply related to me
I've seen the same thing also once when I had a bad power supply and also once when a virus got a hold of the Bios

I recommend
1) Get a clean windows 98 boot disk. If you don't have one you can download an image from the web and create one. I don't think MS provides these images, but if you search google or yahoo for one...you should find one

2) Go to Asus's page and get the BIOS flash and Bios flash util

3) Download any ASUS updates for your IDE controller

4) Boot to your win98 disk while holding F5 to prevent any programs from loading in memory why the disk boots

5) Flash the BIOS

6) Install any ASUS IDE controller upgrades

You may want to also plug into another location...like a friends place to see if there is possibly anything WRONG with your power? However a UPS sould condition your power good enough to take care of any spikes you might be having.

It really sounds power related though...You say you have tried 3 power supplies? Are they good brands...Expect to pay about $45 to $85 US for a good 350 Watt or 400Watt power supply...I've seen problems like this with cheapo $20 power supplies

Good luck

 

[Peter Kaufman]

JC and DL, thanks a lot for your responses.

DL, that brought something to the surface that has been lurking in the
back of my mind also. I am going to try a voltage regulator. And JC, I
do have the latest BIOS upgrades but appreciate the suggestion.

Peter