Win2000Pro - Boot-up Problem

[Guest]

I added a 500MB memory module to bring the total up to 1.5GB and re-booted.
Boot-up went smoothly, the increased memory was recognised by the BIOS and
the Windows splash screen duly appeared. Windows boot-up proceeded but halted
prior to the log-on screen appearing. Although the disk LED indicated some
frantic activity I could only see a blank screen.

Does anyone have any idea what is happening? I suspect somethine simple that
I have overlooked and welcome any suggestions. (I haven't tried the f8
options yet and the PC booted normally when I removed the module).

Many thanks ...

 

[&re]

I added a 500MB memory module to bring the total up to 1.5GB and

re-booted.
-- What brand/type of motherboard?
-- How many memory slots available?
-- is the added memory module of the same type as the other 2?

Boot-up went smoothly, the increased memory was recognised by the BIOS and
the Windows splash screen duly appeared. Windows boot-up proceeded but halted
prior to the log-on screen appearing. Although the disk LED indicated some
frantic activity I could only see a blank screen.

Does anyone have any idea what is happening? I suspect somethine simple that
I have overlooked and welcome any suggestions. (I haven't tried the f8
options yet and the PC booted normally when I removed the module).

-- There is no harm done in starting up in safe mode. So I would say give it
a try. W2K is a bit picky about hardware changes and need a kickstart via
safe mode to do some reconfiguration.
BTW are you 100% sure this new memory is OK. Otherwise download memtest86 ,
put it on a floppy and test your memory before anything else. Remember
static ESD - at POST it just detect the presence of a memory module in a
slot but does not perform a full test. When loading W2K it may stumble in a
memory problem.

Good luck

&re

 

[Guest]

Hi..
This is caused due to the Memory chip which you are using. It is not
compatible. so thats the reason when you remove the memory module the windows
boots normally.
Are you using multiple memory modules. if yes then both the modules should
match properly otherwise it would create problems.

Prasanna

 

[Guest]

Thanks &re. I am about to configure memtest86 and see what it reveals. System
is SuperMicro p6DGU/DBU. Intel Celeron Pentium III 500Mhz. four slots taking
max 4x500MB. Middle aged but I am trying to squeeze the most from it.
Memory is from Crucial and all three modules are identical but I will get my
eye glass out and check the model numbers etc.
I used the f8 option and the system booted with the added memory but the
video card eventually crashed and I reinstalled it. Since then I can boot
normally but the video card crashes intermittently so think the card drivers
(ATI Radeon 9800)may be the problem. Though why an increase in memory should
provoke it is beyond my understanding.

Thanks again

Al

 

[Guest]

Thanks Prasanna, Yes that is the most obvious answer and I will examine the
modules again but am sure that I ordered the right model. However, it's worth
checking again.
I have four memory slots and am using three, each with 512Mb modules.
I just swapped out one of the original modules with the new one, giving me
1GB total and it is working well at the moment. This inclines me to think the
memory is OK.

Al
,

 

[&re]

Thanks &re. I am about to configure memtest86 and see what it reveals. System
is SuperMicro p6DGU/DBU. Intel Celeron Pentium III 500Mhz. four slots taking
max 4x500MB. Middle aged but I am trying to squeeze the most from it.
Memory is from Crucial and all three modules are identical but I will get my
eye glass out and check the model numbers etc.
I used the f8 option and the system booted with the added memory but the
video card eventually crashed and I reinstalled it. Since then I can boot
normally but the video card crashes intermittently so think the card drivers
(ATI Radeon 9800)may be the problem. Though why an increase in memory should
provoke it is beyond my understanding.

Suppose the module itself is OK considering the swap-out test with another
slot you did.
I found out that these MoBo seem to be picky about the brand/type of module
they use !!
http://www.memoryx.net/supmxad512.html

Also, might it be possible that you have to use the memory banks in pair, so
you can install either 2 (1GB)or 4 (2GB)modules( but not 1 or 3?) If you
still have the manual pls consult it. If not, try to get a temporaraly 4th
memory chip and check it with 4GB on-board.

About the video card driver. Odd that it worked before with 2GB, don't think
the driver is at cause, but it is always wise to get the latest drivers for
any component in the system.-
BTW, did you have to change anything HardWare wise to install the memory, or
was it simply checking the BIOS?

Success

&re