Machine in endless boot loop

My trusty old tester with a Q9660 core and an Intel DG43NB board running 7 64bit has suddenly started to go into an endless loop of starting to boot then suddenly stopping.

I don't think it is heat as I have now that long put new thermal in it plus and Arctic Freezer Pro. Have tried reseating the RAM and checking all connections but cannot see anything obviously wrong.

Anyone got suggestions on what I can try next please. I need this machine as my new Ivy B is in need of a reinstall and I just need to mail and stuff while I try and get it fixed.

Does it boot into safe mode. If yes, that would point to a problem with a startup program.

whs said:

Does it boot into safe mode. If yes, that would point to a problem with a startup program.

No Wolfgang it just starts up for a few seconds then shuts down then after about 25 seconds it starts up again in what seems to be an endless loop.

Hmm, you may be right. That sounds more like a hardware problem. I would start with the RAM. Take half of your DIMMs out and see what happens - then change to the other half.

whs said:

Hmm, you may be right. That sounds more like a hardware problem. I would start with the RAM. Take half of your DIMMs out and see what happens - then change to the other half.

Ok mate will give that a go actually they have always been a very tight fir in the slots - new but really snug fit.

Tight fit should not hurt. Wish you lots of luck and let us know how you made out. If the problem persists, we'll have to look elsewhere.

whs said:

Hmm, you may be right. That sounds more like a hardware problem. I would start with the RAM. Take half of your DIMMs out and see what happens - then change to the other half.

Ok mate will give that a go actually they have always been a very tight fir in the slots - new but really snug fit.

Hum no go Wolfgang have tried two new sticks and the paper clip in the PSU - it goes and have tried shorting the power switch pins - no go mate maybe the board has had it's day.

Do you have any live CD handy - Linux or anything. Boot with that and see what happens.

whs said:

Do you have any live CD handy - Linux or anything. Boot with that and see what happens.

Yes I have Ubuntu my friend but it will not even start up - if it did I would try that but it is as dead as.

Well I got it for nothing (local farmer was trashing it) and I suppose push comes to shove then I will just have to get another 775 socket board - G41 chipset (about $70 + shipping).

I suppose I could try another PSU this one might be going but with minimal power perhaps I can just drape the cables over the side and see what happens.

The rest of the gear like RAM I have stacks of just seems a shame as this machine I put a SSD in it and 7 about six months ago. Other than that maybe I will have to look at an i3 and a 1155 board.