Solved Is My Motherboard bad?

[Gator]

Ok so I have a thread going on Installation and Setup but I feel that its beyond an Install issue, I've tried to install it in every way imaginable but I keep getting problems.

You can see my thread if you'd like to get more info but here is the basic run down.

2 days ago my daughter is playing a game and the computer starts going extremely slow, then freezes. My wife turns off the computer and there is a black screen with colorful-ish spots at the top of the screen (similar to a plain white cursor but with color).

So I get on and get into the Bios and try to restore. I didn't have the install disc so I tried to repair windows with the factory image. It didn't work. Once Windows started (creating install partitions) I hear a scratchy/clicky noise and then get I/O device error.

Figuring its the HD I go out and buy a new SSD Intel 80gb and a WD Corsair Blue 320gb HDD. I go to install windows (from USB after making bootable flash with Win7 USB/DVD program) and it gets to 73% expanding files then stops followed by another error. I tried DVD next, this time with worse results, it gets to 22% then failes another I/O, cant read, cant find install files error. After trying a lot of different combos of fixes I've read about (only 2gb ram, unplug certain devices, unplug Cmos batter etc) nothing works. I then try to get a 32-bit copy and try everything I've already explained, nothing.

Bios always notices my Hard drive but after a failed install and sometimes failed Diskpart clean, my HD will disappear from list disk and the part of the intall where you select your HD to install windows to. After I turn off the system, unplug then plug everything back in, I can go back into the install manager and they will then show up.

I did Diagnostic tests on hardware and all checked out fine. I did Smart test on my SSD which passed all tests (if there is a bootable diag program anyone can suggest that may test further I'm open to it, keep in mind though I cannot access my OS, only Bios).

So to recap, everything I try to do to install Win 7 I get the following errors in no particular order : 0x8007048f, 0x800703ee, 0x8007045d, 0xc00000e9, 0x80070002. Most say I/O device, cant find install files, or cant read errors.

I've been told by someone on the install/setup board that it sounds like a Mobo issue, more specifically a Sata/IDE controller issue. So back to the question, is my Mobo bad and would replacing it (to your knowledge, I wont hold you to your opinion) fix the issues I'm having now?
Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Beta]

HP link. This is your computer correct?

HP Pavilion p6310y Desktop PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Motherboard Link.

Motherboard Specifications, M2N78-LA (Violet6) HP Pavilion p6310y Desktop PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

From what you are telling us it does seem that the motherboard may be bad. However there is a few things we can try. Just leave the case open during these steps.

1. Make sure that the CPU cooler fan is working. Your computer may be simply overheating and the cpu crashes the Windows installer.

2. Remove the RAM and only place one stick back in. Make sure it is properly seated. Bad ram can cause the installation issues that you have seen. If one stick does not work try the other.

3. Disconect the CD/DVD Drive and all other items from the motherboard and the power supply. Only leave the power conectors for the motherboard and the front pannel connectors pluged in. You power supply may be going bad.

4. Clear CMOS. Make sure to unplug the computer before doing this. Go to the motherboard link and scroll down near the bottom of the page. Now we know that the computer is in a basic state and now everyone knows where you are at with the system.

5. Start the computer and let it run for about 20 min with nothing connected. If it does not crash then we can move forward.

6. Now connect a mecanical drive to the motherboard and power to the hard drive and turn on the computer. Go into the BIOS and see if it appears. Do this for each sata port. This means turning it off to change ports. If it shows up in each port then we can move forward.

7. Now using connect the CD/DVD Drive to your computer and try installing windows using the DVD. NOT THE FLASH DRIVE. If it installs then we can move forward.

8. Now using the flash drive reinstall windows over the new installation. This will allow us to see if part of the motherboard is bad. IE the usb controler.

9. If you are at this point and the computer is working then I am not sure what went wrong.

Post on how far you got with what I have posted. I have a few things to do tonight but I should be back on by 11:00 PM eastern.

 

[Gator]

1. All fans are working properly
2. Tried that before, but to be sure changed the stick of ram I had with one of the ones I took out
3. Disconnected everything (I actually took apart my whole system unit and put it back together)
4. Cleared Cmos from jumpers AND changed CMOS battery
5. Allowed CPU to run for 30 minutes with only Mobo connected (and fans) -- it didn't crash or turn off.
6. Tried SSD and HDD for this step, both show up in BIOS with all Sata connections.
7. Connected CD/DVD drive to computer and booted, Got error 0xc000000e9 (an unexpected I/O error has occured)
8. Tried USB still didn't work.
9. Still not working.

With one of the installs I tried with DVD I got another error : 0x800425405

PSU seems to power everything fine. I've never had any power issues before and through all this, nothing failed to turn off. All errors either point to bad Media or I/O devices. Since my SSD and HDD both have passed diagnostic tests (my crashed HD did not) I have no idea what this could be. I don't think its media corruption because I've downloaded and re-downloaded the ISO file from Mydigital life and I've burned about 10-12 copies of each ISO I've downloaded. I've tried to flash my USB with the ISO multiple times and retested it. I've even tried different programs to burn the Iso.

With a bad Sata/IDE controller will the computer still recognize and be able to function with the devices connected to them? Could I maybe try fixing this by adding a Sata card and find out if it runs better that way or is that still part of the general Sata/IDE controller function?

 

[ripbox]

is AHCI mode enabled in Bios?
In failing you can not enable it you may need a copy ow windows with AHCI embedded

 

[scrooge]

how about your sata cable maybe it's going bad.

scrooge

 

[Gator]

Thanks for your suggestions

AHCI is enabled but I did try to disable it just trying new stuff once... lets just say it didn't work. I got BSOD for the first time, lol.

I have 4 different SATA cables that I have tried and nothing works.

 

[Gator]

I posted this in my original thread but figured its helpful here too since im about 90% sure its a hardware issue now...

I just downloaded VMWare player and loaded up one of the disks I made earlier... Installing perfectly fine so far with no problems. I think this rules out the Media aspect so its not on the windows side of things.

Now I have to figure out if its the DVD drive, HD, Mobo or PSU.

I think I can rule out my HD because all diag tests say its fine and Bios always recognizes it. Also, both my SSD and HDD had the same issues, its hard to believe I could be unlucky enough to buy two bad drives at the same time.

I haven't had PSU problems in the past, and nothing happened today that would lead me to believe thats what it is (obviously not a professional opinion, just a guess).

I wouldn't think its the DVD drive since its always recognized in the Bios and I haven't had any problems loading the boot disks, just getting them to finish installing the file.

Don't think its the RAM because like everything else, its recognized in the BIOS everytime and all diag tests passed.

This leaves the Sata wires themselves, Sata/IDE controller, and/or the Mobo.. anyone agree?

 

[Jaime74656]

sounds like the mobo but before I agree, I want to go on a limb here and explore the avenue of WTF?! and make sure we ruled out all parts that we can, do you have a spare PSU you can hook up, one thats known good that you can try with, if the issues still occur with that other PSU then we can rule out the PSU and what ever else has already been ruled out, and what remains however improbable is the remainder of the solution...

 

[Gator]

sounds like the mobo but before I agree, I want to go on a limb here and explore the avenue of WTF?! and make sure we ruled out all parts that we can, do you have a spare PSU you can hook up, one thats known good that you can try with, if the issues still occur with that other PSU then we can rule out the PSU and what ever else has already been ruled out, and what remains however improbable is the remainder of the solution...

I could pick one up and simply take it back or just use it either way since they are cheap and may be more efficient running a new, more powerful mobo.

 

[Beta]

It seems that other then trying another power supply your motherboard is dead.

 

[mjf]

You could try to see how your PC behaves in a non Windows environment.
Puppy linux is a lightweight linux environment which can boot from a CD/DVD.
Another possibility is Hirens boot CD which will run a mini XP or linux OS. Plus it has wide range of diagnostic tools.

 

[Gator]

I'm just going to go ahead and get a new mobo tomorrow. Hopefully I wont have to go buy a PSU as well but oh well. I found a mobo thats compatible with my CPU it's an Asus M4A88T-V EVO USB3 Motherboard. Only questions...

I have an OEM license that came with my computer when I bought it from Best Buy. After changing the motherboard, will I still be able to transfer the license to the new one? If not, my college set us up for MSDN (though I have had major problems downloading from there) and Dreamspark where we can download a virtual copy of Windows 7 for 2 years for free. I should be able to load any installation disk and use the liscense I get from that (assuming they do give physical license for that type of software) am I right?

Also, considering my issues, is there anything I should keep in mind tomorrow while buying/installing the new mobo that anyone can think of? Aside from the Power Supply possibly being bad of course. There was also talk about some people having issues with Ram compatibility. My Ram from the factory is Elpida DDR3 PC3-10600u-9-B0, would this ram be considered too cheap to run on that type of Mobo if I don't plan any hardcore gaming? I really want to avoid buying ram tomorrow.

 

[mjf]

OEM licenses are supposed to be tied to the motherboard.

If you have paid licensed software then I would deactivate it first as it may see the new motherboard as a new computer. Install and reactivate after motherboard replacement.

Google it - MSDNAA

 

[Bill2]

HP OEM activation will not work if the mobo is changed to non-HP. But MSDN should work fine.

 

[Gator]

Ok thanks for all the help, I'm running my computer now and everything is perfect... well almost perfect.

I was installing the motherboard and noticed my F-panel connector didn't match. So I plugged it in a little offset on the pins provided and it works, however, the LED light for the power button doesn't work (I don't care about that really and neither does the light that indicated the computer is processing something, again not a big deal but I wouldn't mind knowing what I can do to either fix this with an adapter or cutting it and physically putting a new connector onto it.

Another small problem that I have is the MemOk switch that makes the Ram compatible with the Mobo. I press it and it works fine, but I have to do this each time the computer restarts. I'm asking this even thought I'm about to check the Bios to see if there is a way to save the settings for the ram or something but if there is another way, I'm open for suggestions on what to do. Thanks again for the help and I'm glad I found this place. As someone thats in school for IT and going to take the A+ in December, learning fixes to a lot of problems is a great way to learn. I've had to pull my hair out the last few days but I've learned a lot.

 

[Jaime74656]

sounds like the mobo but before I agree, I want to go on a limb here and explore the avenue of WTF?! and make sure we ruled out all parts that we can, do you have a spare PSU you can hook up, one thats known good that you can try with, if the issues still occur with that other PSU then we can rule out the PSU and what ever else has already been ruled out, and what remains however improbable is the remainder of the solution...

I could pick one up and simply take it back or just use it either way since they are cheap and may be more efficient running a new, more powerful mobo.

partly why i figured I would suggest grabbing one and just ruleing that out so one could be certain of bad mobo, its what I would do just to make sure every thing was ruled out as I said before...if the issues still occur with that other PSU then we can rule out the PSU and what ever else has already been ruled out, and what remains however improbable is the remainder of the solution...