Problem with OS load

[ICIT2LOL]

A secure erase is never going to kill a disk. You may have had a problem, but the cause was not a secure erase.

Secure erase is not a part of the instructions in the link for a clean install.

Hum perhaps it was ready to take a hike then karl the one I am doing now has a lot of stuff on it and I want it to be absolutely factory fresh when I do the install onto it.

The dead drive using my gadget on the tester is only showing 3048MB on it anyway and it makes noises like the Dr Who space machine coming i to land.

Now just as a matter of curiosity would resetting the BIOS to fail safe default make any difference - I haven't used the settings much except to set the opto as 1st boot and HDD as 2nd plus I originally set it up for ACHI?

 

[James7679]

Some reading material.http://www.overclock.net/t/1094689/crucial-m4-128gb-slow-boot-time
By searching "crucial m4 128gb slow boot time" I got thousands of hits. The link I provided had the most replies and the most suggestions. This seems like either a bad bios setting, bad registry setting, or flat out bad ssd.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Some reading material.Crucial M4 128GB - slow boot time
By searching "crucial m4 128gb slow boot time" I got thousands of hits. The link I provided had the most replies and the most suggestions. This seems like either a bad bios setting, bad registry setting, or flat out bad ssd.

Thanks James I am leaning toward something in the BIOS mate as the dot boot up nonsense happens with the old HDD as well but it could be a dud M4 eh?

Having said that I do have it still with 0309 firmware as someone mentioned the 000F was not really that important so I am wondering if I have anyhtng to lose by updating that firmware as it stands I am going nowhere fast perhaps even backwards

 

[James7679]

This is how I would proceed, before doing the following, try a fresh format and bench it on one of your other pcs. Also, disconnect ALL devices and peripherals not necessary.
1. Replace SATA cable with a NEW one.
2. Wipe the SSD
3. Clear CMOS
4. Set BIOS to fail safe
5. Load Clean OS
6. Reboot
7. Enable optimized settings in BIOS along with quick boot.
8. Reboot
9. Only update and install necessary drivers.

Post back.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

This is how I would proceed, before doing the following, try a fresh format and bench it on one of your other pcs. Also, disconnect ALL devices and peripherals not necessary.
1. Replace SATA cable with a NEW one.
2. Wipe the SSD
3. Clear CMOS
4. Set BIOS to fail safe
5. Load Clean OS
6. Reboot
7. Enable optimized settings in BIOS along with quick boot.
8. Reboot
9. Only update and install necessary drivers.

Post back.

Hum great minds James I have a gadget to to just that (format and bench) outside of my tester and then it's just a matter of flipping the SSD back and doing the rest and yes disconnecting the peripherals is also sounding like a good action too I'll even disconnect the wire through card reader,

Just so I get it right mate as I am not really used to this stuff HD Tune ok to do the benching with? or would you recommend a different one/app?

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Mate like I say I don't really know what I am supposed to do with or see in benchmarks but these I just ran for my old HDD and the M4 - which was at idle anyway I suppose so might not give any clues up - sorry!

Tell me if this is what is needed or not or if the drive has to be working in a machine for the tests to be done.

 

[carwiz]

The SSD display in Disk Management doesn't look right. It's showing about half available and no system reserved. Windows 7 doesn't take that much room. Did you force a partition on it or change Windows 7 install options?

I think you need to start from scratch with a clean disk again and nothing more. Turn off the power supply and unplug the power line. Wait for a few minutes or hold the PC power button in for at least 10 seconds.

Install the SSD using SATA Port 0 and your DVD on any other SATA Port. Set the Configuration Jumper (or whatever procedure your motherboard uses to enter Configuration Mode). You should have nothing but video, SSD and a DVD drive. You can connect the cable to the Internet also.

Plug in the PC and turn the power supply on. Power on the PC.


In Configuration Mode:
Disable UEFI boot and fast boot. You don't want either. At least until you have a Working system.

Verify that your SSD is recognized in the BIOS then set the SATA Mode to AHCI.

Make sure Discrete SATA is disabled.

Enable S.M.A.R.T. support for disks. (Or set to Auto.)

Review your Boot Device options for Priority and/or Order. == DVD then Disk (SSD)

Review your Video options.

Insert the Windows 7 install disc in the DVD drive.

Save and Exit the BIOS.

You should get a message to power off the PC and to reset the Configuration Jumper (or similar). Turn off the power supply and unplug. Again, wait a few minutes or hold the power button on for 10 seconds. Change the jumper back to it's Run mode. Plug in the power supply and turn it on. Press the power button on the PC.

In Run Mode:
At this point, Windows install should start.

Chose a quick format. Don't get too "Dr. PC" at this point. You can always add/remove features later.

After Windows installs, install your video divers but don't add any programs yet. Post a snip of your Disk Management screen again.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Ok carwiz I don't have the EUFI on the board in question as it is a two year old build or there abouts.
I'll go in and check the BIOS as I am fairly sure that is where the problem now lies and make those settings.

I do know from past checks the BIOS is set to DVD > HDD > USB for the boot order, and that the opto and SSD are "seen" there.

The other bits and pieces I'll follow as per your list.

Just to make sure you know the screen shots were not from the machine in question they were done with the SSD hooked up to my tester, s the main machine is rapidly becoming non usable ( and quite a nightmarish exercise).

Well I had better go format this SSD again and start.

Will keep you updated.

 

[James7679]

John, sorry. Didn't mean to abandon you. I don't get on too much on the weekend. Family time, you know? I enjoyed the day at the beach. Generally, when I do get on during the weekend, it's from my phone, like now. I found something that may interest you. http://thessdreview.com/our-reviews/crucial-m4-128gb-sata3-ssd-review-initial-tests/ This shows what the SSD specs should look like. A bit different than yours.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

John, sorry. Didn't mean to abandon you. I don't get on too much on the weekend. Family time, you know? I enjoyed the day at the beach. Generally, when I do get on during the weekend, it's from my phone, like now. I found something that may interest you. Crucial M4 128GB SATA3 SSD Review - Initial Tests - The SSD Review This shows what the SSD specs should look like. A bit different than yours.

Hey look mate don't for one moment I expect you or anyone else to drop what they are doing and sort my little bag of horrors out.

Have done install #6 and same old same old - it loads but still with that annoying "Loading operating system...................................." business the initial boot is fast.

The drivers I thought I had loaded onto a stick well it might as well be in Klingon = all zip files which don't break down into anything with an .exe in them.

I am going to have to use the Gigabyte board disk again to get a net connection thing is it comes with bloat

Looks like time for a build at this rate as the old H67 set up is looking like it's heading south to be recycled. Ah well thats life

 

[carwiz]

Just so I'm clear in my own mind, when you say "done install #6", you mean this to be the complete Windows install? Also, when is the "Loading operating system...." appearing? During the install? Did the PC reboot a couple of times during the Install? Did you ever get to a Desktop?

Did you do the Configuration Mode for the motherboard? This should have cleared CMOS and basically rendered the motherboard "new".

I just want to make sure you're following the steps to completion.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Just so I'm clear in my own mind, when you say "done install #6", you mean this to be the complete Windows install? Also, when is the "Loading operating system...." appearing? During the install? Did the PC reboot a couple of times during the Install? Did you ever get to a Desktop?

Did you do the Configuration Mode for the motherboard? This should have cleared CMOS and basically rendered the motherboard "new".

I just want to make sure you're following the steps to completion.

Yes carwiz all get to the Windows 7 screen then it's a matter of picking through the drivers from the Gigabyte disk for the ethernet as the stick method was a complete waste of time - I tried the drivers for Asia and the US.

However the Ati catalyst control centre is not functioning properly either and the screen is way out past the edge of the monitor surround which makes things even more difficult.

The only thing I haven't done is a dedicated BIOS reset with a jumper.

The dot problem starts after the main posts which go very quickly but I do see the boot order mentioned thew dots take about 30 seconds to plod across the screen - much like a Linux boot and then the flag starts to form. It doesn't even make it to completion and login is quick.

I have just had a blue screen with instructions on it so I am going to jump the BIOS as frankly the thing is just not been the same since I first put that SSD in and though the HDD's were a tad slow at least I didn't have this darn loading problem.

 

[carwiz]

Any time you replace hardware with a different type or model of hardware, you should reconfigure your motherboard. CMOS memory stores certain hardware attributes and uses these on subsequent boots. Not clearing those attributes could cause Windows to misconfigure the hardware and drivers.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Well I think I have done the deed now and killed the mobo - reset to BIOS with the jumper and now the thing just keeps starting and stopping - no video output so I don't know what is going on so looks like a new board eh?

Never mind my own fault for trying to get a bit more speed out of it at least I have my old Desk1 and the tester to fall back on. I suppose the other bits will be ok in any case.

 

[carwiz]

It sounds like you missed something in your BIOS video settings. The jumper is used ONCE then placed back in the Run position before continuing with the OS install. Killing the MB is easy to do if you didn't power down completely when changing the jumper. I tried to give you steps to follow, as did others, but your responses seem to indicate that you are picking and choosing the steps.

I don't feel easy about the procedure you're taking to set up the hardware and BIOS. Perhaps you should take the parts to a builder you trust and have him install the parts and the OS. In the long run, it may save you some money.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Ok carwiz the jumper only has two pins and doesn't reside in the machine.

I am trying very hard but it is difficult when suggestion come from all angles and as I said I am not that conversant with the BIOS settings and far from just randomly doing what I want I have tried each method as it comes through but never mind I'll work something out as my mate is agreeing that perhaps the board has gone bad. Plus I really want to be able to do this as I am about to retire and my motorcycling and woodworking days are over form an old shoulder injury, and as electronics have been a passion of mine (not at this level) since I was 8 this is something I can do without fear of wrecking that shoulder again.

The mobo is back after a stint with the battery and RAM video card and drives out so at least I can use the old HDD until I can use WHS 's tut on migrating the OS which I thought I could do and get away with that procedure.

Anyway I must sincerely apologise for taking up your and the others time and patience (I know it must be difficult for you all to do this long range) I do appreciate what you all have done for this old codger. Hope I haven't wrecked your weekend too much

All the best

John

 

[luke127]

From all this trouble I say why keep a PC that isn't even functioning. Does it still have any warranty time left? If so take it back! If not then just trade it in and buy a new one for a cheaper price why go to all this trouble?

 

[ICIT2LOL]

From all this trouble I say why keep a PC that isn't even functioning. Does it still have any warranty time left? If so take it back! If not then just trade it in and buy a new one for a cheaper price why go to all this trouble?

Well I would Luke trouble is I built it and due to my own fault I tried to rush installing an SSD and well caused the chaos.

Like I said to carwiz thanks to all who tried to help me and I am sure I will find a way around it. When it wouldn't start (boot) I reckoned I completely wrecked it but it's going and I just have to retrace and get it right.

But I do thank you for your concern for a half wit old codger.

Oh and welcome to SF - enjoy!

 

[seavixen32]

From all this trouble I say why keep a PC that isn't even functioning. Does it still have any warranty time left? If so take it back! If not then just trade it in and buy a new one for a cheaper price why go to all this trouble?

Well I would Luke trouble is I built it and due to my own fault I tried to rush installing an SSD and well caused the chaos.

Like I said to carwiz thanks to all who tried to help me and I am sure I will find a way around it. When it wouldn't start (boot) I reckoned I completely wrecked it but it's going and I just have to retrace and get it right.

But I do thank you for your concern for a half wit old codger.

Oh and welcome to SF - enjoy!

We may be old, but we ain't stupid!!

There's a lot of satisfaction to be gained in learning new skills at any age and repairing an old computer comes under that category.

Besides, it gives us the chance to say to our other half: 'Don't bother me now. Can't you see I'm busy?'

 

[ICIT2LOL]

From all this trouble I say why keep a PC that isn't even functioning. Does it still have any warranty time left? If so take it back! If not then just trade it in and buy a new one for a cheaper price why go to all this trouble?

Well I would Luke trouble is I built it and due to my own fault I tried to rush installing an SSD and well caused the chaos.

Like I said to carwiz thanks to all who tried to help me and I am sure I will find a way around it. When it wouldn't start (boot) I reckoned I completely wrecked it but it's going and I just have to retrace and get it right.

But I do thank you for your concern for a half wit old codger.

Oh and welcome to SF - enjoy!

We may be old, but we ain't stupid!!

There's a lot of satisfaction to be gained in learning new skills at any age and repairing an old computer comes under that category.

Besides, it gives us the chance to say to our other half: 'Don't bother me now. Can't you see I'm busy?'

Thanks for the kind words Andrew I used to have another half and while it's nice and quiet it's also better to have one around all the same. My ex nags from a distance - usually by email LOL!!