Vista will not boot and/or stay on

[jbmwsu]

Hello, I've tried everything I can think of to fix this problem. Vista begins to load and then shuts down the computer. I can stay in BIOS forever, but once it tries to boot Vista it crashes. I have put the recovery disk in and when it begin to start Vista it crashes. I take the disk out and start windows normally, it will start up and then crash after about 5-20 minutes. I have been looking for days on the internet and have tried everything. I've even replaced the power supply, re-applied the heat sink on the processor, and reseated everything. Is there something I'm missing? Is there a diagnostic test I can run? I'd hate to take it to a place if it is something minor that I can fix.

Thank you

 

[jbmwsu]

it's all good aford10. Just trying to get something figured out. It is most likely the same problem as your customer is having. I have the same drive as well, just checked. So you're saying it IS probably the HD?

 

[aford10]

If it's one of the models effected by the firmware issue, it could be. It was a fairly widespread problem for the 7200.11 series.

 

[jbmwsu]

well keep us posted on your new discoveries...I'd REALLY like to get it fixed

 

[aford10]

jbmwsu, if you have the same hard drive, you can also check yours by using that link.

 

[dhay13]

Just checked the link. The one I'm having problems with (7200.10) has no updates. The one that I removed from my PC does (7200.11)

 

[jbmwsu]

okay so I can get back in BIOS now...where do I find the AHCI?

 

[aford10]

Look for the integrated peripherals and hit enter. Then look for the AHCI setting, and make sure it's enabled. It should look similar to this.
http://news.metaparadigma.de/wp-content/gallery/efi-x-crashed/efi-x-crash_ep35_01_bios.jpg

 

[jbmwsu]

my screen shows

IDE Function Setup
Onboard Device
Onboard I/O Chip Setup

I have nothing else here. I can go into:

in RAID config it shows

RAID
SATA 1 Primary
SATA 2 Secondary

Sorry this is a bit over my head

Should I Enable these?

 

[aford10]

Try the IDE function setup.

Look up at the top, what is the BIOS type?

 

[jbmwsu]

Phoenix- Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

 

[jbmwsu]

The only thing under this section says:

Serial-ATA Controller - Then it gives 3 options, SATA-1 Enabled, ALL enabled, Disabled.

 

[jbmwsu]

I'm sorry I quoted wrong on the last one. SATA-1. There is an option to select this one but it does not say 'enable'.

 

[aford10]

You have a SATA drive, so to make sure you get the correct SATA port, enable all of them.

What are the options under 'onboard device'? If it's quicker or easier, you can post screenshots.

 

[jbmwsu]

sorry everything is kinda ghetto-fied at the moment. I have messenger if that helps lol. Under onboard device:

onchip USB [V1.1+V2.0]
usb keyboard support
usb mouse support
usb storage support
HD audio
onboard lan
onboard lan boot ROM

all are enabled except HD AUDIO is set to auto.

 

[jbmwsu]

If it helps...I was able to get into windows and it wanted me to install it again...i went in to repair system and there was no option for my C drive, showed CD ROM and what appeared to be my D drive. I checked the HD in BIOS and it gave me the specs for it...not sure if this has anything relevance.

 

[aford10]

Ok, those settings are all good.

In the RAID settings, what are the alternatives for the RAID setting?

 

[jbmwsu]

I can enable or disable all three. that is all.

 

[jbmwsu]

sorry...individually of course.

 

[aford10]

Ok. Press F10 to save and exit the BIOS. With the SATA enabled, hopefully that'll cure the BSOD.

 

[jbmwsu]

it unfortunately did not I just remembered something, when I reinstalled windows last time the D drive did not have enough room to install windows on it again...so it went on my HD...if my HD is failing...then it wouldn't be able to boot windows for very long...or at all...hence the problem maybe?

 

[aford10]

I believe you only have 1 hard drive. It likely has a 2nd partition (recovery partition?).

How did you install windows? Was it a recovery disc, from recovery partition, or from a retail Vista disc?

What version of Vista is it? Service pack?

 

[jbmwsu]

Makes more sense now, thank you I was little confused about the partition. I reinstalled in using the emachine installation disc that came with the computer.

Okay now when I hit the power button it flashes and then goes off immediately without hesitation.

 

[aford10]

Does it shut down or restart?

 

[jbmwsu]

nothing. The little blue light comes on...then goes off. If I hold down on it...it still goes off.

 

[aford10]

Can you get into the BIOS and boot off the recovery discs to recover windows?