Mega 180. Randomly shutdown.

Anyone ever have this issue?  The meda 180 just randomly shutdown.  The light stayed on for 'PC', and the cpu fans were spinning, but the cdrom and hdd powered down, as well as there was no video.  Nothing was running other than winXP, and it wasn't any hotter than normal.  upon trying to boot it back up, it would sit and do nothing.  i reset the cmos, and it booted again, but... odd.
amd barton 2500
corsair 2700 256mb x1 (sad, i know)
wd 120gb jb
random brand dvd 16x
mega 180, newly flashed bios
Also, while we're on the subject, the system takes forever and a year to detect ide drives.  jumpers are right, and they are new units that work fine in different machines.
--> fix: me and a friend were talking.  we decide the only thing I hadn't tried was changing out the jumpers themselves.  to our humor, and my delight, switching the jumpers out for some newer ones laying around (same type of jumper, mind you) and the issue with ide drives taking forever to detect is fixed.  however, I am still at a loss for the random shutdown..

oi, and when I have cdrom before hdd-0 in the boot priority, it will not boot unless there is a cd in the drive.  boot other device is enabled... shouldn't it be cycling to the second boot device when the cd fails..?  quit an annoyance.

Similar Messages

  • Mega 180 Black Screen of DEATH!!!!

    I just started having a strange problem with my Mega 180 and want to know if it is happening to anyone else.  When my computer, sometimes for no reason, the Windows log-on screen doesn't appear.  Just a black screen (this is right after the loading windows screen, the one with  the little green bar at the bottom).  If I reboot, I get the same black screen.
    To fix it, I have to hold down F8 while booting and chose Enable VGA Mode.  Once in Windows, I then have to reload the display driver and reboot.  Everything works fine until it randomly happens again.
    All I can think of is that the driver gets corrupted and won't load (freezing the boot of Windows).
    Any ideas??????  I suspect it may be a buggy nVidia driver.

    Quote
    Originally posted by jarhead
    Yes, this has happened to me just one time.  Exactly as you describe it with the drivers somehow being corrupted or uninstalled from the system causing the black video screen on bootup.  And yes, windows seems to continue loading until it hits the desktop and then I also just hit the power button to initiate the shutdown process.
    I had to reboot into safe mode and reinstall the video drivers to get the system back to normal.  I haven't had the problem since then, but then I've only had my Mega 180 for about three weeks now.  I'm wondering if its caused by some conflict with another app.
    What version of the drivers are you using?  I'm using the version that came on the Mega 180 install CD (dated 2/2004).
    I'm confused, the black screen continued into Windows?  Meh, I'll try doing the reinstall thing too.  I'm using drivers ver. 56.72 if anyone cares.

  • Cd rom boot problems with MEGA 180

    I recently recieved my MEGA 180 and have been unable to successfully install an OS because when I boot from CD, the computer freezes at various stages of installation. The point at which it freezes varies between the point at which the CD is initialized to anywhere in the windows xp setup process up untill the drive format. Occassionally the lockup coincides with an error copying a file, but this is not consistent. I have tried two different cd-rom drives as well as three different xp installation cds. Further I have run with 5 different sticks of ram (kingston and corsair). None of these changes have had any obvious effect.
    Having read the warning labes regarding non MSI optical devices, I am tempted to think that may be the problem as I am not running on an MSI drive. However, the warning souned like it was about mechanical parts and thus I assume the ability of a drive to fit in the MEGA 180 case while opening and closing correctly.
    I would appreciate any input you might have on this matter as I am finding this experience rather frustrating.

    I had the exact same problem when upgrading from a 2100+ Palamino processor to a 2800+ Thoroghbred one. The screen had already dissappeared due to powering up with no monitor plugged in, so I tried a reinstall of Windows XP. It kept falling over randomly during the install process. I then swapper the CPU back and had no problems at all. I have since lapped the heatsink and reduced the FSB to 157MHz in the BIOS, and have not had a problem with the 2800+ CPU. I have not tried installing windows again, but feel this will be OK too.
    My test is to run FujiFilm Snapshot Slideshow, which sends the CPU temp rocketting. I have found that when it goes above 70 C it starts getting unstable. I throttled the FSB back to 157MHz and it does not get to 70 C any more. In normal operation it never gets above 60 C, so I don't know why the slideshow takes so much CPU power  

  • Mega 180 garbled

    About a week ago my 180 shut itself off. Ever since, on reboot the display is flickering and the text garbled. This happens at POST and in the BIOS, before Windows loads (I've removed the HDD now as I believe it is dead - this may be what caused the initial shutdown).
    By garbled, I mean that many characters are incorrectly displayed. For example, the word "BIOS" displays as "BIOC"; the letter S always displays as C.
    I have tried resetting the CMOS by removing the battery and flashing the BIOS in the hope of recovering it (not fun when the display is garbled). I still have the same problem.
    Help. Please.

    I had to "borrow" some replacement PC2700 memory from my machine at work. This solves the problem 
    It seems that BOTH of the Corsair memory sticks are faulty - I've tried each of them individually, one gives the "garbled" problem and the other is dead (mobo just beeps away at me). 
    BTW the HDD is not completely broken - I've managed to install it as a slave in another machine to recover some files. Seems there's just something wrong in the Windows startup (MBR appears to be OK as the Mega starts to boot Windows (XP)).
    I'll be paying close attention to the "Things to Know Before Building Your Mega 180" thread when purchasing new memory and putting everything back together. I plan to get a bigger HDD & TV Card and get my Mega hooked up to my TV. Something I was looking into when it died. Now I can look into it again with a big smile on my face 
    Thanks Stu! 

  • Introduction Mega 180 user

    Hello everyone,
    I recently bought the Mega 180 and stumbled upon this forum. Having read most topics about the Mega 180, I thought registering could be beneficial.  I consider myself an advanced user in the Windows environment (including Office and Wireless Networking) although systems can sometimes still surprise me.
    I'm still in the process of configuring my Mega 180, but so far so good. I hope the VideoMate option to boot, record TV and shutdown the PC as scheduled will work.
    Greetings,
    Jadi.

    Quote
    Originally posted by Jadi
    I hope the VideoMate option to boot, record TV and shutdown the PC as scheduled will work.
    Greetings,
    Jadi.
    Jadi---What are you speaking of-----I don't have anything called Video/Mate included with my Mega 180----and while you can schedule recordings----the PC has to be on----there is no way to set a schedule for it to boot up on it's own ----at the correct time----and start recording.  Is it some type of additional device??----can you give me a link??
    Thanks-----John

  • Mega 180 and PC Alert 4

    Hello chaps,
    Some time ago I posted a thread regarding my relatively new Mega 180 and it's annoying habit of shutting down then only restarting after a few hours unplugged from the mains. There were some helpful responses but unfortunately the problem was never resolved - it just meant I had to shutdown the PC more often.
    However, recently the problem is getting worse. I have installed PC Alert 4, but I have no idea what the readings mean. There are four screens which appear to be showing voltages or something, all are in green except for the second one which is frequently red.
    WHAT DOES IT MEAN?!
    Any suggestions gratefully received.
    Mega 180, 2.8 Ghz, 512 RAM, XP Pro

    to determine if the PSU is the problem, remove the cover from your Mega and disconnect all the power connectors to the mega PSU. get a regular ATX PSU (with enough juice of course), sit it next to the mega, and connect the ATX PSU connectors to the Mega (drives, mobo etc). connect the power plug to the ATX PSU and boot up.
    note that the LCD display won't function, and you won't get any sound either, but this is only while the mega PSU is not being used.
    use your mega as normal, and see if the problem reoccurs. if you get the same problems, then you know its not the PSU. if it all behaves well, then you have to consider a replacement PSU
    as i see it you have two choices: you can either scour ebay for a cheap faulty unit being sold for spares (but make sure the PSU is okay before buying!). or you could contact your nearest MSI office and see if they will sell you one
    How to contact MSI.
    if you're feeling adventurous, you could always check out some other posts here, where users have done away with the mega PSU altogether, and had a regular ATX type sat outside the case as an "external" PSU...

  • Mega problems with new Mega 180 - Help, please!

    Hello everyone. I recently built a MEGA 180 system for a customer of mine, and have been having NOTHING but problems with it. First off, during the Windows XP PRo install, I'll often receive errors stating that certain files cant be copied, and I'll have to hit enter several times before the file will copy. I've replaced the CD-ROM with an MSI model, and used a different XP CD, and still receive these errors during install pretty often. Secondly, once I get everything installed, I'll get numerous program errors in XP (usually explorer.exe and iexplore.exe, but pretty much every program crashes sometimes). I've used a different HD, different RAM, and I've formatted the HD and reinstalled XP at least 6 times, and am STILL having problems. Im a computer tech, and fairly proficient at building PCs, though this is my first SFF pc I've built. Im really at my wits end here, and am not sure where else to go for ideas on what this can be. I've submitted an online help ticket with MSI, but I wanted to see if you guys had any ideas in the meantime. System specs are as follows:
    MSI Mega 180
    AMD XP 2800+ CPU (I used artic silver, btw)
    512MB Corsair XMS PC3200 RAM (I also used 512MB GEIL PC3200 Golden Dragon)
    80GB Western Digital HD
    MSI CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive
    average temp under load: 50c
    average temp idle: 36c
    Thanks in advance guys!
    Rheq

    Well, hrmm... :noidea:I know when I built my Mega180 I didn't have those problems at least, so it's hard to pinpoint.  My bets are toward the memory (although you did swap it out, so that's what bugs me with my thought on that).  My next guess would be the MoBo itself (which would be an MSI replace basically as there isn't much leeway for a different board for that case (or getting it out  ).  I am shocked, however, that you have your sys temps so low.  I have an Athlon XP 2700+ (333 FSB, Thunderbird) and my temps go around 60C with the case open and a small room fan blowing through the case...for now).  Do you mind telling me how you got your system so cool?  I've been considering the Koolance Exos watercooling just to bring this system to stable, lower temps [but I've never dealt with watercooling yet  )  Of course, sys temps have always been by biggest problem.
    Sorry if this wasn't a big help, but the randomness of the errors seems to lean towards the memory/mobo...possibly the HDD I suppose.  Does it still receive errors when not dealing with an optical disc (CD or DVD)?  If so, that definitely rules out the optical as the only problem (it may still be a problem, but it wouldn't be the only one at least).

  • Mega 180 beeps, no POST

    Ok I guess I need to sit down and tell you the whole story. I have a Mega 180 system that worked fine for two months (heck the best system I ever had) I decided to put the all in wander graphics card in to the system. I was going to the AGP slot of the motherboard of the mega 180. I went to the bios and saw something about high performance and about the AGP 8X knowing that my graphics card is for the 8X I decided to hit that save the Bios and shut down the system to put in the AGP card. After installing the card I started up my system and I got nothing to the screen, then the Mega made beep ever 3 secs. I shutdown the system by pulling the power plug. Waited 10-15 sec and tried it again, still no screen and the beeps. I pulled the plug again and uninstalled the graphics card. I again started the Mega up and switch the monitor hookups back to the built in graphs card. Still no screen and the beeps. My next guess was it had something to do with the Bios. I did the whole jumper thing and still got the no screen and the beeps. I even pulled out the battery and unplugged the power supply to the motherboard and waited 24 hours. Hooked back up everything installed the battery and powered up the system. And got no screen and the beeps.  Ok maybe it is something elese so my sister having the same Mega as I do a 180(and thanks again sis for you help and the trust to use you mega as a test base) I pulled every thing out of my mega 180 and installed it in her’s. I put in the Memory, processor, hard drive, DVD-ROM. It worked with out a flaw it was just like before. I even tested the graphics card with out going to the bios (real trust from my sis or did I not say this is what messed up mine oh well) and the graphics card worked fine. So after another time spent I put back together my mega 180 (with out the graphics card in the AGP slot) and still got the no screen and the beeps. I then tested what the on line forms asked. I tried to put in other graphics cards in the other slot to see if it was looking there for a card, no luck. Then I took the hold thing down to BEST BUY (they have helped out before good Guys there)  and they spent all day messing around trying to clear the bios and trying different memory and different graphic cards and no luck. They said to call in the warranty and see what MSI will do. (They did not charge me a thing for their time, and many of them I know want one now too even with this mess up I think this is the best thing out there in the world of pcs)
    Ok so that bring us here and I thought to give you guys here a try be for I go ask MSI
    Again thanks to all that help, I wish I could do more then say thank you.
    Heck one more thing I would have done the redo of the flash the bios thing with the new file but the mega 180 does not have a floppy drive so no A drive.

    Thanks for splitting this from the other topic to avoid any confusion.
    I did use a can of air when I rebuilt my mega 180 after I tested all the parts in my sister Mega 180. And best buy looked over every thing and did not see any thing wrong.   (four eyes always are better then mine) At this point I’m out of ideas thanks again for all you help guys.   I guess I’ll send an email to MSI today and see what they say. (in a year or two I’ll hear something)   I thought it would be fair to start here before going to MSI. In all, I hope this is truly a rear thing that happens to mega 180's   for I still say this the best case to get. I love this case and I got two of my friends to buy one and my sister has one. We all love our Mega's a lot.   (Heating can be fixed with a little work ok) And the radio rocks and the looks cant be beat. I will keep you all updated and again if you all have any ideas please post them here you never know one day this might happen to you.

  • Mega 180 AGP Graphics card problem

    I have just tried to fit my Leadtek WinFast A350XT TDH  into my new Mega 180 and cannot get the thing to work !
    The card only just fits and I had to fit a power splitter to run the Fan on the thing but it does go in.
    The problem is that the machine boots correctly to XP and runs as standard VGA.
    But once I install the latest Nvidia drivers the machine hangs 1/2 way through install and re-boots.
    From then on Windows is dead, cant restore old settings, cant safe boot. Nothing.
    Re installed windows and just ran it as a standard VGA for a while to see stablility, I start getting Memory exceptions at random points during operation.
    The memory and the graphics card etc in the machine is the stuff from my old box and was stable in that system. (Memory is PNY 3200 Standard memory)
    Has anyone had a similar problem or figured a way to sort it ??

    I have now tested it with my MSI GForce FX5600!
    Still having lockups, something is not right here !
    I have an 8x agp port that doesnt appear to work with any of my graphics cards!!!
    Whats going on !
    Any ideas ?
    My next thing to try is new memory but I'll have to buy that.
    Any suggestions on what is the best , but affordable, memory to buy for this system ? Tried and tested stuff, not just the general "best".

  • Macbook problems, hard drive crash, random shutdown, freezes

    I bought my macbook used a few months ago, and it worked flawlessly until about 3 weeks ago. The system started freezing and not booting (getting folder icon instead of apple at startup). I ran drive setup and tried to repair the drive, but this did not fix the problem. DiskWarrior also could not fix it. I pulled the drive and installed a new hard drive, as I wanted a larger capacity anyways. All my problems appeared fixed for about two weeks, then similar problems began occurring. I backed up all the files I needed to an external firewire drive and attempted to reformat the new internal drive. Drive Setup says it can not reformat the drive - can't mount it and if it does, the drive disappears while in the process of formatting. I pulled the new drive and am having it replaced under warranty. I am using the firewire drive to run my computer, and this seemed to work fine for a day or two until the computer just started shutting down with no warning. Everything goes black, including the little light on the front of the computer. I have to hold down the power button for 10 seconds before it lets me start the computer back up. I had read this may be a memory issue, so I ran memtest and it says the memory is fine (I need to do it in single user mode still, however). I also tried pulling both sticks of ram. They are both 1GB crucial memory. I put each stick in by itself and tried it in both slots and was able to reproduce the shutdown issue with any ram configuration of either stick.
    After all this, I realized the firewire drive was only running 10.5, so I updated all the software through software update, and it is now running 10.5.2. It seems to be working better as I have not experienced a random shutdown yet, but I'm anticipating it may start back up soon. Today, however I experienced a different problem - the screen froze on me and the only way to get anything to happen was to force a shutdown with them power button. It's restarted and seems to be working fine again for now.
    I've run some logs and here's some things I've found:
    When the latest freeze happened, I got this repeated over 100 times:
    Apr 29 11:04:31 jon-turners-macbook quicklookd[536]: CGContextClosePath: no current point.
    I've also seen this:
    Apr 29 11:18:19 jon-turners-macbook kernel[0]: Previous Shutdown Cause: 3
    Apr 29 11:18:19 jon-turners-macbook kernel[0]: GFX0: family specific matching fails
    Apr 25 19:19:50 localhost kernel[0]: hi mem tramps at 0xffe00000
    Should there be anything else I can check? I would run Apple Hardware Utilities, but I don't have the original disks, just the Leopard installer. I have Disk Warrior, but it seems strange this would happen with multiple systems and drives. I'd like to get Techtool Pro, but haven't had the money/time to order it yet.

    Thanks for the replies!
    Yeah, I think it's the HDD. I was just worried that the RAM was bad and corrupted the HDD or something, but given the symptoms I think you guys are right. Ordered a 7200RPM 320GB HDD off Amazon Prime...will be here tomorrow
    I'll post how it goes after I finish installing it. I'm backing up as I type.
    I wonder if I can fix the ir port and the sleep indicator light when I install the hard-drive. The sleep indicator light never turns off. It stays on as long as my computer is on, only turns off when I shut it down.

  • Mega 180 Temps

    Let me start off by saying that the Mega 180 is a great idea for a product but unfortunately it is not finished.  MSI is using us as beta testers - at our expense.  I build computers for people as a side business and against my better judgement, I built a customer a Mega 180 based system and I've had nothing but problems with it and it's damaging my reputation.  But, OK enough of that.
    One major problem with the Mega 180 is it's CPU and hard drive temp and here's what you can do to fix it.  First off, the CPU heat sink is nice and big and made of copper - very nice.  However, the underside of the sink (the part that touches the CPU) is absolutely aweful!  The bottom should be mirror smooth.  Mine looks like the surface of a record.  Therefore, you need to lap it.  Look this process up on the net to see exactly how to do it.  Once lapped and the bottom is mirror smooth and you can see your reflection, use ARTIC SILVER thermal grease (just a tiny bit) and put the sink back on.  Your CPU temp under load will be about 8 degrees cooler.  Next, replace the small fan on the cooler with a bigger one (make sure you use one that's sensored, like the one you're replacing).  Lastly, get some flexible ducting from the hardware store (plastic, not aluminum), attach one end over the sink's big fan and carefuly route the other end to the side of the case (may not be possible if you are using an AGP card) and position it so it sucks in outside air.  Now that your CPU is cooled with fresh air, you will see another 2 - 3 degree reduction of CPU temp.
    Finally, the hard drive is way too hot.  I measured it with a IR temp meter after a full defrag and my jaw hit the ground when I saw how hot it was - 152 degrees F.  That type of temp will kill your hard drive.  Fix this by placing a fan inside the case (RAM side) blowing fresh air right onto the hard drive.  This brought the temp down significantly.  It also cooled other items too (CD drive, chipset).
    The only downside to this is your system will be louder due to fan noise.  However you will have fewer system lock-ups and mystery reboots (caused by overheated components).
    One last idea, if the case is just too cramped for you, remove the power supply, buy a new one and mount it outside the case on the back.  It doesn't look good but it sure frees up space and improves air flow (plus you'll have more power if you buy a higher watt supply).
    Peace!

    Hey cb31,
    Even though this thread is about temps, I too think noise is the biggest problem with the Mega, and my current efforts are targeted at killing the constant background noise. My goal is the same as your's - I want to leave the computer on most of the time and not be bothered with it.
    I'm proceeding slowly however, and so far I've only done the following:
    -Replaced the 60mm Delta fan with a Papst of the exact same size. I found the Delta to be noisy, while others report that it's doing ok. Don't know about you... The Papst is really quiet and actually cools a little bit more effective, though that's a bonus feature! But on the overall it didn't have the effect I hoped for  
    -The smaller Delta fan (outtake side of heatsink) already is quiet enough, so doesn't need to be replaced on behalf of noise anyway...
    -Took out the PSU and put White Lithium Grease in the fan for smoother operation since I figured it made a lot of noise. That didn't help much either... I'm thinking about replacing the PSU fan with something better, even though a lable on the back of the PSU states "W/ Noisekiller". It's still a no-name fan and can be improved upon.
    Right now the loudest noise in my Mega doesn't seem to come from any fan at all, but rather from the hd. And it's not so much the actual noise from the unit as vibrations reverberating through the chassis. A common problem obviously, but there isn't any room for hd suspension systems in the Mega, so other actions are required here! I tried to slide in thin sheets of plastic between the drive and the cage, to act as silencers, but that didn't have any real effect as the cage touches the drive in several places, thus transfering the vibrations anyway. A new drive cage could do the trick, but I haven't gotten that far yet, and might not ever...
    The Seagate Barracuda is considered to be a silent drive, so replacing it probably wouldn't help.
    To conclude: If your fans are noisy, replace them or grease them for better operation, but you might not even hear the difference...
    The major flaw seems to be the internal design of the Mega, and there's isn't much to be done about that, unless you're handy with a Dremel and sheets of metal.  I might be, but I will have to get back to you on that!
    Cheers!
    -M

  • K9N Platinum: CPU upgrade = Random shutdowns..

    I just installed a new AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ EE in my MSI K9N Platinum motherboard (MS-7250 v1.0, the 070 model according to the box). I had updated the BIOS to version 1.7 before installing the CPU. Anyhow, I got the CPU installed and it seemed to be running fine. Until I started playing my games. Upon playing fifteen (!!!) minutes of Day of Defeat, the system completely turned off. COMPLETELY. No error messages. I check core temp's log to make sure the CPU wasnt overheating; it wasnt. The max temp was 38C on one of the cores. Just to make sure the CPU wasnt the problem, I ran two instances of prime95 for 5 hours and there were no calculation errors whatsoever. I also ran 3-4 loops of SuperPi, using the 32M test. No errors.
    I have come to the conclusion that it must be the motherboard, and possibly it does not like the CPU. Or else it is having the same random shutdown problems as many other K9N Platinum/Ultra boards are experiencing. From what i have read, this issue only relates to boards that are 040, 050, or 060 models. I have a 070 model, and I AM GETTING THIS PROBLEM!!
    Help!!!
    Full specs:
    MSI K9N Platinum MS7250 V1.0, BIOS 1.7, model 070
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ EE (old CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3500+; had no issues with the 3500+) vcore: 1.225
    1 GB OCZ Platinum DDR2-800, 5-5-5-15, 2.1v
    eVGA GeForce 7800GT videocard with Zalman VF900, 490/1220
    Hitachi Deskstar 7K80 SATA HDD
    LITE-ON DVD-ROM drive
    Floppy drive
    3x 80mm fans, 1 cold cathode
    Antec Truepower 430 watt PSU, dual +12v @ 17A a piece.
    Any ideas? 

    well, i know that ACPI has to do with power saving features.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACPI
    and HPET also has something to do with CPUs
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HPET
    and MCP55 is the nortbridge.
    so i suppose i can conclude that it protects from overvoltage or promotes more power-saving?  i dunno i really dont care as long as my PC works now, 

  • White Macbook 2006 random shutdown solved removed cpu heatsink and more

    I picked up a cheap macbook from a secondhand retailer for $300 and it regularly shutdown, froze, restarted as well as the grey kernel panic screen completely random no real pattern. I set about trying to solve the problem swapping ram and hard drive with my identical 2006 macbook (which I had similar problems with last year, fixed that one with a new battery connector cable). The ram and hard drive made no difference so I downloaded istat menus to see if any combination of cpu voltage, current and temperature were causing the random shutdowns. It seemed when the temperature reached certain values the computer would shutdown or freeze(around 30 to 50 degrees). I'd read on other forums about faulty cpu temperature diodes so I reapplied heatsink compound to the cpu heatsink and checked all the wiring for shorts but nothing seemed to solve the problem. I was ready to retire the computer and use it for spares for my other macbook when needed but I pulled the keyboard off one more time and tried something completely radical. This fix requires some forward planning and software installation but it has completely solved my Random shutdowns completely.
    for instructions see my next post *Fix for random shutdowns white macbook*

    Ok this is not for the non technical person but it is quite a simple process with the right instructions.
    This first step is very important install the software coolbook($10) and fan control (Free)( not smc fan control). Set up coolbook to operate the cpu at the lowest speed and voltage for both power adapter and battery(1002MHz and .95Volts). Remove the keyboard to access the computer logic board (instructions can be found at iFixit). Remove the four screws and two connectors holding the heatsink to the logicboard and gently lift the heatsink out (very important that you leave the fan screwed in and connected). Close the computer back up if you wish to test just gently connect the keyboard and loosly sit the keyboard back in. Restart and reset the pram immediately. Let the computer boot up and then open system preferences and configure Fan Control to your liking. So far no random shutdowns for over a week (was getting many a day previously.

  • Macbook won't detect external display anymore - Random shutdown injury??

    Hi,
    my Macbook has the dreaded random shutdown thing happening, often it can't even get through the startup sequence. If I reset the PMU and PRAM and check the disk every week I can keep it running. Applecare are making not particularly helpful suggestions like "run it in safe mode" - hello people, random means it can take days to happen again... I use this computer for work so I need it at full capacity every day!!!
    Anyway, enough angry ranting. The casualty of today's RS and subsequent PRAM PMU resetting is my external display (Viewsonic LCD). The macbook is no longer sending signals to it (display says "no signal"). When I ask the macbook to "detect displays" nothing happens. I have restarted the macbook several times and unplugged and replugged the display connection it doesn't help. Yes, I have the AC power cable plugged in on the Macbook (I know it doesn't like talking to the screen if I don't).
    The display and macbook have always worked fine together in the past...
    Does anyone have any suggestions on how to test for causes or fix this display related problem?
    MacBook   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  
    Powerbook G4   Mac OS X (10.4.2)  

    You don't mention ever having brought the problem to Apple's attention, or what resulted from your request for Apple's help with it. This isn't a universal or widespread problem. It may be a hardware fault in your own equipment that needs to be resolved with a repair, or it may be a software problem (corrupt file, incompatible software conflict, update needed, etc., etc.). You seem to think Apple should have fixed it for you without your lifting a finger, and you're eager to complain about Apple's lack of support. But you've offered nothing to indicate that Apple even knows you need support. You do have to ask for it. Have you done so?
    We have no idea what steps you've taken to try to narrow down the possibilities, e.g., making sure the monitor is turned on; trying a different video cable as iVmichael has suggested; testing the monitor with the same cable on a different computer; testing a different monitor with the same cable and then with a diferent cable on your computer; substituting a different cable adapter, if you are using one; applying all applicable system software updates and then Repairing Permissions and Repairing Disk; starting in Safe Mode and seeing whether the monitor is recognized and activated then; seeing whether the monitor is detected in System Profiler; and so on. You may have done some of these things, but you haven't told us about them or about the results.

  • TV-Out on Mega 180 (Composite)

    Hi there,
    I just received my Mega 180 some days ago. So far I'm really satisfied. I just have one problem an perhaps you could help me.
    I at first used the S-Video out from Mega to my S-Video-Scart-In of my TV. That worked without problems.
    Now I wanted to use the Composite out instead of S-Video out from the Mega 180. So I connected a composite-adapter to the S-Video port and connected a composite cable to it. Now my TV only shows the picture black/white.
    I know that this is an issue connected with S-Video. So I changed in nvidia-driver the automatic detection to manual (composite). But whenever I change this, I just get a complete black screen. I tried this with many nvidia driver versions. All the same.
    And now the really misteryous thing: when I de-install the nvidia driver (graphic) and start windows with standard vga-mode, I have a colored picture with the mentioned composite out without having changed anything.
    Anyone has an idea? Thanks in advance.
    My Hardware:
    - MSI Mega 180
    - Athlon Sempron 2800
    - WinTV 350 PVR
    - 512 MB
    - onBoard graphicscard

    Quote
    I at first used the S-Video out from Mega to my S-Video-Scart-In of my TV. That worked without problems.
    Quote
    I want to use composite instead of s-video because my tv doesn't support s-video. It only supports composite.
    just re-reading this post has got me a little confused. are you now connecting to a different TV now?

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