P6N Diamond - Vista - Battlefield 2 = No X-Fi ?

Hi,
I am the happy owner of a brand new MSI P6N Diamond.
I got it because of the X-Fi & Vista Certified logo ( Am I a fool ? )
Well. I have all the latest X-Fi drivers installed from MSI´s driver download section.
Battlefield 2 just tells me that my hardware does not support X-Fi
Help ???
Anyone got any advice before I return the board ?
Thanks
WizZerD

Quote from: WizZerD on 10-June-07, 05:33:47
Yeah I noticed that..
In Vista, the MSI X-Fi drivers do a silent install.
but these drivers really suck as there is no interface for tuning & adjustment.
Also, with these drivers, you can not playback what is comming in through the Mike of Line in.
It says that the X-Fi card inbuilt on the motherboard is an X-Fi Extreme Audio card, but the creative drivers for the X-Fi Extreme Audio do not recognise it.
Lucky my card is not old.. I'll be returning it next week if I don't sort this out.
you can try forced install, extract self archive to desired folder(you will need winrar installed, right click on the executable file downloaded from creative and extract it, then from device manager update the sound card driver manually and point to the extracted folder)

Similar Messages

P6N diamond - Vista x64 install problem

Hey.
I’m the happy owner of a MSI P6N Diamond, but I have some problems when I try to install Vista.
My system as it is now:
CPU: E6600
GFX: 7900GT
RAM: 2x1gb Cell Shock PC6400
Running XP SP2 without problems on 2x36gb raptors in RAID0
Yesterday I decided to try Vista x64, because I have 2gb extra ram that I want to use. So I took one of my old IBM PATA 120gb HDDs, and tried to install vista x64, but then I ran into a problem. When I get to the point where it says "Completing Installation" and "Your Computer will restart several times during installation" It restarts but then nothing happens. The screen just went black (and the monitor is switching off), and I can hear the computer is still running (and there is still light in mouse and keyboard). If I try to restart, the the vista loading bar appears and then the same thing happens. Black screen and then nothing.
What to do?
I have tried disconnecting all my other drives and I have tried with only one memory block (1gb)
Hope somebody can help me
/Christian

Inside,
I had similar issues when I first installed Vista and I don't think it installed correctly as it is...
One thing I noticed was that the Memory in particular is undervolted with this board if the bios is set to auto. Make sure you manually set the voltage to your RAM manufacturers voltage. Do the same thing with the timings and speed...
I had everything set to auto at first and I couldn't even get Vista to unpack 100% until I manually set things...
I need to reinstall windows I think because my installation is still messed up as I didn't change the timings until I started getting BSOD on first boot... Try it let us know if it works.

P6N Diamond - Vista/XP won't install.

I have Vista Home Premium x64 and I went to install for testing before I registered it. I then see I can install any version of Vista, so I decide to try Vista Ultimate to see how different it is from Home Premium. Anyway, the trial period for Ultimate expired and I can't seem to install Winodws at all now, not even XP. Vista just sits at the device screen and shows no drives at all and I try to load drivers and still nothing. I even tried turning on RAID with no help. I have used the drivers from MSI's website as well as nvidia's and nothing.
When I try XP though, it BSOD and locks up completely just as it goes into the first page of installation after setup has loaded drivers and such. I ran chkdsk /f and reset BIOS and nothing helps. I can still log into my expired Vista install just fine and vista see it there and all is fine in the BIOS as well. I even grabbed another HD with same issues.
I find it very strange Windows boots up on the drive, but won't install to it?
I just looked at MSI's website and 3.1 is still the current BIOS. Did MSI completely dumps this board? It's been almost a full year since the last BIOS was released and nvidia has released several fixes to the BIOS since, so I know there are available patches to install. I sure hope they plan to provide support for this flagship motherboard when it was released, I mean they provided like 3-4 months of support and then dump it?
Thanks for any help on getting this drive to work on Windows.
-=Mark=-
ps. I just finished installing ubuntu on it with no problems at all.

Quote
Code: [Select]
format c: at the DOS prompt
Yeah just re-install it from scratch, it would be easier.
Quote
Anyway, the trial period for Ultimate expired and I can't seem to install Winodws at all now, not even XP. Vista just sits at the device screen and shows no drives at all and I try to load drivers and still nothing.
I find it very strange Windows boots up on the drive, but won't install to it?
Gee, maybe another of M$'s tricks. They want you to buy the full version of Vista Ultimate?

MOVED: P6N Diamond Vista SP1 install problems?

This topic has been moved to Vista problems.
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=115585.0

Inside,
I had similar issues when I first installed Vista and I don't think it installed correctly as it is...
One thing I noticed was that the Memory in particular is undervolted with this board if the bios is set to auto. Make sure you manually set the voltage to your RAM manufacturers voltage. Do the same thing with the timings and speed...
I had everything set to auto at first and I couldn't even get Vista to unpack 100% until I manually set things...
I need to reinstall windows I think because my installation is still messed up as I didn't change the timings until I started getting BSOD on first boot... Try it let us know if it works.

P6N DIAMOND CAN'T INSTALL VISTA NO MASS DRIVE FOUND

Trying to install Vista and no drive found to install OS. Using Sata Samsung Optical Drive and tring to install to a single Sata WD 150 Raptor. I installed Nraid dirver when prompted using USB and Vista still won't find the hard drive to install. Looking for any ideas. I can access the c: drive through DOS prompt and I formatted there but the Hard Drive is not available in the Vista install screen.
P6N diamond
EVGA 7950
WD 150 ADFD
Samsung SATA optical drive
2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800
Seasonic M12 SS600

The HDD is on SATA 1 and the DVD is on SATA 4. The odd thing all this time it was showing in BIOS and I was able to access via command prompt. I did check the BIOS again and the on chip SATA mode was IDE. I had set the BIOS using the optimized defaults until the OS is loaded. I believe the OnChip SATA mode is IDE with that default, I checked it anyway and was set to IDE.
This AM I added the Floppy drive loaded the drivers on a floppy on another computer, booted into Vista and booted into Vista instal and the HDD was shown before I tried to load the drivers. What occurred to finally show up I have NO IDEA. Must be one of the unexplainable computer things. But I was finally able to install Vista and get it up and running!
Thanks for all the help and suggestions!

Deciding on a new CPU for P6N Diamond

Hi all,
I'm looking at upgrading my cpu before moving to vista. I'd like to get a nice extreme edition since this is my dream pc. I'm pretty sure the QX6850 will work with it, but has anyone tried the QX9650? I saw some of the other Yorkfield processors are under testing and will most likely work with the latest bios, except the QX9650. I'd be will to buy the processor and wait for the next bios update, but I'm not sure if the next bios update will add support for that processor.
Thanks

Sorry for the bad news, but the P6N Diamond will NOT support any Yorkfield processors in the future. Future bios updates will only support Wolfdale processors...not the new quad core series..:( If you want to run a 45nm CPU, you will need to stick with a dual core or update to the 780i or 750i board. Bummer.
Paul

P6N Diamond problems and questions

OK first here is the set up
P6N Diamond
Q6600
4GB OCZ DDR2 800
Raptor X 150GB C drive
Raptor 74GB D drive
250GB WD SATA
GF 8800GTS 640MB
Coolermax 850W PS 412 volt rails 28a on two of the rails
Windows Vista ultimate 64
I loaded windows on the bare Raptor and it installed Reboot after install and loaded drivers from CD for chipset. Reboot and installed other drives. Now the fun begins...
I was able to install the Video driver downloaded from nVidia's website. But the system hangs constantly It doesn't matter what your doing driver install, windows update or just looking into drives. It starts the operation then it sits with just the fan running for about 5 or more min. then it starts working again. I haven't found any posts here with a similar problem so it must be something I did. My local store did advise a windows reinstall.
Second problem the RAM is seen by the board as 677 not 800. The manual is very unclear on how to change that. I did pick up some Corsair XMS RAM to use instead of the OCZ to make sure it's not a RAM problem. I also tried 1 stick of RAM as well.
Is there a BIOS setting guide for this board anywhere? Also do I need to update BIOS?
Thanks for any help in advance.

Snowfalcon,
You can go to MSI's website, look in "downloads" and download a complete owners manual in PDF format for the P6N Diamond. It contains a bios guide. As far as the memory..you will probably have to increase the memory voltage in order for the bios to run it at the rated frequency, on my OCZ Platinum 6400s I run it at 2.1 volts to get the 800mhz rating. You may not be able to run all 4 gigs, I recommend using no more than 2 sticks in slots 1 & 3 until you get the OS loaded and running stable. Oh, and dont "enable" the onboard audio until after all other drivers are loaded up. Then you can load the Creative X-Fi drivers and software. These suggestions work for WinXP..there are other threads in this forum concerning/specific to Vista installs. Good luck.
Paul

MSI P6N Diamond with E8400 EIST

Running the p6n diamond with the E8400 and I can not seem to get the EIST to work. I try to enable it in the bios, but once I exit it goes back to disabled. Even with the F4 in the bios, I do not see any options for the C1 feature. Currently I have my CPU OCed to 3.6GHz, but that is recent and I could never get the EIST to work even at stock speeds.
Bios version 1.3 btw
System
Vista 64 bit Ultimate
P6N Diamond
E8400
2x2GB OCZ SLI ram 6400
500GB WB SATAII HDD
XFX 9800GTX

Quote
but just not EIST staying enabled.
That means, if you re-enter the BIOS Setup after you have saved & exited it, your changes are lost? All of them or just "Intel EIST" in the Cell Menu?
Quote
because the OCing voltage/FSB is changing
Can you be more specific about what values are actually changing and under which condiditions? Try to give a more detailed explanation of what is actually going on there.
Quote
I could not find C1E support anywhere before even with F4 in the bios, is it suppose to be there?
It should be under "CPU Features". Press F4 multiple times while you are in that BIOS Section.
Quote
People have said there is suppose to be an "EIST" option in there, but I have never seen it.
There is no "EIST" option in there.

Aftermarket CPU cooler to fit P6N Diamond and my new build

Hi, after my motherboard finally quit a couple weeks ago, I am starting to build my new system. I just purchased a P6N Diamond motherboard and I'll be picking up an E6700 Core 2 Duo and I already know that I am going to overclock slightly.
With the heat pipes this board has, I'm wondering if and if so, what aftermarket CPU cooler will fit on this board. I'm not going for a major overclock, but I would like to see 3GHz per core or slightly higher.
Also, Does anyone know what speed of RAM I should get to bump this processor up to 3GHz? On my last setup, I used DDR 434 and ran it at speed to get the processor up from 3.0C to 3.24GHz and 3.4E to 3.67GHz (upgraded at one point). I am still not sure on what RAM I should use yet for compatibility issues, but I guess I need to figure out the speed first.
I also just ordered my video card today as well. I went with a EVGA eGeforce 8800GTX Superclocked card. Later on down the road when the price comes down, I'll pick up another to run SLI. From what I read on MSI's website, SLI (with the P6N Plat) doesn't support SLI in Vista... Is this true with the board, or will it be a driver/BIOS issue that can be fixed later?
The computer this is replacing is my HTPC. I used and will again use this thing for just about everything. I regularly watch movies, record/watch TV, listen to music, play games, etc. I have it hooked up to a 40" flat panel LCD HDTV and have loved running and HTPC since I bought the TV in December. Hopefully this next system lives up to what I'm hoping it will be.

Quote from: AaronYuri on 22-August-07, 23:49:53
The GeminII cooler may not fit. But the Tuniq is also too heavy IMO.
I would pick this; it has good clearance and is one of the best coolers on the market. Except for this obviously.
But it's all down to personal preference.
I really like the Thermalright SI-128 SE that you recommended. My last Thermalright was able to cool my 3.4E @ 3.7GHz processor down when my old Zalman could not. Do you know if this will fit? I'm not sure the larger Thermalright will fit in my case...
Another option I was thinking about is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019

Help cant overclock e6600 on p6n diamond

well I'm new to overclocking and have had luck overclocking my evga 8800gts 320s but want to boost CPU performance to raise 3d mark score.running vista 64 bit and with one card (other card is being rma to evga loud fan)scored almost 10,500 with CPU at 2.691 and this seems to be the limit im stuck at it just locks any higher set any higher
set memory in range easily met disabled speed step,spread spectrum,cie disabled
tried raising some voltages CPU,fsb,northbridge nothing too crazy but will not budge over 2.7 i would like to get to 3.0 - 3.2 range CPU temps run cool even through 3d mark run at 2.691 using zalman 9500 CPU cooler and antec 900 case any help would be great well here is my system
antec 900
Intel e6600
msi p6n diamond
2 evga 8800 gts 320 sc overclocked
crucial ballistix 6400 4-4-4-12 2.1 v
silverstone strider 750
zalman 9500
1.0 bios
vista 64 bit home premium

Hello. Im new to overclocking also. Ive just got my setup like 2 weeks ago and want to do a little ocing myself on this board. What did you use to Oc? Bios? Ntune? I tired Ntune, but when I try to raise something and apply it, it just locks up the comp and i have to restart. Ive checked the Bios and it was a little confusing in there. Here is my setup
Motherboard: MSI P6N Diamond
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 2.33GHz FSB 1333Mhz
CPU Heatsink: Arctic Cooling Pro 7 w/ Arctic Silver 5 Paste
Memory: OCZ 2x2GB DDR2 800 Timing:5-4-4-15
HDD: Western Digital 150GB Raptor
Video card: Pny Xlr8 8800GT 512MB
Power Supply: Thermaltake PurePower 700W Modular
Case: Antec Nine Hundred
Cooling: 2x120mm front fan, 1x200mm top fan, 1x120mm rear fan, 1x120mm side fan.
Idle Temp: 22C/72F
Thank You in advanced for any help. I don't want to do that big of ocing, just to get the CPU to 2.5Ghz or something.

MSI P6N Diamond and very slow BIOS menus

I'm having problems with my new setup. My setup is as follows:
MSI P6N Diamond with 1.1 bios update
2 x OCZ Platinum Revision 2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2P800R22GK
XION Supernova XON 600W Power Supply
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (not overclocked yet, having problems whenever I change settings)
EVGA GeForce 8800GTS 640MB Video Card
I'm running Vista 32bit fine as far as I can tell, everything is pretty snappy and other programs are running fine, but the machine is very slow to post and running the bios menus is a painful process as it takes about 2-4 seconds to switch selections. I tried running the board with 1 stick of ram in slot 1, with slots 1 & 3 and all 4 and it made no difference. I had a USB card reader plugged in and then removing it seemed to make a difference for a while, the BIOS menus ran as I expected, very snappy. Also anytime I switch the CPU clock from automatic to manual the computer won't post and i have to reset the bios
Anyone have a clue what could be causing this slowness and my inability to overclock the cpu?

I will be getting the Q6600 in 1 week, :D. The new G0 stepping as well :D. I'm excited.
Are you using XP or Vista? I have had no distortion or pops with my sound. Although, from what I hear the drivers for XP or much more polished than those for Vista. This is a Creative issue, and not an MSI issue. Lots of people are having problems with Vista with the standalone Creative cards as well.
I overclocked my E6700 to about 3.5Ghz, and hit a temp wall based on my ambient temps. I probably could have gone higher if it was cooler in the room that houses the computer. Although, the temps have dropped dramatically after the AS5 has cured, probably could get it pushed up a bit higher. Hopefully I don't have problems with it when the Q6600 comes in.
If you got the older B3 stepping version, it will run a bit hotter and will be much harder to OC to higher speeds because of this. I've found the P6N Diamond to be very OC friendly and like all the options it gives. The only thing I don't like is the adjustment of the Vcore lists the # above stock, instead of the absolute #. Sometimes the Vcore it auto assigns isn't 100% correct I've heard so it'd be nice to know what that auto value is. The Vcore reading you can read in the monitor section fluctuates a hair in each direction of 1.3 for me when at stock, so I assume it was 1.3 stock.

P6N Diamond BIOS update went very wrong.

Just updated my P6N Diamond to BIOS 1.3. The procedure went through without a any errors from a floppy disk.
On reboot there is no post at all. no beeps, no video signal. Everything powers on and the fans come on but no post at all even the 4 lights on the D-Bracket are off.
Is it completely unrecoverable?
MSI P6N Diamond
Intel Core 2 Duo E6850
4 GB OCZ Ram
MSI Geforce 8800 Ultra OC
Thermaltake 1200W PSU
2 x 500GB Western Digital HD
Windows Vista 64 Bit

Quote from: Arramond on 28-November-07, 16:54:19
This was the bios i got
http://download6.msi.com.tw/files/downloads/bos_exe/7320v13.zip
I have tried several times with the clearing of the cmos but I will try with different RAM.
Also in the recovery procedure I assume I will need a PS2 keyboard as the USB keyboard I have doesn't work holding down ctrl-home?
"This was the bios i got
http://download6.msi.com.tw/files/downloads/bos_exe/7320v13.zip
seems to be correct one.
"Also in the recovery procedure I assume I will need a PS2 keyboard as the USB keyboard I have doesn't work holding down ctrl-home?"
yes, use PS2 keyboard.
"I have tried several times with the clearing of the cmos but I will try with different RAM."
Power cord removed from the PSU? Just one mem. stick in 1st DIMM near to CPU socket too?
If no change try with different stick.

P6N Diamond restart issue

Whenever I restart/shut down/hibernate my system, I am unable to boot it up again until it has been left to sit powered-down for about 30 minutes. If I try to boot before this interval is elapsed, the system powers on but does nothing (no beeps, no POST, etc.) except spin up the fans.
Anyone know why this could be happening? I have tried testing with minimal hardware (CPU and 1 stick of RAM only) and it still exhibits the same issue.
BTW, does anyone know why MSI decided to completely stop supporting the P6N Diamond, even though the other P6 boards are still receiving regular updates?

Jack,
I have done that, but to no avail. This is basically what happens: I clear CMOS, wait a few minutes then start up the pc. It posts fine. I enter the BIOS config and load the optimized defaults. I save and it restarts. Again, it posts fine. A screen comes up listing the OS (Vista Ultimate 32-bit) with a 30 second timer. I hit enter. Several different things have happened at this point. A few times, the microsoft name comes up with that scrolling light bar. At that point it either just freezes or the screen goes completely black (with monitor still on). Sometimes, instead of the microsoft name coming up, the screen goes black. Sometimes, instead of either of those two, the screen is black with a flashing cursor at the top. If I try to enter safe mode instead of starting Windows normally, a list of the needed files scrolls down the screen and stops once it reaches the last one. Instead of then loading Windows, it freezes. Sometimes just the first file name will be listed before it freezes. If I try to boot to the CD, the screen goes black with a flashing cursor. I've even tried booting to a bootable USB drive (which I used to flash the bios to begin with), and the screen goes black with a flashing cursor. Before flashing the bios, all hardware and software worked fine. Obviously I took a risk with flashing this beta bios (1.4b1), but if I couldn't get this mobo to work with the Yorkfield processor, I was likely going to get a new mobo instead of returning the CPU. I would then just put the P6N Diamond in another case. I'm hoping someone else has gone through this, though, and knows how to get this working again. I don't have the yorkfield processor in right now. I've been using my old dual-core proccessor. I don't know if there's some setting in the BIOS config that needs to be changed that didn't need to be changed under the 1.3 BIOS or if I need to stick in the yorkfield processor for some reason.

P6N Diamond Overclock results

P6N Diamond, e6750 Overclock results
P6N Diamond
Intel e6750 2.66 1333
2X1G Patriot 4-4-4-12-2T (2.2V)
Thermaltake Toughpower 750
EVGA Geforce 8800GT Superclock (650MHz)
Cooler Master Hyper 212 air cooling
1. Starting with optimized defaults (AMI Bios 1.3):
   Default voltages
      CPU:   1.2 (per CPU-z)
      NB Volt:   1.275 (per CPU-z)
      SB Volt:   1.5 (Bios)
      FSB VTT:   Default? (Bios)
   System clock set to manual
      FSB:   1333
      Memory:   800
      CPU Multiplier:   8
   PCI-E frequency: 100
   Advanced Dram Config
      Manual settings, 4-4-4-12
      Set Memory voltage to 2.2v
System ran rock solid at this point
2. FSB set to 1400 - no problems
3. FSB set to 1500 - no problems. Based on what I others had achieved wasn't expecting any at this point.
4. FSB set to 1520 - BSOD, ruined boot sector, reinstalled Vista
5. Set FSB VTT +2% - clean boot, tested CPU with Ortho, no problems, did not do the Ram test
6. Set FSB to 1560 - tested CPU with Ortho for 15 min, no problems, core temps 48 degree C under load
7. Tested CPU and Ram with Ortho - lockup
8. Set FSB VTT +4% - Ortho ram test lockup
9. Set FSB VTT +6% - Ortho ram test lockup
10. Set FSB VTT +8%, NB Volt 1.3V - Ortho ram test lockup
11. Set CPU Volt +.1v (CPU-z core voltage shows 1.416V during load) - Ortho ram test lockup, retested only CPU and did not lockup
12. Set CPU Volt +.1125V, NB Volt 1.35 - Ortho ram test lockup
13. Set CPU Volt to +.15 - Ortho ram test lockup
Ok, I can't seem to find stability over 1500 FSB, any suggestions? Do I keep pushing the voltages?

Brinbane,,my e6750 runs all day at 3600mhz. However, I have learned from experience that every CPU is different, I had a 630 that overclocked better than a 670 CPU...it's a crap shoot at best. Also, just wondering if Vista is less tolerant than WinXP for overclocking? I have CPU-Zd to 3800, but it's not stable due to my budget memory. The 680 boards have always been decent overclockers, but an Intel board will almost always reach higher bus speeds than a Nvidia board....but, we do have SLI..!! If Intel ever comes out with the Skulltrail board, I'd buy it..two processors (ala server board) and Nvidia 100 chipsets for SLI..woohoo.!!
Keep the faith..Paul
Skulltrail----> http://www.legitreviews.com/article/568/1/

P6N Diamond: Problems, Issues, or just trials & tribulations?

P6N Diamond: Problems, Issues, or just trials & tribulations?
I've had some issues with my new pc (see my sig). I initially finished it about a month ago. It was running just fine
until 10 days ago. On 11/10, I finished the evening by adding 2 gb of material to Oblivion & then defragging w/Diskeeper 2k7
(the 3rd defrag that week). The next morning I turned the pc on & it posted normally but then the screen went blank,
except for the words "missing operating system". I restarted the pc a couple of times, which didn't help, I then checked
the bios, & the drive was properly listed. Next, I tried to repair the boot record w/Vista's Recovery Console (RC), however the
RC didn't see an OS, even after loading sata drivers. While pointing the RC to the drivers, I tried to access the C:, the RC
said that drive needed to be formatted. I took that to mean the drive was toast, so I ordered the Seagate (still tried to
fix the boot record through the command prompt using Dos repair commands-no luck), which arrived on 11/15.
That evening I loaded the new hdd & then Vista, after which came the vista updates, drivers, then some of my other basic
programs (diskeeper, firefox, foxit, etc.) & then I defragged. One thing that seemed odd to me about this new install was
that the 'bubbles' screensaver seemed sluggish, that is, less energetic than the first time through. After defragging I was
going to shutdown when another vista upgrade popped up, checked to see if it was important or recommended-it was important.
I clicked to install & it started to install & then the pc got hung up. I tried C-A-D, but it didn't work so I hit the reset
button, got back to the windows desktop, everything looked fine, so I decided to put the pc to bed & do the rest the next
day, the pc turned off gracefully.
11/16. I turned on the pc & it posted properly, but then went to a blue screen. I don't remember what the message was, something
about windows being unable to start, I think. I then hit C-A-D & then loaded the RC. The RC was able to see an OS this time,
so I clicked on it & the repair started. After a couple of minutes the repair finished & asked to restart, which I did. The
pc posted just fine again, but then went to another blue screen, but with a different message, as I recall. I did the RC thing
again, though this time after the repair was going for a few seconds, I was asked if I wanted go to an earlier restore point,
which I did. I was asked to restart again, I did & the pc booted all the to the desktop. I spent the rest of the day checking
out data corruption & diskeeper 2k7, I did find some forums where that was discussed. Though there was also mention of bad
memory causing data corruption as well-more to think about. The pc shutdown gracefully at bed time.
11/17. When I turned on the pc this day I didn't pay close attention, since I figured my pc problems were over, however when
I looked the screen it was black, no messages or anything. A point to the good was that the fans were running & the stylized
light on the XiFi card was lit. Still, a big '' was bouncing about in head. It seemed the pc didn't post. What was wrong:
the motherboard; the videocard; the ram; or, maybe the new hdd? So, I thought about the situation for while. Should I go to
a pro? Should I test my other, unused, ram stick? And, where did I put that damn diagnostic bracket that came with the mobo?
After a couple of hours, I decided to start the fixing process by hitting the reset button. Perhaps the pc did post earlier,
or at least partially, because the pc performed a partial post this time, with the message 'checksum bad' under the partial
component list. At the bottom of the screen was 'press f1 to setup.' I pressed f1 & got into the bios. In the bios, I
noticed several differences, particularly the sata controller being disabled & the boot list was messed up. I corrected
those & saved & exited. I then loaded the RC to see if any more repairs were needed, but none were. I restarted the pc &
it booted & loaded into vista quickly & cleanly. The pc has continued to boot cleanly the past three days while I've been
watching for hardware problems, mainly ram or cmos battery errors.
11/20. So, now what? I'm seriously considering reinstalling vista once more. I think my hardware is alright, I suspect
Saturday's problem was a conflict between the restore point & the bios. I'm ambivalent about diskeeper, I've bought it,
but I didn't buy it to beat myself over the head with.
If you've read this far would you do me the additional favor of telling me your opinion? I've noticed a fair amount of wisdom in this
forum & I think I could use a little extra input. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you all,
tryggvi

...The saga continues...
11/24. PC posted & went right to vista. I decided to test a different set of vid drivers so I installed th geforce 169.12 betas to see if that would eliminate the screensaver sluggishness I mentioned above-it did, the driver has been stable but I haven't pushed them either. PC ran fine all day & it shut down normally at the end of the day.
11/25. PC posted & went right to vista. I installed several programs (including auslogics defragger) & attached 3 sata (1 optical & 2 ext.hdds). Defragged in the middle of the afternoon & pc ran fine the rest of the day & shut down normally that night.
11/26. PC posted but the I got the "missing operating message." Damn! So, now I'm thinking defrag corruption, bad sata controller, or failing cmos battery. I tried to fix the vista install w/recovery console, but it couldn't even find an os. I also checked the bios during this time, everything was fine except that the time was off by a couple of hours. I did a clean install of vista again on a lean machine & then some basic programs. I turned of the pc a couple hours later and added 2 sata drives, the pc posted & loaded vista just fine.The pc shut down normally at the end of the day.
11/27. No apparent post. I hit the restart button, the pc then posted w/a 'checksum bad' message at the bottom. I got into the bios & found the following entries changed: time & date; full screen logo display; boot sequence; on board sata controller; and, boot from other devices. I reset these entries & saved & exited. The pc booted into vista just fine & ran normally the rest of the day, shutting down normally as well.
11/28. No apparent post again. Repeated the immediate above, the same entries were changed, so I reset them & the pc posted & vista loaded just fine. With the same changes happening 2 days in a row, & all the bad things happening after the pc being off over night, the problem seems fairly certainly to be a bad or failing cmos battery, especially since I haven't tried to flash the bios or shut down the pc improperly. In my research of cmos battery problems, it was recommended that you try to recharge the battery by leaving the pc on 24-48 hours before replacing the problem, so I'll leave the pc on until the evening of the 30th.
11/29. 36 hours plus & the pc is doing fine. Sorry for the journal, but it helps me think & gives others a clearer idea about what's been going on. Does anyone have any other ideas? My cmos battery is a 'KTS lithium cr2032', if need be can I replace this w/any other cr2032? Especially since I can't find a KTS one.
Thanks all,
tryggvi

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