two unrelated problems !

[edp33]

I've not used the cd before, the pc is an upgrade for a friend. The CD she has given me is Windows XP Home with SP2. I have XP Pro with SP2 on my pc.

The /repair option didn't work either Will try using a different hard drive tonight

[Blenster]

Please post back with results

[edp33]

hmmz... tried using a samsung 500gb hard drive instead this time, it came up with exactly the same error. Guess it's not the hard drive !

Will try an install with XP Pro instead

[Blenster]

Well, at least that`s one component verified working.
Keep going, you`ll have it cornered soon

[edp33]

Tried XP Pro instead of XP Home - still the same problem
It seems that the voltage for Corsair DDR2 should be 1.9v and the bios default is 1.8v so set it to 1.9v it still crashes with system32/config

Tried putting the memory sticks in the other 2 slots, still has the error.

Tried one memory stick at a time(it's dual ddr2), it just crashes on the windows desktop now, i.e doesn't get to display the icons. Tried installing both sticks again but still won't display icons.

Tried unplugging the sata for cdrom and unplugging the floppy cable.

Ok, plugged other hard drive in and it boots up to windows again. The error seems to come up when it says loading from dmi pool, if its verifying dmi pool data its fine.

[edp33]

Well I tried with different sata cables, different ports and different molex power connectors and the same fault. I think it is either the bios battery not retaining the settings - as it only seems to happen from a cold boot or the HDD controller.

I spoke to Gigabyte support and they recommended returning the motherboard as well. So I will order another board as it's quicker than waiting for returns assuming that works I will return the other board and get a refund - will keep you posted !

[edp33]

*duplicate *

[s_kinton]

Have you checked the RAM using memtest86+ ?

[edp33]

yep it went through 2 passes without any errors on memtest. I also tried putting the memory in different slots, the same message

It only falls over during a cold boot, during restarts etc it is fine.

[Blenster]

Are you getting another Gigabyte 780 ?
This problem has all but put me off, seems to be lots of quirky faults with this board.
Currently looking at the Abit A-S78H version of the chipset.
Hope you get it sorted quickly.

[edp33]

I thought about going for the Abit, but the Gigabyte had the most reviews and seemed more popular, it is a good board when it is working, perhaps I just got one of a faulty batch. I will try it again. Gigabyte have suggested returning the motherboard as well, so hopefully I will get a refund.

[Blenster]

Well I think you`ve tried everything conceivable to get it running happily, so a faulty Mobo it probably is.
Please keep us posted on the outcome

[edp33]

Well the problem playing 720p video turned out to be some codec/performance problem from windows media player, it played fine in PowerDVD.

[edp33]

woohooo !

Replacement Gigabyte motherboard arrived today and it works fine

Every time I had to turn it on and off I was worried the error would come up and I would be having to change memory/psu etc but no problems so far Will have to get in touch with Ebuyer and RMA the old board.

Don't know if it has put you off the Gigabyte Blenster, but at least it proves it was a fault with the other one and not a compatibility issue etc.

[Blenster]

Thanks for the update, edp33

I think I`ll go with the Abit board. Your right, it doesn`t get the attention that the Gigabyte board has had, but it`s also hard to find people having problems with it, despite selling very well.
Anyway, glad your sorted