Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Unknown Hardware Problem

  1. #1
    Registered+
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    15
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked
    0 times in 0 posts

    Unknown Hardware Problem

    Hey,

    I have got a very strange issue with my desktop, I believe it must be hardware related:

    I had a problem running a game (Armed Assault) - it would crash to desktop on start, after some simple checks I decided I was due a re-install of windows anyway so I went ahead.

    I re-installed Windows XP, but the same thing happened. There are a number of other things that appear to be going wrong, which may, or may not, be related:

    1) Some (not all) ZIP files cannot be unzipped as I get a CRC error.
    2) Sometimes when I install things from CD or DVD I get a strange error (probably similar issue to CRC error) - I have tried different DVDs and DVD drives and still had the same issue.
    3) If I install the latest drivers for my soundcard then I loose all sound
    4) Random re-boots (often during installation of software/drivers - but sometimes has been when the system is idle)
    5) After about my 5th try of installing XP to see if I managed to do something different each time, I now cannot connect to Windows Update.

    My hunch is that it is either the mobo, or something on it (bad RAM, CPU etc.). I do not really mind buying a new mobo and cpu (as given the specs it should not be too expensive). But I would like some degree of confidence that this is the issue first!

    Does anyone have any thoughts? Please let me know if more info is needed.

    My specs:

    Win XP with Service Pack 2 (previously had SP3 and had the same error)
    3.2Ghz P4
    3GB RAM
    Abit IC7-Max3 Mobo
    ATI (Sapphire) HD 2600XT
    Creative SB Audigy 2ZS

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    925
    Thanks
    4
    Thanked
    161 times in 148 posts
    • smargh's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P
      • CPU:
      • Xeon E5450 with 775-to-771 Mod
      • Memory:
      • 16GB Crucial
      • Storage:
      • Intel X25-M G2 80GB/Adaptec 3405 4x 2TB Ultrastar RAID1 / 1x 6TB Hitachi He6 / Dying 2TB Samsung
      • Graphics card(s):
      • GTX 750 Ti
      • PSU:
      • Seasonic X-560
      • Case:
      • Lian-Li PC-A71
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit
      • Monitor(s):
      • BenQ G2400WD
      • Internet:
      • Really Crap ADSL2 <3Mbit

    Re: Unknown Hardware Problem

    Multiple corrupt zips is nearly always bad RAM. Use Memtest86+.

    If that checks out, use your manufacturer's HDD diagnostics.

    If that is successful, check your power supply voltages.

    Regarding WindowsUpdate, check the time & date on your PC.

  3. #3
    Registered+
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    15
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked
    0 times in 0 posts

    Re: Unknown Hardware Problem

    smargh... All I can say is you legend.

    I (with bugger all RAM knowledge), downloaded Memtest86+ and ran it from floppy and it showed a shed load of errors. Randomly the Corsair XMS memory I had fom first install in 2004 works fine, but the extra 2 GB I added as value select (still corsair) is knackered!

    My machine is working great now.

    Thank you so much, I was inches away from going for a new rig!

    Cheers

    Matt

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Strange Problem, Hardware Related, Difficult to explain
    By bobgreen5s in forum Help! Quick Relief From Tech Headaches
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 05-03-2007, 12:35 AM
  2. new hardware problem...any suggestions?
    By silent in forum SCAN.care@HEXUS
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 09-01-2007, 07:45 PM
  3. Persistant problem
    By The Codfather in forum PC Hardware and Components
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 17-06-2006, 10:37 PM
  4. Slow booting XP, event ID 9, hardware problem? Please help.
    By Anders in forum Help! Quick Relief From Tech Headaches
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 25-10-2005, 05:04 PM
  5. Windows Vista Hardware Tax
    By Matt1eD in forum Software
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 21-09-2005, 08:23 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •