Odd PC problem.. any suggestions?

[ThoseOfTheUnlight]

Hey guys,

Last week my computer started acting up strange. It would freeze just after post at the spec screen, then take ages to load windows if it ever went past that point. I assumed this was a hard drive problem (and probably was to an extent).

I replaced my hard drive yesterday, a new install of XP Pro - however I still have some problems. After about an hour of useage, it froze - went I went to reboot, instead of sticking on the spec screen, it froze on the next screen where it says "scan devices" (I think this is looking for raid perhaps)?

Its a strange problem and I cant figure out where it may be. I was thinking that it is around here that it checks for IDE devices, so maybe it has something to do with the DVD/DVD-r drives? Last week when I first had the problems they were making strange noises during booting..

Any help would be very much appreciated!

[Hohum]

Personally I'd try unplugging and reconnecting everything (cables, connectors, pci cards etc). Dust can sometimes creep into the connectors, they can work loose, and so on.

[Valken]

Clear CMOS!

[EvilBoris]

I had a similar problem, it turned out it was overheating (I bought a new HDD when I didn't need too) I unscrewed all the heatsinks and fans I could find and gouged out all the dirst and dust, then it worked fine.

[ThoseOfTheUnlight]

Ok well what I've done is disconnected any IDE devices, ie both the DVD drives.

Its running fine now. Im just wondering though - could a faulty dvd drive cause this to happen?

Even if it is this, I still have to determine whats actually wrong - which DVD drive, whether its the cables or the motherboard connector....

Anyone else with a similar experience?

[Hohum]

It's probably the IDE cable then by the sounds of it. You can pick up a new one fairly cheap (2-3 quid)

[ThoseOfTheUnlight]

I think I have some rounded ones spare, its just a pain in the arse to fit a new IDE cable to both of them, since there is bugger all room in the case so I'll have to take them out

[AlonzoUK]

I recently replaced a faulty cd-rw/dvd combo drive on a friends computer that had a similiar issue - it would appear to hang during the post/scan screens if their was a dvd in the drive (problem didn't occur if there was a CD).

Since the drive was only 3 month old we took it back to where he got it and got it replaced - this fixed the fault.

[ThoseOfTheUnlight]

Ok cool, seems like it definitely is a problem somewhere in the line then.

Guess I might just buy a new DVD drive plus a new cable - that ought to solve it

[Ciaran]

If you just plug one DVD drive in at a time you will determine which drive it is and whether there is a problem.

When you buy the dvd drive it should come with an IDE cable.

[ThoseOfTheUnlight]

Probably would buy an OEM drive anyway which wouldnt come with anything

I'll try plugging in one at a time later on! Hopefully all will be ok!