Regardless every other possible problems, first thing first, if you feel the
heatsink really hot, and the reading in BIOS (hardware monitor) is high too
( 60C or over), ask for a better heatsink-fan.

From what you said, it looks very much like to have heat problem.

For software, I suggest you (or let the tech) do a clear XP installation, in
front of you, and taking the following steps:

Before doing anything, ask for a better heatsink-fan!
1) look for if there is any newer BIOS update, if so, flash the BIOS and
carefully setup BIOS setting
2) install a fresh XP (delete partition during setup, and let XP re-do it)
3) right after XP, install VIA 4in1 driver (latest official 4.38)
4) after 4in1 driver, install nVidia driver 28.32 (offical from nVidia)
5) install latest SB driver update for XP (download from www.sblive.com),
don't use the SB CD!!!
6) install modem driver (latest) if needed, in other word, if XP detected
you modem, and installed default driver ok, you don't have to change it.
7) install NIC driver, same as above, if XP got default driver for it, use
it, for most low cost NIC, default driver might be the best.
8) check in Device manager, make sure everything is ok, and HDD/CDRW/DVD are
working under DMA/UDMA mode
9) install Nero, with min required installation, than run latest Nero update
(download from www.nero.com), you don't need to install InCD, XP has
built-in CDRW disk support.
10) I believe Aopen DVD come with powerDVD 3 (this is the case in
Australia), which has problem with XP (but it doesn't harm XP), try to get
latest version.

If you've done all above, and the system still locks up, it is 99.99%
hardware problem, get mobo/CPU/RAM/AGP card checked.

Jun Qian

----- Original Message -----
From: "unclerichard" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, March 29, 2002 8:24 AM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Nex XP Box Freezes


> Folks: I am not sure whether this is a software or hardware problem, or
> indeed a mixture of both.
>
> My local shop has built me a new box as follows:
>
> MB Soltek SL-75DRV4 (VIA KT266A Chipset)
> CPU  Athon 1800XP
> RAM  512MB DDR
> OS MS XP Home edition
> HD Seagate 40GB Barracuda 7200 RPM
> VIDEO  64MB GE FORCE 400AGP
> SOUND  Sound Blaster 5.1 Card
> CDR  AOPEN 24X10X40 (w Nero 5)
> DVD AOPEN 16X
> 10/100 OCI NETWORK  CARD
> MODEM Internal 56K
> Floppy
>
> On delivery it made a whiring sound while booting. The technician (he
> delievered it) open the case and decided it was one of the fans. I was of
> the opinion that it was the fan of the CPU. The heatsink felt very hot and
> looked slightly skewered - though the case was on its side.
>
> It booted to the OS then froze and could not be closed down. The Tech has
> spent the afternoon on it without positive results. He believes it is a
> software problem with either the CDR or DVD. I disagree, and would like
> comments on the following and any other suggestions you care to make
> especially any of you with the SL-75DRV4 MB.
>
> 1. There is a known conflict between the VIA 266A chipset and the Sound
> Blaster 5.1 card. Would this affect my machine? Has anyone out there had
> experince with this problem.
>
> 2. I am suspicious that the fan failure may have affected the CPU. It is
> obviously not fried, but could excessive heat cause the problem. It boots
to
> the OS then freezes which does to me suggest a heat problem.

        The NOSPIN Group provides a monthly newsletter with great
       tips, information and ideas: NOSPIN-L, The NOSPIN Magazine
           Visit our web site to signup: http://freepctech.com