The MSI site has a trouble shooting page that seems fairly extensive at
http://www.msicomputer.com/support/sup_tshoot.asp . You may have already
tried it. Problem could just be a jumper on the MB not being set properly -
such as FSB speed (based on where the boot process stopped).
The site also warns about incompatibility of certain video cards with their
MB's.

You may have to dismantle the computer and start over with boot testing as
each component is added while making sure the MB is not shorting out. You
could find a bad component or even a bad MB that is causing the problem. If
you search the Internet, there are instructions from knowledgeable persons
on building a computer with detailed and extensive directions. In a bind,
such as you have encountered, I start over using the instructions.
Fortunately most builds go without a hitch.

Tom Mayer


----- Original Message -----
From: "Vincent Winterling" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, June 12, 2005 9:44 AM
Subject: [PCBUILD] BIOS Problems


Amateur system-builder question: I'm building a new system and am stumped.

Components include:
MSI N8N Neo3-F (socket 754)
Athlon 64 3400+ Newcastle
Corsair 2-512 mb ram (XMS)
MSI FX5700LE-TD128
Western Digital 80gb SATA (2)
Pioneer Dual layer DVD burner (DVR-AO9 XLB)
Thermaltake A-1838 Silent Boost Heatsink Fan / Artic Silver 5 compound

Problem is I can get to the BIOS. It posts ok (one short beep as my other
machines do) and gets to the Phoenix-Award BIOS screen but stops after it
lists the CPU (listed accurately). No amounting of pressing DEL allows me to
enter setup.

With the MSI video card (as above), it wouldn't post at all. When I
substituted an MSI FX5200 from another machine and it allowed it to post and
get to where I am now.

I cleared the CMOS but removing the battery and by clearing an SW_BAT1
button on the board, each to no avail and both with the system powered down
and unplugged.

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