Hey guys,
I pieced myself a new Computer together from new parts that I bought about a month ago.
I installed WinXP Pro SP 2 (legal version).

PC Parts:

Motherboard: Asus A8N SLI SE
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 2,2 Ghz (Socket 939)
RAM: 1024 Megabyte (PC-400 DDR, 1 Module)
Graphics Card: GeForce PX7900 GT TDH


Ok, at first I just used 2 Hard Drives with the 400 Watt Power supply I had, because there were too few cables to hook my 2 DVD Drives up (1 DVD Writer, 1 Read-Only Drive). I then had cable adaptors which "split" one plug into two.
My Windows would try to boot, display the XP Logo and then the PC would just restart itself after showing the XP Bluescreen for about half a second.

I thought windows crashed upon loading the drivers for the graphics card because the power supply wasn't enough.

I then bought an expensive 480 Watts power supply from Tagan which didn't solve the problem.

I then read an internet page how to build 2 power supplies into one PC, which I did.
The 400 Watt Power supply took care of the motherboard, cpu, graphics card whilst a 350 Watt power supply took care of my drives (2 HD, 2 DVD).

My Windows then booted, crashed about three times everytime in the process (as described above) and then ran flawlessly on the 4th or 5th attempt.

A few weeks after that, I tried to install a game. Windows crashed and refused to boot after that (BIOS Message: INVALID SYSTEM DISK of sth like that).
Now here's the strange thing: I can still SEE the disk in my bios, I can still ACCESS it (and create new partitions) when I use a linux live-on-cd system (http://www.kanotix.com).
I tried to install WinXP and it didn't boot ("INVALID SYSTEM DISK").
I tried to install Kubuntu Linux and it didn't boot ("INVALID SYSTEM DISK").

I don't think this is the harddisks fault, as i've tried this with 2 different HD's (they are connected in one of those things where you can easily change 'em (the english word escapes me now) y'know, with a small key at the side, just slide 'em in...).

Anybody know help?

Hi Glen,

Welcome to PCHF. We have a wonderful team of techs here, and I feel certain that we will be able to help you work this out.

I'd like to get the hardware gurus to take a look at this, I'll PM them.

Have you tried this using only one HDD to troubleshoot with?
I am assuming that you installed Windows with all components in place?
When it was running as expected, were you ever able to get it to simply boot up?

Looking forward to your reply,

TTFN

LGW

Hey, thanks a lot for answering!

Not yet, but if you think that could bring me closer to the answer I'll get right on to that tomorrow afternoon (German time, that is ).
I installed Windows with only the 2 HDs which went fine. After I connected the 2 DVD Drives the Trouble began (power supply - not enough power).
It did boot up without restarting the first 1 or 2 times with the DVD Drives connected. After that it all started to get screwed.

Well, I'm not quite sure if this thread is in the right section of the Forum, since I don't see the HD to be the problem,
but duh, I've got no idea what the cause of this strange prob is.

Could the Hard disk case (y'know, the thing for exchanging them fast) be a cause/issue with this problem?

Some info on how I use the drives. I've set all the jumpers correctly (pretty sure).
HD 1 (Primary Master) (tried 40 and 60 GB's with the changing frame/thing) for the system. Already reformatted and repartitioned them with the Windows install disk and QParted from Kanotix Linux several times. No luck there; accessible, but won't boot. Tried to install Kubuntu & Kanotix as well, no success.
HD 2 (Primary Slave) for data (games, movies, progs etc.). Should I try to disconnect that one 4 testing? Don't want to reformat it coz the data on there is quite important.
DVD Drive (Secondary Master) which I use to boot Kanotix
DVD Writer (Secondary Slave)

Thanks a lot again, looking 4ward to you advice,
-Glenn Q.

Hey Glen, don't worry, I'm used to that GMT stuff, most of my team is on the other side of the world. LOL.

Thanks for the info. What is your boot sequence in BIOS?

I'm looking at the harddrives because of the booting problem. But, since it sounds like you have more than enough power running this system, the more I think about it, the more I think what ever problem started with the DVD players may have damaged something in your Windows install.

I know that they are peripheral, and should not be relevant, but I would uninstall and reinstall Windows with all components in place. Especially since you have been changing around the PSUs. At the very least we will be able to rule out a Window's issue.

Looking forward to your reply,

TTFN

LGW

Is your BIOS flashed to the lateset version ??
IF it is...try resetting all settings to 'default' --this fixed a similar problem I had once... one too many tweaks in the bios settings-- and I could not boot. Drove me nuts for 2 days

Hello,
I'm very sorry for my long absence, but family stuff came up that had to be dealt with which involved spending time in a household abroad where I couldn't take my machinbe with me

Well, I tried removing the DVD Drive (one of the two) and the problem still exists.
I also tried your advice ladygreenwich (installing windows again with all the components in place), which led to the result that my machine has the same problem I described earlier:

It restarts itself in the middle of booting.
If it actually makes it through the booting process (ca. 30% chance), it gives me a BSoD with the Message "MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION"

Sorry again for my long absence, believe me I will post the results of your advice here!

Thanks again,
-pAtricK

<edit>I had updated my whole BIOS but it didn't work. but thanks for the advice anyway</edit>