BIOS and CPU trouble? - PC Help Forum - Free Computer Help, Windows, Hardware, Software and more!

Terdogtanner · #1 03-13-2008

Okay, after updating my BIOS and putting in new 2 sticks of RAM
My computer still has trouble on startup!
After a night of shut off, I go to turn it on and it takes 4 or 5 tries to actually start working
(example: for me to actually see the desktop)
So during those attempts to start up, it restarts before it gets to the "welcome" screen?
It's as if my computer is attempting to set the appropriate settings...

WELLLLL, this time I got a full error message and it goes something like this:

"Consider BIOS upgrade
Microsoft is unable to determine the exact cause of this error. However, this problem was most likely caused by an error in your computer’s random access memory (RAM). RAM is the main internal storage area the computer uses to run programs and store data.
During the crash analysis, we noticed the basic input/output (BIOS) system version on this computer does not match the specifications for the central processing unit (CPU), also known as a processor, that is installed on your computer. This can occur when a newer processor is installed on an older system board or older BIOS. Using a BIOS that does not support the installed processor can result in Windows system crashes. Contact your computer manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer for an updated version of BIOS for your computer's processor.
Additional information
Important: Upgrading the BIOS version may require moderate to advanced troubleshooting skills. If you are uncomfortable with performing these steps, you might want to consider consulting with paid technical support.
If your computer contains an Intel processor, you can use special utilities to identify your specific processor."

I have an Intel Pentium 4 Processor which came with the computer, also, before updating my BIOS, it was doing the same thing...as well as with the old RAM too. So replacing and updating did nothing really. It still takes many attempts after a cold start up. But, once I have the computer up and running....(after those attempts) I can restart however many times I want and with ease

its very strange.

PLease...ANY ideas would be helpful!

Jelly Bean · #2 03-13-2008

Hi,I wonder if you used the wrong BIOS update?
Maybe installed wrong update for CPU?
Are you putting exact same speeds of RAM in the PC?

Maybe some thing went wrong with the updates?
Did you install updates for your RAM?

Terdogtanner · #3 03-13-2008

The BIOS update was provided by Esupport and Im almost positive that it was the correct BIOS update
The RAM sticks are EXACTLY the same, same everything..they are brand new...i took my old RAM out and replaced them with two 512MB PC133 sticks..so thats okay. its just this other crap?!
If you remember, I was having the same problem before the BIOS update as well? sooo Im completely lost on this one lol

Jelly Bean · #4 03-13-2008

You have got us all scratching our heads.

Have you tried a reinstall of the BIOS update?

Terdogtanner · #5 03-13-2008

hahah, you're not alone
I mean, it's not the biggest deal in the world, but more like very annoying when I want to shut off my computer! because i know that its going to happen if i leave it off for a while.
but this could lead to other problems down the road...so im assuming it should be fixed soon lol

Jelly Bean · #6 03-13-2008

Have you installed the RAM controler etc?

Like in my device manager I have installed:

NVIDIA PCI system manager.

Plus NVIDIA NFORCE 2 memory controller,s.About 6 of these?

These come under system devices,just trying to figure this problem out.

Just downloading and running updates does not mean they install automaticaly,maybe you need to manualy install these via devcie manager and install the correct ones?

Are you able to show us your setup in BIOS?As in pictures maybe?And a few of your setups on hardware and software settings?

Not sure if it will give us a clearer picture but it is worth a try?

Terdogtanner · #7 03-13-2008

umm....I don't know?
Im in device manager right now..what should I look for?

Terdogtanner · #8 03-13-2008

im not sure how to show you the BIOS settings?
and what do you need to see specifically for my hardware and software settings? and how do i take screen shots?

Jelly Bean · #9 03-13-2008

Go to system devices.

There will proberly be 4-6 ram/memory controller listed there.
Now they may need an update.

so try this:right click on one of them and then on update driver,choose install from a pesific location advanced.

Then choose dont search I will choose driver to install.Click next.

You should see whats listed and go for digitaly signed drivers.

Or is there nothing listed there for drivers?

You could actualy do this for most of your hardware then maybe you would install the correct didgitaly signed drivers.

You do not have to restart each time just keep going untill you have updated every thing on that list?

I know it will take time but it may hopefully sort these problems out?

You could then do this for ALL hardware,please check the right driver is installed for you CPU by see wich driver is recommended in update driver or wich one is already installed.

As often when we download from larger pc companys we do not download individual drivers but a driver package.Thus the first driver in the list is not always the one to install.

If you are not sure wich driver to install still choose install from specific lacation advanced however then choose search for drivers in these lacations,uncheck CD/Floppy and check the box include this location in search type in the drop down box C:/WINDOWS:system32 click next.

Again you can download the driver packages and put them to CD/Floppy and then choose install from CD/Floppy and the PC will search the disks for the correct drivers if they are there?

Terdogtanner · #10 03-13-2008

okay I checked to see if there was an update for my CPU and it said that it could not find a better match other than the one i have installed now....so i think that may be okay.
for my memory controller, under system devices...i only see this "Direct Memory Access Controller" nothing else says memory...do i check for this one?

*edit

i tried for the memory thing up above and it only shows one digitally signed driver..which is the "direct memory access controller"