Massive problems, please help

[VikingJed]

This may take a while to explain, so bear with me.

In order to update Windows XP, I had to swap a network card from one computer into my computer. However, after updating all the software, I had to remove the network card and replace it back in the old computer. When I turned my computer back on, it won't boot fully, it loads right up to the animated loading screen. Swapping the network card back in fixed the situation, but upon removing it, the same problem occurs. I tried clearing the CMOS, but now all sort of new problems sprung up. After turning on the computer, any one of these problems occur: no signal goes through to the monitor, the IDE devices aren't detected, or it partially loads windows (the white dashes at the bottom that fills up) and then stops.

To me, this sounds like a motherboard problem, but I'd like more opinions before I decide on a course of action. If ANYONE has some advice, please reply.

[Atomic Rooster]

When taking out the NIC, did you first remove it from the Device Manager? How about a few more specs on the system such as CPU, mobo, power supply, etc.

[VikingJed]

I removed the network card using the device manager, refreshed the device listing to make sure it uninstalled properly.

Specs are Athlon 1000 Slot A, ABit KT7A, 300W Power supply.

[daveleau]

When you reset the CMOS, did you go back in and redo the BIOS settings? If not, that is why the hdd is not detected, I bet.

As for it not loading into the OS, put the card back in and remove the drivers from the hardware mgr and then shutdown, remove the NIC and see if everything is ok. It sounds like a bad driver, to me compounded by bad BIOs setup after the CMOS flash.

I hope this helps.
Dave

[Martoch]

Welcome to TechIMO!


Have you tried booting with "Last Known Good Configuration"?
It's certainly worth a shot! It might just get you back to the point where you can do what daveleau suggested.


The Last Known Good Configuration startup option allows you to recover from a problem by reversing driver and registry changes made since you last started Windows XP Professional. Windows XP Professional does not update Last Known Good Configuration information in the registry until the operating system successfully restarts in normal mode and a user logs on and is authenticated.

Use Last Known Good Configuration only in cases of incorrect configuration. It does not solve problems caused by corrupted or missing drivers or files.

To start the computer using the last known good configuration:

Restart your computer (or turn it on if it was turned off, duh...)

When you see the message Please select the operating system to start, press F8.

Use the arrow keys to highlight Last Known Good Configuration, and then press ENTER.

[VikingJed]

I reset the BIOS to the way it was before the problems occurred. Checking the BIOS settings in the menu showed the hard drive, but after saving to CMOS and exitting, the drives aren't detected.

As for removing the driver files, I would have to manually find them in DOS since the OS won't load enough now to uninstall the NIC drivers

[VikingJed]

I honestly wish it were that easy. Not to sound ungrateful by any means, but I'm aware of the Last Known Good Configuration and I tried that until I was unable to get the OS to load to that point. Since it failed to detect the hard drive, I've made it up to the F8 screen once, but was too shocked to remember safe mode. Stupid on my part.

[Atomic Rooster]

Have you had a look at Paul's Unofficial Abit KT7A-Raid Faq over at Sudhian Media? Lot's of good info and troubleshooting help.

[VikingJed]

Thanks for all the fast help tonight. I'm signing off now and sleeping off the frustration so helpfully I'm more calm tomorrow. Thanks again, I appreciate it.

[pickel]

Why don't you just leave the card in that computer and buy another one for the other computer. I believe Best Buy or Comp USA has a card on sale for $5.00 after rebate. Cheap fix IMO. Good Luck