PC Problems

[thorlo6]

Hey fellas, I need some help! I've got a major problem with my son's PC. Here's the specs and then the problem: An IBM 59T6577 with an IBM 1.9GB HDD, win95, Intel Pentium CPU @ 166MHz, 96MB RAM, 3dfx Voodoo4 4500 PCI graphics card, Soundblaster 16 bit ISA soundcard, mobo brand ?, also has IBM SurePath BIOS. I have been trying to get a Startech dual channel PCI Ultra ATA/100 IDE controller card to install, so I can add a Maxtor 10gig HD, but I keep getting a PCI install error on bootup without the PC recognizing the controller card. I've gone into BIOS several times and can't find any problems. Everything that needs to be enabled, is. I've also tried to install the Maxtor HD by disconnecting the original HD and using the Maxblast floppy boot software. It will allow me to format and get the HD ready for the OS, but won't let me install the OS. I'm trying to install win98 2nd edition. Any and all ideas will be appreciated. thorlo6

[DragonNOA1]

When I got a new HD for Win98SE I just used a boot disk with fdisk and format on it. I set up the partitions and formated fat32 style. Then inserted the cd and installed the OS.

[ric449]

It could be your IRQ settings. Windows 95 has very poor abilities at IRQ steering, and it doesn't even support it unless you have the OSR2 version or higher. Make sure that it is set to a free IRQ setting in the BIOS. This is a long shot, but since your computer is so old it's worth a shot.

[morriswindgate]

If you have another computer, FDISK and Format the new hard drive on it. Then you should be able to move it back and install it on the card. As to the card, make sure that it is not installed in the first slot below the video card as this can cause errors.

[DragonNOA1]

I didn't know that it could cause errors morris. I also didnt know a card could even fit there lol, in that first pci slot.

[thorlo6]

Morris, thanks a bunch. That's exactly where I had it installed.
No wonder I couldn't get it to install. I'll let you know how it goes. As to the rest of you that answered my question, thanks a bunch. I always appreciate the info I am sent. thorlo6

[thorlo6]

Sorry Morris, that didn't work. I still can't get the controller card to install. I'm getting the following error message when I try to install it: POST startup error 1805 PCI Error! Adapter ROM checksum error. I've run the find new hardware wizard and checked for conflicts in Device Manager. Hardware wizard doesn't find anything, but there are several hardware conflicts.
One is naturally the controller card. But the others are under system devices. If you need more info, let me know. thorlo6

[ric449]

The adapters bios is bad if you are getting that. If it can't be updated then it might be unusable.

[glc]

It's very likely that the PCI bus on that old box is not up to the standards required by the card you are trying to install.

If that's an IBM Aptiva, it has an Acer motherboard, and those had terrible PCI buses. Last one I tried to get on a network wouldn't even accept a PCI 10/100 NIC, I had to stuff an old 10 megabit ISA NIC in it.

My honest opinion from experience - that machine is not worth the hassles trying to upgrade it. Every old classic Pentium-based Aptiva and Acer Aspire I've tried to upgrade in the past has fought me tooth and nail. You are fortunate that the Voodoo video card even works.

[thorlo6]

Thanks glc & ric449, I appreciate the info. I've found some software updates for that PC on the IBM website. From the description of what they are, they might just do the trick. I'll write back later and let you know what happens. thorlo6

[SamuraiWarrior]

If all fails you might want to try your hand at building a cheap system, if you haven't already built one. It is a blast and a pain (first build) or you can get good deals on places like e-bay for used or you can buy a inexpesive but updated one from Dell for under $500.

[thorlo6]

Thanks samuraiwarrior, I was thinking the same thing just the other day. But, somtimes it takes someone else cheering you on that gets you going. I just might do that. Like you said, it beats the heck out of beating your head against the wall. thorlo6

[glc]

It will be a breath of fresh air when you get away from proprietary machines!

[SamuraiWarrior]

Al it takes is a little patience and selfconfidience. Heck my first build took me 8 hrs because I made sure I understood what the instructions for each piece of hardware was telling. Plus most hardware you buy whether OEM or Retail, come with a good warranty, better than most proprietary machines.

I buy most all my parts on newegg, they never gave me a hastle and stand by what they sell. If for some reason I can't buy it newegg I will sometimes buy it locally. One place I have learned not to buy from anymore is Tigerdirect. They are expensive and most time it is hard to compare prices with them, because they usually don't sell the same exact item.

Good luck if you decide to home build. After my first one I never bought another one and plan on staying that way. The only thing I will buy is a laptop for the wife.