Kernel Debugger....

[Wraxul]

Ok, first post, not sure if this is where to put my question...

I followed the PC Mech build your own PC tutorial, got my comp ready and running, set the boot seq. to cd-rom and popped my Windows XP disc in. Rebooted, and all seemed well until...windows started loading Kernell Debugger DLL...and never stopped loading it, or rather, it just froze up. After several retries, it seemed hopeless. Was it somehow a HD problem? I put it in my current PC installed windows with no problem. Put the HD in the new one, just get a blinking cursor...Tried installing again and again on the new comp and again Kernell-friggin-debugger DLL continues to freeze. Anyone have any clues? I'm completely lost, this is my first build - 3.2GHz P4 Processor with H/T 2 GB RAM, 256 MB ATI Radeon x800XL video... HELP PLEASE!

[GaryRouth]

Hi Wraxul

With your motherboard manual in hand, go through your Bios settings to make sure everything is setup OK. Run at stock settings while troubleshooting (no overclocking). Also, make sure that the Bios settings you make are staying put: it's unusual, but every now & then a motherboard arrives with a dying CMOS battery (but they only cost about $1.50 to replace).

You likely have a hardware or configuration error: could be the memory, hard drive, hard drive cabling, hard drive SATA drivers, power supply, motherboard, motherboard Bios Setup . . .

Try testing these one at a time. Sometimes these errors are due to a faulty motherboard, which in your case should be under warranty & can be replaced at no charge. Most of your hardware, in fact, should be under warranty - so you are covered in that regard.

MemTest86 can test the memory http://www.memtest.org
Hard drive manufacturer's diagnostics can test the drive (the drive should have come with a CD with disk tools on it - or you can download diagnostics from the manufacturer's website).
Faulty motherboard is generally indicated by eliminating the other possibilities.

You did OK putting this question in this forum: since this is a new build, the other choice would be the Build Your Own PC forum - but either is OK.

Best of luck
.. . . Gary

. . . and Welcome to the PC Mechanic forums.

[Wraxul]

Yep, it was the memory. I'm thinking a bad stick because it should have been compatable. Thanks for the help. Problem solved.