Argonath RPG - A World of its own
Argonath RPG Community => Hardware/Software support => Resolved issues => Topic started by: Ragdoll on September 16, 2012, 09:47:02 am
-
Hi, so I've had this problem for a while... well honestly I have a BUNCH of problems.
I did a format on my PC two months ago. And made a clean windows 7 installation, but ever since then, everytime I try to start my pc:
It turns on, screen stays black for about 20 seconds, then it turns off. It turns on again (by itself) and launches, but then it shows me a small purple window (before launching OS) that says "CMOS Checksum Error". After that I press F1 to load defaults, so then it goes into Windows.
What I noticed after that is everytime it happens (it happens daily), the date is set back to 2009 (and rarely to 2001 :conf:).
Also, there's this service called RST (Rapid Storage Technology) by Intel. It supposedly provides faster access to data on drives. And that seems true, because ever since the format, it shows me a caution sign in the tray and tells me that it's not running. Also since it stopped running, my games have been a LOT slower.
One last issue, every week or so, the PC would ask me if I would want to switch to AHCI mode on SATA. But when I agree it reaches the "Loading Operating System", and just stays there indefinitely.
Right now I'm in the middle of getting my hands on some drivers for AHCI from windows... hopefully that fixes it. I'll keep you updated.
If anyone can help me I'd greatly appreciate it.
Oh, and here are my system specs (:():
Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit.
Intel(R) HD Graphics (i5)
Intel(R) Core i5 650 @3.2GHz, 2.8GHz.
4GB Ram.
-
Sounds like a BIOS error, perhaps try enter your BIOS settings and reset them all to stock, if someone at some point messed with those settings it could cause such errors.
Make sure all the cables are connected firmly, all the cards like RAM and so on are connected firmly.
-
It could just potentially be a case of replacing the cmos battery.
-
I was able to set it to AHCI mode. (needed a complete format)
Now I have a new issue. It happens a few times a day.
I would be playing, or browsing, or just using PS or anything, and the screen would freeze, the mouse would freeze, and sound would freeze. The only way to access the PC again, would be to turn it off (holding the power button for 6 seconds), and back on.
-
It could just potentially be a case of replacing the cmos battery.
This, your CMOS battery seems to be crying for a replacement.
Other than that, such a freeze can be caused by many factors. Does it happen even when the computer is idle or only when running certain applications?
Try to do a 'memtest' to test your RAM for errors. If your motherboard is able to boot from USB, download a memtest from the internet and store the files on your USB drive. Then go to the set-up of your motherboard, select USB as first boot device and run the memory test.
Windows 7's startup recovery also has a RAM-test, if you do have Windows 7, simply press F8 before the booting of Windows itself begins.
-
This, your CMOS battery seems to be crying for a replacement.
Other than that, such a freeze can be caused by many factors. Does it happen even when the computer is idle or only when running certain applications?
Try to do a 'memtest' to test your RAM for errors. If your motherboard is able to boot from USB, download a memtest from the internet and store the files on your USB drive. Then go to the set-up of your motherboard, select USB as first boot device and run the memory test.
Windows 7's startup recovery also has a RAM-test, if you do have Windows 7, simply press F8 before the booting of Windows itself begins.
I've already done the memory diagnostics test. It came out without errors. The freeze happens randomly, sometimes when I'm using chrome, others when I'm playing... one time it happened on the desktop. (no apps running) At first I thought it would be my CPU, so I cleaned it of all the dust, and put it back. Still the same issue.
And the CMOS battery... which part is that? (I'm a fail at hardware)
-
I've already done the memory diagnostics test. It came out without errors. The freeze happens randomly, sometimes when I'm using chrome, others when I'm playing... one time it happened on the desktop. (no apps running) At first I thought it would be my CPU, so I cleaned it of all the dust, and put it back. Still the same issue.
And the CMOS battery... which part is that? (I'm a fail at hardware)
(http://[url=http://pctechnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/remove-battery.jpg]http://pctechnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/remove-battery.jpg[/url])
(http://triponic.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/cmos-battery.gif)
Also, can you check the error logs of your window, what do they say?
-
(http://[url=http://pctechnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/remove-battery.jpg]http://pctechnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/remove-battery.jpg[/url])
(http://triponic.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/cmos-battery.gif)
Also, can you check the error logs of your window, what do they say?
Where can I find this type of battery? Is it the usual PC hardware store?
The error log only say something about power outage.
-
You don't need to replace the battery, just take it out for a while then put it back in.
-
You don't need to replace the battery, just take it out for a while then put it back in.
How long would that be?
-
How long would that be?
Seconds.
-
Just to be sure pull it out for like 5minutes then put it back in... make sure the power is unplugged when you pull the battery out.
-
You don't need to replace the battery, just take it out for a while then put it back in.
If it is malfunctioning you can try as much as you like, a replacement would be the only fix. The battery is too weak to keep the data.
-
I heard this battery only stores date and time.. :neutral:
Guess not.. :lol:
-
Sorry for taking long to reply. I did the CMOS battery thing, and I realised the Checksum Error's been happening whenever the PC loses power (whether while on or off). The freezes still happen... :(
**EDIT**: What should I use? AVG or Avast?
-
In my opinion, I think Avast is better. Good reputation, and people say it instantly removes all infections. Good luck.
-
I ran avast for a few years, tried AVG and ended up uninstalling it within 2 weeks and I am back with Avast now.
-
Alright then, I guess I'll switch to Avast! tomorrow.
-
Make sure you have a good anti-malware program. You got AVAST! as your real-time anti-virus? Good. Now get a good anti-malware program. The best so far is: Malwarebytes-AntiMalware
-
Sorry for taking long to reply. I did the CMOS battery thing, and I realised the Checksum Error's been happening whenever the PC loses power (whether while on or off). The freezes still happen... :(
**EDIT**: What should I use? AVG or Avast?
Depending on what you do with that computer and how smart you are with them, you won't even need realtime protection at all.
-
Sometimes, websites you trust may have potential objects..
-
I usually turn off realtime protection, while playing a game or something, because I'd be in full screen mode, and the goddamn notifications would make me alt+tab :(.
-
Sorry for taking long to reply. I did the CMOS battery thing, and I realised the Checksum Error's been happening whenever the PC loses power (whether while on or off). The freezes still happen... :(
**EDIT**: What should I use? AVG or Avast?
I always used AVG Free before I got WSE and bought iObit Advanced System care.
-
I usually turn off realtime protection, while playing a game or something, because I'd be in full screen mode, and the goddamn notifications would make me alt+tab :(.
Switch Avast to "Silent/Gaming mode" then no notifications will pop-up whilst a full-screen application is running. :girl:
-
Switch Avast to "Silent/Gaming mode" then no notifications will pop-up whilst a full-screen application is running. :girl:
I guess I'll be doing that then... good thing it has that feature. McAfee and AVG were downright annoying.
Right now I'm trying to update my audio drivers... someone said the freezes happen at the exact second that a specific sound happens... and it's what I've noticed aswell.
-
Okay.. I think it's a heating issue... And it's been happening ever since I cleaned my CPU (used a hair dryer on "cold" setting from about three feet away) which seems weird.
I downloaded CoreTemp and it showed me my temperatures were up to 80-90 degrees Celsius... Is there a way I can cool down the processor more than just by using the fan?
-
Okay.. I think it's a heating issue... And it's been happening ever since I cleaned my CPU (used a hair dryer on "cold" setting from about three feet away) which seems weird.
I downloaded CoreTemp and it showed me my temperatures were up to 80-90 degrees Celsius... Is there a way I can cool down the processor more than just by using the fan?
That's not cleaning, that's pushing the dust further to the fan making it worse for it to operate on high RPM.. Yes there is cooling pasta (thermal compound) for CPU's, which is inserted under the actual fan thermal outways and on top of the CPU..
Here's actually a way to install it correctly ==> http://youtu.be/EyXLu1Ms-q4 (http://youtu.be/EyXLu1Ms-q4)
I'd also recommend to replace the battery because it may have completely discharged... (Seeing as you see the CMOS check error each time you turn on your computer!)
Another thing to do is, Hit Windows Button (on your keyboard) together with 'R', it will prompt you to a command typing... Write 'msconfig' on it and press enter.. Now, it will open a window with few tabs, go on the last one which shall be named start-up or whatever (not identical because I use greek OS..), and from there you can see almost all the processes that are called to launch upon turning your computer on.. Make sure to disable whatever is not necessary and remember to never disable 'ctfmon.exe' because you wont be able to have sound / nor play GTA SA (as it requires audio in order to launch).
-
I just got a battery and replaced it, gonna wait till I take power off the pc to see if the checksum error still occurs. As for the "dust" thing, I pushed it outside the whole thing (and onto my neighbor's lawn :lol:). And where can I find thermal paste?