Is it HDD, RAM, Mobo, OS... Or Something Worse?

Kevinf63

RAM: http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/ZKB_01COM/08_MEMINT/productdetails/15481123/Corsair_XMS3_Memory_4_GB__2_x_2_GB_DIMM/TW3X4G1333C9A/default.aspx

Mobo: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3295#sp

HDD:http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/ZKB_01COM/11_HDD/07_INTHD35/productdetails/20005061/Samsung_SpinPoint_F3_Desktop_Class_HD502HJ_Hard/HD502HJ/default.aspx

Hi guys, built a computer about a month ago working fine up until the last 2 weeks. It looks like a problem with the memory. BSOD's that eventually led to essential Windows 7 (32 bit) programs like control panel, explorer and then startup failed leading to restarts.

So I cleanly attempted to reinstall Windows deleting all partitions and such but to no avail. I get an error everytime I attempt to install it with a line of letters and digits with the title saying "Rollback.exe - Program Error" half way through the process.

Does anyone know the Command Prompt line (cmd) for memory diagnostics if there is one as it isn't working from the Windows installation disk correctly? I think that it might fix the problem if I do that.

Plus for some reason (when the PC was working and now I think) my SATA drive appears to be running in IDE or AHCI mode. Why is this? And how do I fix it? I didn't want to touch it as it might screw up my OS (too bad something else broke it first... :rolleyes: ) any ideas guys is it the HDD, the RAM, the OS or Mobo acting up? I'm really confused...

massy086

so is all your data gone off the hd if so try running dban boot and nuck also remove 1 stick of ram and try loading up the new o/s

Monotype

AHCI is normal, it should only be set as IDE for compatibility reasons.

Pressing F8 before windows boots allows you to select the option for windows memory diagnostic. However, memtest is a more reliable indicator. You can download it as an image for CD, boot it from a USB drive or get it with a copy of several versions of linux (e.g. ubuntu; mint).
www.memtest.org

... what PSU do you have?

Kevinf63

massy086 wrote: »

so is all your data gone off the hd

Yes it is.

massy086 wrote: »

if so try running dban boot and nuck

what do you mean by that? Do I type "dban boot" or "nuck" into CMD?

massy086 wrote: »

also remove 1 stick of ram and try loading up the new o/s

Will do. I will be putting that Stick back in though yeh?

massy086

http://www.dban.org/ you will need to burn it on to a disc and boot from it what it does is completely wipe your hard drive iv found this can help when i,v had trouble installing o/s before and yes you will be putting the ram back in once its not faulty

Kevinf63

Monotype wrote: »

AHCI is normal, it should only be set as IDE for compatibility reasons.

okay thank you, but correct me if I'm wrong here, isn't ACHI older than SATA? Why is SATA not in "SATA mode" if you know what I mean?

Monotype wrote: »

Pressing F8 before windows boots allows you to select the option for windows memory diagnostic. However, memtest is a more reliable indicator. You can download it as an image for CD, boot it from a USB drive or get it with a copy of several versions of linux (e.g. ubuntu; mint).
www.memtest.org

windows memory diagnostic won't work through F8 cause I actually don't have windows just BIOS. Everything is corrupt including boot manager (can't remember exactly if that was what "boot manager" was actually called) but I'll give that memtest a go but I'll need to get it off someone elses PC as I'm sending this through my iPod touch!

Monotype wrote: »

... what PSU do you have?

Coolermaster true power M620 (620 watts). It's not on Komplett.ie anymore.

Kevinf63

I have RMA'd the RAM as it was the cause of the problems. Over 20,000 errors... But if the RAM has 20,000 errors could that mean my CPU will have errors too?

massy086

nah probably not did you already send back the ram please say no

Kevinf63

massy086 wrote: »

nah probably not did you already send back the ram please say no

I'm sorry but yes I have... Why? I'm guessing it was a bad idea or there is a much easier solution? I tracked it and put insurance on it...

massy086

who did you send it to if it was komplett you might be waiting months thats all

Kevinf63

massy086 wrote: »

who did you send it to if it was komplett you might be waiting months thats all

Nah, I sent it to Corsair. The makers of the RAM. You have to fill out a form in which they accept or refuse for RMA. Should take 5 business days to come back.