Can someone check my logic here please

[imported_Scythe]

I have previous post - "Ok, need some help".

Problem: computer freezing up on POST at the memory check. (Nutshell: Could get as far as "memor" typing across the screen, and then it locked up.) Either that, or mem clock was reporting: 1

Tested memory: checks good (memtest86)
Tested CPU: checks good (CPU HOT Test 4)
Tested HDD: checks good (Spinrite 6)

If both those test are reliable, then each component should be "good", correct?

On the thought that perhaps the mainboard was bad, I bought an MSI K7N2 Delta2 board, but that board was evidently defective. (no video, no lan, no keyboard, etc.) DFB (dead from the box).

I replaced the powersupply (antec 400w) with a cheap CWT 300w PSU that I had on hand, and booted the computer. I had the same problem, but I was finally able to boot the computer (I pulled one of the memory sticks out earlier, and have not put it back in.)

Once booted, I ran a virus scan and came up with a trojan. Virus scanner removed it, no problem, and I deleted the file that was infected just to be sure. File had been on the computer for a few months, but previous scans did not detect it. (perhaps the latest update had a sig for it?)

Current configuration (with the 300w PSU) has been restarting with no problem. I've had it running (powered up) since I got it to boot. Kinda afraid to shut the computer off until I ran various test.

Anyway, I believe the memory, CPU, mobo and HDD are not faulty. Could a faulty PSU trigger these kind of problems? Should I shut it down and put the original PSU back in and see what happens, or just replace it?

Where would you go from here?

Thanks for reading all that, and thanks for any advice you may have. I have no problem replacing the PSU if that's the general consensus. Don't know what else to try.

Thanks again.

 

[meltdown75]

Hi & welcome

When you did the virus scan, did you scan the boot record as well? Perhaps you have a boot sector virus or your BIOS were corrupted somehow. I'd flash to (preferably the newest) BIOS you can find for your board, even if you have already done so. If that doesn't work, try resetting your CMOS - consult your mobo manual or website for specific info on this since it varies - some boards are jumperless and some aren't.

That said I *doubt* it's the power supply... hmm. Anyhow good luck with that.

 

[imported_Scythe]

Yeah, boot sector check was done. CMOS has been reset numerous times.

I've had the machine running, with no problems, since saturday, but haven't shut it down yet. (again, I figured, I'm in - lets run whatever test are necessary). I have restarted it numerous times and got back in, which wasn't the case in the beginning of this mess.

Also, Running latest BIOS.

 

[NittanyLAncer]

A screwed up power could cause problems.......I like the bios flash suggestion.....

If you can get the 300W to reboot, try shutting down and swapping in the 400W. If it gives you problems you know where the problem is. If it doesn't......try putting the 300W back in and working on the RAM.

The memtest would have shown any major flaws with the RAM itself, however a questionable trace or connector somewhere on the board could cause problems not apparent from a memory-corruption point of view....that's more of a board problem.

You pretty much want to get it working fine....then isolate individual pieces to see what may or may not be working.

Good luck!