PC WONT BOOT - PLEASE HELP!

[dmw16]

Today I applied a fresh layer of thermal grease to my CPU as my last application sucked, so I did all that and put the socket back on(anyone with a socket A mobo should know the hell that is). So I went to boot up my system, after putting the mobo power back in and my RAM(all had to be moved so I could have room to work). So anyway, I boot up(and Im running dual boot), so I see my choice, Win2k or Win98, I select 98 and a moment later I see "Windows protection error. Reboot windows." so I reboot, select 98 again and this time I see a list of boot options, normal mode, safe mode and so on. So I pick normal mode and then, I see the Windows splash screen for a while but nothing else, but the little wavy line was still moving - so it wasnt totally locked. So I shut down, reboot again, cant even get to the point where I choose which OS I want, reboot again, get to select os, select 98 and then nothing. So I reboot again, put in the win98 boot disk and I tell it to start win cd-rom support, blinking cursor, nothing more. Please help me, what is wrong? Is the CPU messed up, or is it more likely an IDE problem. Oh yeah, last time went to book I couldnt even get passed the first bios screen, it saw the CPU, and RAM and then get to where it checks drives, and stopped. Any ideas?
thanks,
-doug

 

[bacillus]

seeing that you "interfered" with the cpu, I would try reseating it to see if this gets you anywhere.
are there any bleeps when you turn pc on?

 

[spamboy]

Maybe the heatsink isn't seated flat? It might be overheating. Check your temp in BIOS if you can get into it.

 

[Electric Amish]

Is it overclocked? If it is, change it back to stock speed and try that.

Try reseating the HS and the CPU.

amish

 

[dmw16]

no overclocking. I actually got part way through starting windows off of the boot disk, about half way throug the list of crap it does, it just turned off, and restarted, but there was nothing on the screen and the IDE activity light was just on...wouldnt go off. I dont think it is heat, the air coming out of the fan off of the cpu feels cool.
-doug

 

[backWERD]

The air coming off the fan is from the heatsink. Which if it is not seated flat on the proccessor is not going to be even warm because its not touching the HOT CPU. You either chiped a corner off the cpu or the heatsink is not sitting on the cpu. Try taking the heatsink off and inspecting the processor make sure there are no cracked corners on the die or any other damage. If so your screwed. If not try reseating the processor and the memmory and all connections to the motherboard and then the heatsink lots of heatsinks will only go on one way not both ways. so make sure you putting it on the correct way. I know when I first started putting heatsinks on SOCKETA boards it was a pain in the butt. A little practice at it and its like closing your eyes. Well maybe not that easy but close enough. After that is all done boot up make sure your memmory is all counted and the processor speed is correct then go into your cmos setup utility. usually by hitting the delete or f10 keys.

then try looking to see what the mobo is detecting for cpu heat if all is good let me know.

 

[dmw16]

ok, reseated CPU, rebooted, got into the OS selection, picked 98. Same message "Protection Error..." rebooted. Selected safe mode, saw bottom half of the 98 splash screen, top was black. wavy line still moving. Rebooted, PC wouldnt get past checking plug and play setup. I really need suggestions. I check the CPU, it looked ok. Would the damn thing get as far as it does if the CPU was bad?
-doug

 

[dmw16]

BUMP

 

[SuperGroove]

Doug,

Can you return the processor to MWAVE? The CPU has been a pain in your ass the whole time you've had the setup. Try underclocking the processor. How much heatsink goop did you put on? Are any of the edges chipped? Try pulling out the RAM and reseating them. Same for the CPU.


I feel so bad for telling you to buy AMD, but the PIIIs you wanted are just as fragile

 

[dmw16]

Paul,
Do you really think it is the CPU? I think Im actually over my 30 days. I hope Im not stuck out in the cold(with a hot a$$ CPU). I will try underclocking it when I get home, that will give me a better idea what is wrong maybe. I took it out and had a look, no signs of damage to the CPU. I used just a bit of thermal grease, a thin layer on the core, left a good looking foot print on the heatsink. I just hate taking that damn thing off. I'll be on AIM later so we can chat if you are on.
thanks,
-doug