Pc model: HP XG834 WinME preloaded then upgraded to XP Home via clean install. Nothing in the error logs. I started this post in the XP forum and the win 9x forum. Its an issue concerning XP. after further review it does seem XP related but i still dont think its OS specific. I got no hits in XP but several in the 9x forum. I was hoping someone might remeber a similar situation and offer advice. Thanks. Following up from previous post: http://computing.net/windows95/wwwboard/forum/96604.html Very long winded..... When the pc is turned on via power button it freezes at the bios splash. No hd/floppy activity. HD is spinning but no light. Cant boot from floppy cant enter setup. At one point during the on and off attempts a black screen appeared. I copied down this info: System configuration data updated. error 0251: system cmos checksum bad. Default configuration used. i searched the error at google.com and found a hit to an Hp mesage board. Looked related but not the same system/situation or error. This hit and the fact it freezes at bios splash made me check out his model at HP for a bios update or recommendations for upgrading to XP. The Xp info sheet mentioned upgrading the bios and there was a bios (Mercury/Tortuga--current bios is pheonix) upgrade available. I downloaded it but didnt install it because the upgrade bios was named different. And the fact that i could get it to work for now made me hold off. I searched for the new bios splash updates name and found another hp message forum thread that seemed kind of related. 3 posts asking why with no helpful responses One of the posts.... am also having the same problem with my HP XL756! I have a HP XL756 P-III 667Mhz that keeps locking up (I am running WIN98SE) . I tried to use the latest BIOS upgrade (HP Pavilion Mercury/Tortuga BIOS Update 06/19/01 ver 2.10 ) but I keep getting a Phoenix Phlash error that says “File does not contain the same BIOS part number, Press any key to reboot”. This guys post is about a different pc model and operating system but his bios error seems along the same lines... Any ideas here before i try to update the bios? is it possible that a bios update would be named differently? Thanks for any response or other ideas that come to mind.. The next step is backing up data/attempting to flash the bios and possibly replacing the pc or reverting to 2k or nt.

Heres a few things, Have you tried a new battery in it? This keeps coming up over and over when I searched. I would try that first for sure!!Another possibility would be a BIOS Virus(rare but possible)or a dead mobo. As far as I know, flashing the BIOS with a different make/brand(whatever) is like a major no-no.I don't think they would have changed the name,rather I think it's not the correct one.For example my Dell has a Pheonix BIOS but its a DELL PHEONIX and not a regular Pheonix.It was custom made special for Dell by them.I cannot go to the Phoenix website and get there lateset,I have to go to the Dell site and get the correct version for my machine. Jimi_l

Hiya SMOUD 1. Replace the battery - not a real likely culprit - but, you never know. 2. Also, could be a dodgy RAM stick 3. Most likely, the BIOS chip is failing and in need of replacement. You could always try a BIOS update, give it a shot. Good luck...Krystyna

Default specs for HP XG834 here http://www.hp.com/cposupport/personal_computing/support_doc/bph06436.html It says Software Build ID/BIOS Tortuga-GA Software Build ID 11NARCKT04 Date: 20-Feb-01

Krystyna,Very very cool link. Ive spent days looking at those same specs and never noticed the bios version way down at the bottom of the list. I could have sworn i saw pheonix on his system but now im not so sure. This makes me feel much better about flashing the bios. computing.net=smart people/nothing gets missed:) Im also going to replace the battery for the sake of trying something else. Jimi thanks for the info about bios updates. Im completely lost when it comes to most of this stuff. On the upside i can tell you what brand/model surround speakers you should use in your home theater depending on room size and distance from seating to display :) Thanks for the much needed help!

REALLY!! How are you with PC audio???? I have asked and asked and looked and no-one seems to have a clue about this subject including the Mfg of the system. I run A sounblaster value live digital card w/Harmon Kardon surround sound speakers(HK595s).Its a 2 speaker and 1 sub set up. I want 2 more satellites but have no place to hook them up to(obviously).They plug into the back of the sub which has a big 4 pin plug that goes into the soundcard so everything is full. HK said add another sound card and another complete sub/satellite setup(pass). Any ideas on this?? Jimi_l

jimi, got a link to the specs of your sound card so i can take a look at the ins and outs? If not how about a list of ins and outs. Colors and icons too. Pic? I cant seem to find anything at the creative site. Also list the ins and outs of your sub. Does your subs outputs look like this:subslow loading/no image compressor :) Let me know what you have and ill find a connection solution.