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This all started about 2 weeks ago. Maybe its a coincidence but this was around the same few days i first installed Service Pack 3 for Windows XP Home. Here is some sys info first.

Bassically the main problem is that i can't reinstall Windows XP Home or Linux. I started getting random reboots and BSODs from windows so i formatted and tried to reinstall Windows but now it keeps giving me BSOD whenever its about to install setup files. I tried installing Linux Gentoo DVD LIVE and Gentoo Min also. And in this case I get random freezing or when i am about to make a recommended Partition it freezes on me and the keyboard lights begin flashing which I hear is linux's own error message method. So that's the issue in a nutshell.

AMD 64 3400+
512M RAM
512M RAM
= 1GB RAM
80 GB Hard Drive Seagate Baracuda
Windows XP
DVD-ROM ASUS
CD-RW ASUS
K8N Delux Asus Motherboard
Floppy Drive
Nvidia 6800 GT 258M

Tested RAM with MemTest: No Errors after 4 passes
Tried Seagate Tools to run a long scan found no errors.
Tried Seagate Tools to run Zero Fill format.
Tried to Format C: and reinstall Windows XP. I am getting a BSOD just before i get to the install setup screen for windows XP. So i can't even install Windows XP.

BSOD: PFN_LIST_CORRUPT, IRQ not equal or less errors, Page Fault errors and also a few other errors went by so fast i could only remember a few words "Mem Dump" "Check to see if you have adequate disk space"

I've tried virus scanners when i can haven't seemed to find any thing maybe its just hiding in the bios?

My computer doesn't lock up or freeze in BIOs or DOS.

I've tried to install Linux DVD LIVE some times it freezes. When it doesn't freeze i get as far as the partition screen and when i click select recommended layout for the partition it freezes on me. I've tried this in the Gentoo Min Install command prompt also. I get a long list of error messages from that too. I can post them. I just wanna get my computer working again it feels like this nightmare started when i installed service pack 3 about 2 weeks ago...
The thing is i formatted the computer a dozen times using my Windows Home XP CD so it should have erased any trace of service pack 3.
I tried CHKDSK /r and CHKDSK /p from the Windows Recovery Console with no positive results.
I even tried other file systems, FAT 32, EXT2 & EXT3 (for Gentoo)
I tried CD Operating systems even... something called NimbleX for the CD drive. That freezed on me after 10 minutes of use also.

If your willing to give me your opinion please I'd love to hear it?

Maybe replace the RAM? (But my Memtest said they were fine can that test not detect issues?)

Maybe replace Hard Drive? (I've formatted it tons of times its made me restart the computer tons of times maybe i damaged it?)

Maybe the CPU has been damaged? I live in a very hot environment I recently cleaned the dust from my CPU heat sink so the temps have been fine about a month before this problem started. However please let me know if these problems sound similar to a CPU heat damaged issue. (Again my Computer has been working just fine for about at least a month in between after I cleaned the dust and just recently with this freezing and not letting me install any OP situation)

Maybe my motherboard is damaged somehow? like from a hacker?

Maybe its something i haven't thought of?

Go here and get DBAN, this will wipe out all the crap on the harddrive.

Follow the instructions carefully...

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity...

I've found that a format can still leave traces of data on the drive. I always prefer to delete the partition, then re-create it. This method leaves no traces.

Please let us know if you found someone's advice to be helpful.

Boot to linux and run memtest for a few hours.

Might have to go to bios and use default or failsafe settings.

"Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, are in my top 10

"I recently cleaned the dust from my CPU heat sink so the temps have been fine" What were the temperatures and how did you check them ? Also, could you post the specs on your psu ?

Thank you all for your swift responses!!

Hey, Wombat I am running DBAN right now and will let you all know the results if their positive or negative. I'll attempt to install Linux first sense Linux is probably more stable then Windows maybe... either way "Cheers for the tip!"

Sci-Guy, I agree. I did try to delete the partitions and I have been trying to run a high level format but I can't seem to get Windows Recovery Console to let me do a Format C: /u for the high level format... But we'll see what happens with Boot and Nuke fingers crossed.

jefro I used Gentoo DVD live's memtest on the DVD it self... But worth another try... I think we can all agree replacing ram is easier then a hard drive

Hey, kx5m2g you bet my PSU is a...

Antec NeoPower 650Watt
One small detail I have noticed that the heat on the PSU does get considerably high according to the bios. However its been like this for a while now I'd have expected errors etc in DOS or the BIOS if it was the heat so I've been dismissing that.

Sounds like it might be a hardware problem.

Thank you jam!

I'm beginning to believe the same thing.

What would you consider buying now, new RAM or HARD DRIVE or CPU or PSU?

Just now I tried to run a Seagate Tools Zero Fill for the entire drive and it stopped at 18% and gave some weird codes and sent me into the command prompt.

I did test the RAM and it said no errors so I'm feeling new RAM isn't needed.

CPU and PSU would probably be messing up with DOS and BIOs I'd think but no problems in those programs at all so I figured it wasn't the CPU or PSU unless they have back up resources to run those applications even with damage. But I didn't think so. So I was kinda ruling them out.

Just so every one knows I was REALLY close to just buying a new Hard Drive and if any one out there knows for sure that a NEW HD would fix this let me know cause I'm willing to do that if its needed... Just don't wanna get a HD if that's Isn't the issue though sense I'd just be out some dough with a new HD and the same issue.

"One small detail I have noticed that the heat on the PSU does get considerably high according to the bios." How high ? What were the cpu temperatures in the bios ?

Hey, kx5m2g

I believe the CPU got as high as 90 degrees Celsius a few times the computer did a restart when this happened and I got inside and did a good clean of that dust that was keeping extra heat inside. Now My CPU temps are roughly 43C almost all the time with highs of 52C on hot days.

Is my CPU damaged it sounds?

The cpu temperatures seem fine.

Whew!

I have a little update for everyone.

UPDATE:

I just tried to run Seagate Tools Zero Fill:
The first time it erased the drive and got to 18% then I got error codes and jumped back in my command prompt.

Next time I tried it I got up to 85% and the same result.

I'm now trying a third Zero Fill maybe i can get 100% this time then I'll run Boot & Nuke.

I did try Boot & Nuke but again I got only a quarter of the way done and then it gave error codes and then i was back in the command prompt.

So I figure if I can get Seagate to format this Drive at least to 100% maybe I'll be ready for Boot & Nuke.................

.................

I dunno I mean i realize this is kind of a long shot. I feel like I'm using duck tape to fix a nuclear power plant or something with my logic and ideas lol

................

Like I say though I'm willing to buy a new hard drive if this doesn't work out so guys don't hold back if you wanna vote for a new HD if you have some knowledge of this stuff that I dunno about....

brb gonna check Seagate Tools to see how far its run now....

Ok,

Well seagate tools did give me a 100% after i did its Zero Fill tool but i looked at the LBA and it appeared to not have passed all the LBAs so I'm skeptical if it finished it or not.

I'm now running Boot & Nuke.
Then I guess I'll try to run Linux Gentoo LIVE DVD setup again...

God those mounts drive me crazy lol

UPDATE:

Every Time I Use Seagate Tools Zero Fill the LBA reduces its size....

I tried to reinstall Gentoo LIVE DVD I was able to actually make a partition this time, and this time the mounts were already set however it didn't install the install files. It aborted the setup. It said something about unable to execute etc...

Is any one willing to shed a little light on whats going on?

The utility is marking clusters as bad, thereby reducing the size of the drive.

Why didn't you use the drive fitness tool? From what you have stated the drive would have failed the tests.

Replace the drive.

"Why didn't you use the drive fitness tool?"

I agree. Why are you attempting a zero-fill instead of running the diagnostics?

Hey guys!

I did try a Drive Fitness Tool, I used hatachi drive fitness tool and it said everything was ok on the hard drive...

i know that's pretty weird...

I also tried seagates long scan it said it passed...

i did try 2 other ram testing programs last night... all said things were fine...

Why aren't you using the Seagate utility? Get Seatools for DOS below and run it from a bootable disk.

http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.j...

Try clearing the master boot record. If you have a floppy drive, boot off a WinME boot floppy, select "minimal boot", then at the A:\> prompt, type FDISK /MBR & hit enter.

If you're having trouble formatting during the XP installation, do it with the Seagate software instead. Then when you attempt to install XP, just accept the partition/format as it is (don't do it from XP) & see what happens.

Try clearing the CMOS with power disconnected and then immediately upon reboot enter the BIOS and reset values as needed. Pay attention to the RAM settings. You might even try pulling all but one RAM stick.

I tried disconnecting the power. BIOs defaults.

I tested the ram still try taking sticks out?

I can format just fine the problem with windows isn't formatting its when its getting ready to install it gives me a bsod...

I did use seagate tools.. read my previous posts.

There are a number of settings in the BIOS that could cause problems. Try setting all screens to optimal defaults, if available. Is all your RAM the same speed and latency? If not, try the slowest in the first slot. Or as suggested, try only one stick.

You stated you ran a Seagate zero fill utility, unsuccessfully. That was from a command prompt wasn't it? If the computer can't work properly prior to installing Windows it isn't going to work after. Are you using an 80 wire cable on the HDrive?

I don't know if this was mentioned but the PFN_LIST_CORRUPT error that you mentioned appears to be caused by either bad RAM or a bad XP CD. Since you've ruled out the RAM, what kind of shape is your CD in? Is it an original M$ CD or a copy? Dirty? Scratched?

http://www.supertechtips.info/pfn_l...

BTW, I believe I have the same motherboard...is it an Asus K8N-E Deluxe?

Hey, OtheHill

The computer "DOES" work before I unsuccessfully try to install windows xp.

The problem happens just after its loaded all the setup files on my computer then it reboots in 5 4 3 2 1 .... and on startup it gives me the windows loading screen (which we get before windows begins to install) then it gives me the BSOD screen...

Hey, Jam

Yes that is indeed the same Motherboard!

CD is spotless but...

...guess what I might have to rule out the hard drive... lol

I just got a DVD OP ( http://www.nimblex.net/ ) And I unpluged my Hard Drive to test things out with just my CD Drive OP.....

Keep in mind my Hard Drive is disconnected... And my computer froze in like 5 seconds after i get to the DVD OP wallpaper...

I did try switching my RAM sticks around. I tried only 1 at a time too. But the results were all the same... I'm dumb founded here... I'm willing to buy new parts to fix this but I just want to know what ones I need to replace...

Well I'm suspecting its my RAM a little bit now... I'm confused why Memtest would not find any errors though is that's the case...

What do you guys think?

Oh and i guess if trying only 1 stick or switching the RAM sticks didn't work it either means its not the RAM or both RAM sticks are damaged lol

If you can't successfully zero fill the hard drive your computer is NOT working fine before Windows.

I am using a 80 wire cable for my Hard Drive.

The zero fill some times works some times doesn't its strange its like it needs to be run 3 times to get to 100%.

So its hard to say if its doing its job right or not.. I have noticed that every time i get to 100% I'm able to get a little further into installing Linux or windows.

Both RAM sticks are the same speed i believe 400 Mhz. Duel Channel.

Do you think its my RAM?

I think it MAY be your RAM or HDrive. I do think you have a hardware issue.

Look at PC Health in the BIOS to see if the voltages are within specs. Also check the temperatures.

Is the hard drive IDE or sata ? When you access the drive in the bios, is PIO or ultra DMA selected, or just AUTO ?

If memtest passed then why continue looking at ram?

"Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, are in my top 10

My thinking is that if the RAM stick are far different then the auto settings may be too high for one or more sticks. Especially if the RAM isn't good quality to start. I have seen RAM that would not run at the rated settings.

That said, I chose the harddrive back in #14.

Modesty, how did you go about cleaning out the insides of the computer and was it unplugged?

yes it was unplugged and i touched the PSU to thwart static etc...

I'm panicking now can we rule out any components as not damaged yet?

I mean is the CPU maybe fried?

The Hard Drive most likely is ok or at least isn't the issue were having cause i unplugged it and things still are bad...

Inspect the motherboard for bulging or leaking capacitors. Capacitors are those cylindrical components scattered all over the board. The tops have dotted pie shaped marks in them. They should be flat on the top and smooth on the sides with no residue at the base.

Your processor is not bad or the computer would not run at all. The most likely besides the MBoard capacitors would be RAM, HDrive, power supply.

"Both RAM sticks are the same speed i believe 400 Mhz. Duel Channel."

Your S754 board doesn't support dual channel mode. Maybe you should run thru all the BIOS settings & adjust them according to your hardware rather than just accepting default settings.

Ok I will do a through inspection for capacitors.

And will go through the bios for adjustments.

Whew to be honest I hope its my RAM any thing else at this point Mobo... CPU... PSU... is gonna be a pain in the butt.....

I didn't know my motherboard couldn't do duel btw thank you for the heads up jam!