Hi i just recently built my computer and it turns on and opens up to the XFX settings screen where i can press delete to get into options or F1 to continue. I browsed through the settings looking back to my manual but then decided to just click F1 because everything seemed fine. That brought me to the start windows normally or in safe mode or in safe mode with networking window. i clicked start windows normally and then my cd drive made a funny noise and the system reset itself back to the xfx settings screen. Does anyone know what could have happened or what the problem might be?

Is this a new problem?

Was it working previously?

Can we assume you clean installed Windows on this system?

Is this XP or Vista?

i just recently built my computer

My standard question to this is, are you absolutely 110% positive you did not use more case standoffs under the motherboard than the motherboard has mounting holes? Understand all cases are designed to support 1000s of motherboards - there is almost always more motherboard mounts in the case than there are mounting holes is the motherboard. If not absolutely positive, you must pull the motherboard and make sure you did not insert an extra standoff, or two. (It happens way too often! )

Also, when you first power up a new motherboard, you need to enter the BIOS Setup Menu and set the date/time and should then check to ensure the drives are properly recognized. Then you MUST Save and Exit - you cannot just Exit. Did you save your settings?

it turns on and opens up to the XFX settings screen where i can press delete to get into options or F1 to continue.

Where you can press those options? Or where you have to press one or the other? It is not normal for a system to require you to press F1 or Del to proceed by default.

Are you trying to install Windows?

You said CD drive - Vista only comes on DVD. If not Vista, what version of Windows?

What happens if you don't press anything?

If you are required to press F1 or Del to proceed, I think I've seen that before, and resetting the BIOS cleared it. Check your motherboard manual for resetting the BIOS. Typically, the motherboard will have a small jumper block (as seen on the back of EIDE hard and optical drives) that you use to momentarily short two specific pins. This instantly discharges the voltage powering the CMOS memory module, in which is stored the custom settings of your particular computer (date/time, attached drives, etc.). Alternatively, removing the battery for 15 seconds or so allows the voltage to drain off. The result is the same - the CMOS is cleared and the BIOS Setup Menu is back at BIOS defaults.

Before resetting, ensure the computer is unplugged from the wall to remove the +5Vsb standby voltages, open the side of the case, touch bare metal to discharge any static in your body so you and the computers are at the same "potential", then move the jumper, or pry out the battery with your thumb nail. Extreme care must be taken to ensure no sharp object scratches the trace runs on the motherboard.

Before closing up, position cables and wires to maximize front to back air flow and check all connections to ensure they are tight. If this were not a new PC, I would say while open, make sure the insides are clean too.

Upon first boot, go straight into the BIOS Setup Menu and set the date/time again, make sure your drives are properly recognized, then select "Save and Exit" to reboot with correct settings - then see what happens.

I asked my friends today and i think i figured it out. they said the computer would always reboot itself because the hard drive that i am using from my old computer is working with different parts and drivers than in the new computer. They told me to go out and get a new less expensive hard drive, load windows onto that, and set it as the master hard drive and the old one with all my files as the slave. I think that should do it because it seems that my computer is looking for drivers that arent there when it is loading.

they said the computer would always reboot itself because the hard drive that i am using from my old computer is working with different parts and drivers than in the new computer.

Well, sort of. The problem is more likely that installation of Windows from the old computer, not the hard drive - for the reasons you noted, all the drivers were wrong. And yes, that explains it. But is also raises a concern.

If that hard drive came out of a prebuilt, an old Dell or Compaq, for example, your copy of Windows may be licensed to that Dell or Compaq - you will need to purchase a new license.

Originally Posted by Digerati

Well, sort of. The problem is more likely that installation of Windows from the old computer, not the hard drive - for the reasons you noted, all the drivers were wrong. And yes, that explains it. But is also raises a concern.

If that hard drive came out of a prebuilt, an old Dell or Compaq, for example, your copy of Windows may be licensed to that Dell or Compaq - you will need to purchase a new license.

The hard drive came out of a custom built computer i purchased off tigerdirect. I have my computer running now, thanks for the advice

What did you do to fix it?

Originally Posted by Digerati

What did you do to fix it?

I went out and purchased a new hard drive at best buy. unplugged my old hard drive for the time being. I then uploaded windows onto the new hard drive and intsalled all the drivers to that. Once that was finished i plugged my old hard drive back in and it found and read all my old files. Everything is working fiine which is AWESOME cause this is the first computer i have built.

Good plan - one used often - installing the old drive as a slave in another computer is a similar technique used to keep old files handy.

I am glad you got it going and thanks for the followup.

Oh, and BTW, you may get a little performance boost if you move your Page File to the second (old or D drive) - assuming you still have it connected. I would recommend you run CCleaner on it first, then defrag, then the PF.

Ok thanks. Now i have another problem though lol. On my old computer with the old hard drive i am using i had a folder with a whole bunch of important files like different photoshop works i made and some longboarding videos i made, but when i go into my old hard drive and go to drive F (the old hard drive) documents and settings - dave - desktop, i cant get it, it also says that the folder is empty. the message that pops up says it is not accessible.