Error message

Hi,
Here are the specifics of the problem:
I have an Intel PIII 667Mhz running on a Asus P3V4X Motherboard.

1. If I turn on the PC after it being off for an hour or more it
locks up on the line that says: Award Plug & Play BIOS Extension
V1.0A
I reset the machine it reboots into the BIOS setup.
It tells me that: During the last boot up your system hung for an
improper CPU Speed Setting.Your systems is working in safe mode.
To optimize the system performance and reliability, make sure the
CPU speed conforms to the specifications of your CPU.
The board is set for jumperless settings.The CPU speed is on AUTO.
2. The Bios does not detect my CD Writer and the CDROM drives.

I have tried changing the cables and the drives but it gives the
same problem of not detecting.
but sometimes it detects both of them fine and boots without any
problem.
So these problems have recently crept up otherwise my system was working fine.I have not installed any new harware or something like that.
Can anybody help me URGENTLY in this matter and advise if i have to change my motherboard or not.

1. RE: Error message
Zeno Aug-10-02 04:11 PM
In response to message 0

I've seen similar problems with a P3V4X knocking down the CPU speed during boot, but this only happened on rare occasions. The CPU reset has several possible causes, but the most likely is either over heating or voltage fluctuations. Here are some ideas, from easy to harder.
1) You could try reseting the whole system with jumpers instead of CMOS, but I don't think that will solve the problem.
2) You may need to update your VIA chipset drivers to at least version X.32. Check out the viahardware.com site. The 133A is a good chipset when you use the latest drivers.
3) The voltage to your SLOT 1 may be fluctuating causing the CPU to overheat. Check the voltage on your PSU motherboard leads. Maybe you can run ASUS probe to check for voltage fluctuations, but ASUS probe isn't known for stellar accuracy. I would trust a good VOM.
4) Early versions of the P3V4X have a WINBOND clock timer that's known to overheat. This is a well documented problem, and a Google search will get you tons of information on it. You might want to install a passive heat sink on the clock timer chip. Thermal epoxy would be the best method.
5) As a last resort, consider flashing the BIOS to 1.003. Frankly, I doubt if a new BIOS will solve the problem.
Obviously, when the BIOS doesn't detect your CD drive, that's a serious problem, but I don't think it's related to the CPU problem. I assume you have your CD drives running together on a separate IDE channel, and jumpers are set correctly. Does Device Manager see your CD drives or suggest anything unusual about your CD configuration?
Best wishes...

2. RE: Error message
Alshain Aug-16-02 03:20 PM
In response to message 1

I have this problem too, only mine locks up before showing anything and has 1 long post beep, two short post beeps one post beep at a lower tone and 1 more at yet a lower tone than that. Somebody please help Its been running fine for a year like this without any hardware changes and it just randomly started this.

3. RE: Error message
Zeno Aug-19-02 02:43 PM
In response to message 2

To Alshain,
I'm reluctant to kick this thread back to the top, but since you asked, here's probably more than you ever wanted to know...
The P3V4X has AWARD BIOS. 1 long and 2 short beeps is a classic AWARD beep code for a video display error. This usually isn't too serious. The problem is typically related to the video RAM overheating, or dust getting into the APG slot. That's why the system runs fine for a year or so, and then starts to act up. Blow out your case with some good anti-static cleaning spray. You're probably also running a fairly hot video game card, I would guess.
Reseat your video card and your SDRAM. As you do so, clean the contacts with 95% pure, clinical grade isopropol alcohol. DON'T use 78% pure rubbing alcohol because that will leave a nasty white film and only make things worse. You may want to consider another case fan at the rear of the case. If you have a WINBOND system timer chip, glue a passive heat sink on it as mentioned above.
Also, if you feel comfortable doing so, reseat your SLOT 1 CPU and clean the SECC contactswith alcohol. Be careful not to damage the CPU while removing it from the slot. It's usually best to remove the CPU and it's URM at the same time. If you have a "Type 2" URM, remove the 4 URM pins by pinch-releasing them with a set of needle-nose pliers and gently pushing up from the bottom of the motherboard. Also, get tha latest VIA 4-in-1 chipset driver. Hope this helps.
Best Wishes...

6. RE: Error message
lbyard Aug-19-02 04:25 PM
In response to message 3

The old pencil eraser trick should work fine for cleaning the display adapter contacts, but that is rarely the problem now-a-days. Do not use one of those abrasive erasers. You don't want to overdo it and remove the gold plating. Usually it's just the display adapter springing loose at the front of the socket. With power pulled, simply push down on the board while it is still screwed down and inspect along the sides of the socket. Some will beep if the monitor cable is loose. Larry