Windows 2000 installation troubles

[Wynd]

Hello,

I bought the parts for my first computer the other day (Athlon 1500+, 512MB geil pc3200 ram, MSI K7N2 mobo, geforce fx 5200 graphics card). Problem is, when I try to install Windows 2000, it gets to the "Installing Devices" screen where it detects all your hardware, and freezes halfway through. I tried it several times, but it freezes every time at the exact same spot (right after the halfway mark - a little past the mouse pointer if I don't move it). What could be causing this?

[VHockey86]

try installing it without any peripheral devices (tv cards/NICs/sound cards/etc). Could simply be a hardware conflict b/c windows 2000 isnt using the right drivers by default.

[jmebonner]

RAM, RAM, RAM. What type are you using? That is one of the pickiest boards ever. All of the Nforce2 chipsets are somewhat picky, but that particular one gave me nightmares. I spent 4 entire days of my life troubleshooting it.

[Wynd]

The RAM I am using is: GEIL 256MB PC-3200 (400MHz) DDR RAM, 6 Layer Ultra Low Noise Shielded PCB, 32x8 Low Density/Unbuffered, Model# GE2563200
Specifications:
Type: 184-pin DDR Memory
Capacity: 256MB
Speed: PC-3200(400MHz)
w/ Heat Spreader
CAS 2.5 6-3-3 2T

That's the description on newegg.com. I tried taking out my sound card, but I had to leave in my graphics card (MSI Geforce Fx 5200 Model X5200-T64) since the mobo didn't come with onboard video and the NIC since it's onboard.

PS, it's an 1800+, sorry for the typo

[VHockey86]

RAM is definately a possibilty, try running memtest86 on it.

[Wynd]

I'm beginning to think it's the RAM too. Sometimes when I boot up I get memory errors. I ran memtest86 and it lists a bunch of bad addresss. Am I correct in assuming the RAM is bad and I should exchange it?

[Scott Tiger]

In my experience, yes. If memtest is giving you errors you should trade out that RAM.

[jmebonner]

Yes. It may also be that the ram is fine on other boards, just no that one. My situation was thatthe ram I had worked perfectly on a P4, even checked out okay w/ memtest. As soon as I slapped it in the MSI, memtest puked all over the place. I doubt the ram is actually bad, just not compatible w/ the board. I got rid of the board (RMA's it to newegg) and purchased an A7N8X and some Mushkin that has worked like a charm. If it's in the budget, get two sticks of 256 to utilize the Dual Channel ability of the Nforce2 boards.

[Wynd]

If I got the A7N8X board, do you think I'd be able to use the RAM I already have? (Geil - 2 sticks of 256MB)

[jmebonner]

I can't really say. It's definitely not as picky as the MSI. Let me do some checking and I'll be back wih a couple links.

Okay, here's my thread w/ the same problems. TBT has a link to the MSI forum which may help. http://www.techimo.com/forum/showthr...highlight=k7n2

NVidia says the ram listed on this page should work http://www.nvidia.com/content/nForce...patibility.asp
But, I wouldn't stake my life, or even a finger for that matter, on it. You might see if you can find someone else with the asus board and see what ram they have.