[hdgodfrey]

now it won't start the xp cd even with the same settings. I may have to do a low level format to erase the data so it will and I can get it to start again. unless you have any more ideas. THanks again

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We've got to get that CMOS to reset...

Let's shut the machine down, pull the power plug, and remove the motherboard battery. Let the machine sit this way for about an hour. Then put the battery back in (+ side up), power it back up and see if it will boot past the DMI hang.

[wannabe1]

We've got to get that CMOS to reset...

Let's shut the machine down, pull the power plug, and remove the motherboard battery. Let the machine sit this way for about an hour. Then put the battery back in (+ side up), power it back up and see if it will boot past the DMI hang.

[hdgodfrey]

when I started it back it said checksum error and to hit F1 to continue and I did and it stoped at Verifiying DMI pool data..... All of my CMOS and BIOS are reset but still nothing. Even when I use the settings that got me into the windows setup with the cd it hang at DMI pool data.... I have tried with the XP cd in and out and nothing. I think the only way to get back to the setup screen I got to yesterday is to low level format the drive to erase data and then use the XP disc with the setting I had yesterday. As usuall I am happy to try whatever you want me to!! Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!! Awaiting the next move...

[hdgodfrey]

when I started it back it said checksum error and to hit F1 to continue and I did and it stoped at Verifiying DMI pool data..... All of my CMOS and BIOS are reset but still nothing. Even when I use the settings that got me into the windows setup with the cd it hang at DMI pool data.... I have tried with the XP cd in and out and nothing. I think the only way to get back to the setup screen I got to yesterday is to low level format the drive to erase data and then use the XP disc with the setting I had yesterday. As usuall I am happy to try whatever you want me to!! Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!! Awaiting the next move...

[hdgodfrey]

I just hooked up a different hard drive and it recognized it but then stil froze at DMI pool data. What is it doing at this point comunicating with the MOBO? Can I disconnect non essential pci cards mabye and try or will disconnectiong anything help. I guess I am just thinking outloud (or online as the case my be)THanks you rock WHAT NEXT?

[wannabe1]

Yes...disconnect any hardware that's not necessary for the boot. You'll need only a single stick of RAM, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Anything else can be removed.

The checksum message indicates that the CMOS reset as it should have...so we've eliminated that.

I'm starting to think we're looking at either a corrupt BIOS or a bad motherboard, but we've really not been able to do much actual troublshooting because of the hang...

The BIOS can be flashed as a last resort, but there's a catch...it requires a working floppy drive.

I guess if the hardware removal doesn't get you a proper boot, the low level format would be next...with the extra hardware removed. If we can get it to boot...or at least boot to the XP cd, we may be able to rebuild the boot sector...which is something else that can cause the DMI hang.

I've found a BIOS manual for the P6L40-A4 x, but it hasn't really shown me anything that we haven't tried in there.

[Jay{}Sin]

Im having this problem, but I think Ive tried everything here. I can't seem to get my Windows XP to load the Recovery Disc, and it just hangs at the Boot From CD Non System disk or disk error. But before it was the DMI thing. Samn as this guys.