Data corruption problem

[Eiolon]

Well, I am here because I am not sure if the issue I have is related to my motherboard.

 

Basically, I had a hard drive die on me and I got a new one (exact same brand and model).

 

I installed Windows XP with no problems. Any time that I need to install any drivers or software I get data corruption errors. The errors are specific to the software and can vary but in the end, the message always refers to data corruption.

 

Generally, this problem only happens if the software needs to be decompressed into a temp file before being installed.

 

Here is what I have done:

 

- Checked all cables

- Got another new hard drive and re-installed Windows

- Ran chkdsk

- Removed my RAM sticks and inserted them one at a time

- Moved the RAM sticks into different slots

- Used the RAM from my wife's computer (exact same as mine)

- Ran Memtest

- Uninstalled and removed any peripheral not needed to run the computer

- Updated chipset drivers

- Updated all other drivers

- Updated Windows

 

The only thing I have not done was get a new motherboard, processor, PSU or CD drive.

 

So again, I am not sure if this is a mobo problem but I am all out of ideas. Thanks for your advice.

[uneedav8]

Is this from both....apps run off of a cd-rom and files launched that have been copied to the hard drive?

[ganders75]

I've had sticks before that will only show errors in MemTest86+ after 8hrs+ of normal operation... Are you Prime stable? When you start to get these problems, try hot booting back to MemTest86 (ie. Start > Shutdown > Restart) and testing your memory from there.. Might be worth doing this one stick at a time (furthest orange from CPU) also...

 

Also, do you have another Windows XP disk to try? Possibly the install disk is damaged?

[s1ick]

firstly go to the stock setting's database and try using settings that people have had success with. optimised defaults doesnt always ensure stability on DFI boards.

Then- memtest.

when using memtest do test 5 about 20 times then then test 8 about the same, then if they pass that do all of the tests for a good 8hrs,if it fails back to step 1 and loosen the timings slightly (read thread on memory timings to understand them better - use search function)

then if this passes- 8hrs dual prime 800mb memory per core. orthos sp2004 i think its called. again if it fails same as before loosen timings a bit.

if it gets to the point that the memory is running much lower than it's specification in either memtest or prime try fining someone that may let your borrow their 939 processor to try out.

[Eiolon]

I have tried another install disc.

 

When I did memtest it was only 1 stick at a time. I did the tests overnight for a minimum of 12 hours for each stick. I haven't done a test as rigerous as s1ck suggested so I guess I can try that. I just don't understand how it could be an issue if it wasn't before.

 

I guess I'll do a prime test too while I am at work.

[davidk21770]

When that happened to me, it was memory. Make sure that you run memtest overnight with the configuration that you're running windows.

[Eiolon]

Here is some food for thought:

 

I created a brand-new username in Windows and gave it admin rights. I then was able to install half the software that was giving me corruption errors under the "Administrator" username. Some, however, do give me corruption errors.

[mitchy24]

Alright Mate i had exactly the same thing when i was building my daughters pc, Narrowed things down and i found it was the ram, i stuck some ram in that i new worked, and everything was fine, stuck the ram in a different system just for the sake of it, tried installing a basic app, errors after errors. But the thing is i ran memtest overnight and through the day with no errors at all. But wont work in windows. So i know its definatly the ram....

[Praz]

Run MemTest For Windows. For 2GB of ram run 2 instances, 800MB each. If no errors let it run till it completes at least 3000% coverage.

[Eiolon]

Alright, I will run that other memtest program overnight tonight.

 

Now I have another question. I used my wifes memory in my computer and still got corruption errors. Does that mean her memory is bad too or does that mean I should re-install Windows using her memory?

 

I guess I could go buy some more as well. The memory I have costs $275 for 2 sticks. Is there anything cheaper that will be compatible with this board if the memory is bad?

[mitchy24]

Have you tried a cmos clear, u might as well, i would try everything before buying new ram. never know it might work

[Eiolon]

Well, after running memory test programs for a couple of days I have yet to receive an error. I said the hell with it and bought some more RAM, reformatted Windows since everything I installed was corrupt and its all working now.