RockECU

Alright, I'm going to try and make a long story short here.. ..if possible.. but anyway, I need your help.... PLEASE... I'm at about wits end here.. (I cannot reformat and repartition due to material I must get off of RAIDs because I did not back it up). I've been doing numerous searches everywhere and have used the advice seen everywhere to no avail. Perhaps most unfortunately I've used the best ideas the most recently. So here goes.. 1-Originally I had a 120GB IDE, with 2 160GB SATA II's Hitachi Deskstars. Well, I wanted to get rid of the IDE and put it in an external and up my storage so I got 2 320GB SATA II Seagates. 2-So, I set up the 2 new 320GBs into another Raid 0. Why? Who knows.. Anyway, both the 160GB and 320GB RAIDS were set up into 3 partitions. Some of which were resized using Paragon Partition. 3-Anyway, everything was all fine until I decided to remove the IDE. At which point, I reboot without the IDE installed and I receive the following: "cannot find ntldr". 4-So, after tinkering around, I reinstal the IDE.. But the IDE won't spin, as IDE won't power up. AHHH.. So the IDE is dead. I know this because I tried the IDE in an external enclosure that has another IDE in it that works. Well, obviously, the boot info was on the IDE drive. 5-So, to make a long story short, I, at first, couldn't find the RAID array until I F6 with the raid driver disk. I used diskpart in the recovery console and it was able to see all the partitions and all the information that was on it, albeit in different letters (originally my disks were set up as C(IDE), G(boot), H(partition) I(Partition) 160GBs; K(Partition) L(Partition) M(partition) 320Gbs. So being stupid me, I figured after reading some info from various boards that I should try to repair the windows installation. But the Windows installation was somehow re-located on partition C (which is really G, and all other partitions are re-named). So I repaired it.... 6- I reboot, and it says, "A disk error has occurred. Press ctrl alt delete to restart". 6a - I try simple stuff first, clearing CMOS. Says same thing. 7- I use the F6 disk and use diskpart, and check the drives, and the partitions and array, all are fine. So I do MORE research and end up using Fernando's method and slipping 6.99 into my XP disc. But since I have NVRaid BIOS 4.76, that one doesn't work. (Of note, my DFI Bios IS updated to the last possible one). Still get same message. 8- I slip 6.53 into an XP disc. Still doesn't work. (Tried both repair and install new on different partition). I'd rather not pickup an IDE, because I don't have the $$ right now, and if something needs to be fixed anyway, I should probably just fix it. Obviously, if it's my only option I'll do it, but I don't think I've exhausted all options yet, or have I?? Should I go linux? I'm clueless about linux...??.. THanks in advance for all of your help!

well.. have you noticed the price of gas lately?? Prices go up, and prices go down... Deal with it and get a good power supply. You won't be sorry.

Also learned that if you're going to do a tutorial - It's going to take a while to compress these images with adobe... Also, I forgot to use the credit card technique when cleaning the video card chip of the old TIM. I used the acetone to remove it all. It ended up booting up fine though, so hopefully all the starts well will end well (or whatever that saying is). A note on the old TIM on the video card - this . sucked. It was more like glue than anything. Looked like elmers on the darn thing.

As I've ventured into the building process I've come to find out that there are only 3 power connections on the MB, (this is unlike a lot of the other DFI nF4 MBs). Anyway, in addition to step # 4 and #5, I also removed the old TIM from the video card chip and put AS5 on there as well. (Even though I did this after step 12, it should probably be done after step #4 or 5. I also connected the floppy (#11a) before step 9. Some notes - The new 8/31/05 bios does not give you time to see which version it is at the boot-up screen.. This is fine with me, because I know that the flash was successful. When performing step #10, I just connected the front case connectors to the MB so I could easily power up the MB as there is no EZ Touch Power switch. During step #10 I loaded the optimized defaults in the BIOS, and while in the BIOS also set the HALT-ON to everything except key/floppy so the new bios could be flashed from my floppy drive. I will be adding some pictures after I resize them so they are allowable to post in the thread.

Anybody know about the question to #23a?? Also, should I go ahead and flash to the new bios immediately or do it after my first boot?

Anybody know about the question to #23a?? Also, should I go ahead and flash to the new bios immediately or do it after my first boot?

Angry - will Acetone with denatonium benzoate work for cleaning the nvidia cpu/fan/sink?? That's the closest thing I could find to pure acetone. Thanks.

Yes, I realize that, that's why I'm posting here and looking for assistance with any thing that may be different.

Alright guys.. Here's the plan I'm going to use, based off of ed jacobsen's post with a few differences. 1 - Get familiarized with how to assemble a PC generally, including: http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_parts_list.shtml http://www.buildyourowncomputer.net/learntobuild.html and many of the threads throughout this board - most importantly ed jacobsen's thread which can be found here... http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6615 ... or any other site I may come across. 2 - Place motherboard on insulated surface (on wood table and pad shipped with motherboard) 3 - Inspect and prepare motherboard, adjust jumpers as necessary. 4 - Before installing CPU and heatsink I will be detaching the DFI fan from above the nVidia SLI chip and remove the old TIM from the chip and replace with arctic silver5. This is outlined by Angry here ----> http://www.angrygames.com/chipset_clean-1.htm 5 - I will then Install CPU, clean the CPU as outlined by Angry here --> http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20832 (Post #1) then place some AS5 on the CPU, then install the heatsink. 6 - Install 1 stick RAM in DIMM slot 2 I know I'm going against madian's advice here, but it seems as if a lot of people use the 2nd slot right off the bat, if the 2nd slot does not allow a boot, I will move to 1st per madian's advice. 7 - Install video card in top (closest to CPU) PCI-E slot. 8 - Connect keyboard, monitor (I don't think connecting the mouse is necessary). 9- Connect power supply to motherboard – be sure to make all four connections. This is outlined in ed jacobsen's post #95 of his thread - http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/sho...76&postcount=95 10 - First boot – use EZ Touch Power Switch on motherboard to turn power on. To enter BIOS, press DEL before the fourth diagnostic LED turns off. Load Optimized Defaults/save and exit. 11a - Connect floppy. Clear CMOS for minute or two?????????????? 11b - Clear CMOS for minute or two????????????? 12 - 2nd boot - Flash bios to 8/31/2005 edition which can be found here - http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21972 13a - (3rd boot). Reboot and load optimized defaults/save and exit. 13b - Disconnect power supply. 14 - Install mobo and I/O shield in case. 15a - Connect case and CPU fans to motherboard. 15b - Connect front panel connectors and case fans to motherboard. 16 - Install power supply (can be done before Step 14 if you prefer). (Note - Steps 14 through 16 can be performed in any order you prefer, I'd just prefer to have as much space as possible before installing the PSU into the case.) 17 - Connect power supply to motherboard – be sure to make all four connections. 18 - Connect monitor. 19 - Connect keyboard and mouse. 20 - Fourth boot. Run Memtest86 v3.2 (bootable CD downloaded from http://www.memtest86.com/) on RAM stick #1. 20a - After memtest is complete on stick #1 for 3 hours and if successful, swap out RAM sticks. 20b - Run memtest on stick #2 for 3 hours and if successful, install both sticks. 21. Install hard and optical drives. 22 - Fifth BOOT - Press DEL to enter BIOS 22a - Enter optimal BIOS settings ????? 23 - Install OS (I will be using Windows XP Professional Slipstreamed SP2). During install of Win XP, drives will be partitioned and then formatted to be able to use them and then Install of OS continues. Directions on creating a bootable slipstreamed Win XP http://www.helpwithwindows.com/Wind...sp2-bootcd.html and http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/...am-Guide_1.html ...among others anyway.. 24 - Install MB drivers from DFI supplied CD (Note: some drivers cause problems for some users; do not install Nvidia IDE drivers or Nvidia Firewall / Nforce Network Access Manager programs; do not install Ntune from the DFI disc). 25 - Install video drivers from DFI supplied CD and/or CD supplied with video card. 26 - Install monitor drivers from CD supplied with monitor. (if necessary, won't be for me since I'm using an older CRT monitor and XP will recognize it for me). 27 - Test all USB/sound/mic connections on case and MB. 28 - Test speed and stability overnight with PRIME 95. 29 - If all ends up OK from step 27, then enable cool n quiet. Disable when I begin overclocking. This can be enabled in your power mgmt settings in BIOS. 30 - Hook up peripherals. 31 - Load other software 32 - Install virus protection. AVG freeware http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/ ???????????????????/ 33 - Before connecting to internet, set-up your internet connection, if you need help read http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1743653,00.asp 34 - onnect to internet through LAN. Some questions that I have.. #11 - Is clearing the CMOS necessary before flashing the BIOS? #22a - what would be the optimal BIOS settings for an Infinity board? #32 - is AVG freeware virus protetion really that good? Because I already have Norton, but they'll charge you yearly for their definitions and such. WHat do you guys think? Well,. there it is.. Let me know what you think. Sorry for the long post, just want to get this right being that its my first build ever. Thanks in advance.

Alright guys.. Here's the plan I'm going to use, based off of ed jacobsen's post with a few differences. 1 - Get familiarized with how to assemble a PC generally, including: http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_parts_list.shtml http://www.buildyourowncomputer.net/learntobuild.html http://www.motherboards.org/article...ides/924_1.html http://www.build-your-own-computer-tips.com/ and many of the threads throughout this board - most importantly ed jacobsen's thread which can be found here... http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6615 ... or any other site I may come across. 2 - Place motherboard on insulated surface (on wood table and pad shipped with motherboard) 3 - Inspect and prepare motherboard, adjust jumpers as necessary. 4 - Before installing CPU and heatsink I will be detaching the DFI fan from above the nVidia SLI chip and remove the old TIM from the chip and replace with arctic silver5. This is outlined by Angry here ----> http://www.angrygames.com/chipset_clean-1.htm 5 - I will then Install CPU, clean the CPU as outlined by Angry here --> http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20832 (Post #1) then place some AS5 on the CPU, then install the heatsink. 6 - Install 1 stick RAM in DIMM slot 2 I know I'm going against madian's advice here, but it seems as if a lot of people use the 2nd slot right off the bat, if the 2nd slot does not allow a boot, I will move to 1st per madian's advice. 7 - Install video card in top (closest to CPU) PCI-E slot. 8 - Connect keyboard, monitor (I don't think connecting the mouse is necessary). 9- Connect power supply to motherboard – be sure to make all four connections. This is outlined in ed jacobsen's post #95 of his thread - http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showpost.p...76&postcount=95 10 - First boot – use EZ Touch Power Switch on motherboard to turn power on. To enter BIOS, press DEL before the fourth diagnostic LED turns off. Load Optimized Defaults/save and exit. 11a - Connect floppy. Clear CMOS for minute or two?????????????? 11b - Clear CMOS for minute or two????????????? 12 - 2nd boot - Flash bios to 8/31/2005 edition which can be found here - http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21972 13a - (3rd boot). Reboot and load optimized defaults/save and exit. 13b - Disconnect power supply. 14 - Install mobo and I/O shield in case. 15a - Connect case and CPU fans to motherboard. 15b - Connect front panel connectors and case fans to motherboard. 16 - Install power supply (can be done before Step 14 if you prefer). (Note - Steps 14 through 16 can be performed in any order you prefer, I'd just prefer to have as much space as possible before installing the PSU into the case.) 17 - Connect power supply to motherboard – be sure to make all four connections. 18 - Connect monitor. 19 - Connect keyboard and mouse. 20 - Fourth boot. Run Memtest86 v3.2 (bootable CD downloaded from http://www.memtest86.com/) on RAM stick #1. 20a - After memtest is complete on stick #1 for 3 hours and if successful, swap out RAM sticks. 20b - Run memtest on stick #2 for 3 hours and if successful, install both sticks. 21. Install hard and optical drives. 22 - Fifth BOOT - Press DEL to enter BIOS 22a - Enter optimal BIOS settings ????? 23 - Install OS (I will be using Windows XP Professional Slipstreamed SP2). During install of Win XP, drives will be partitioned and then formatted to be able to use them and then Install of OS continues. Directions on creating a bootable slipstreamed Win XP http://www.helpwithwindows.com/Wind...sp2-bootcd.html and http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/...am-Guide_1.html ...among others anyway.. 24 - Install MB drivers from DFI supplied CD (Note: some drivers cause problems for some users; do not install Nvidia IDE drivers or Nvidia Firewall / Nforce Network Access Manager programs; do not install Ntune from the DFI disc). 25 - Install video drivers from DFI supplied CD and/or CD supplied with video card. 26 - Install monitor drivers from CD supplied with monitor. (if necessary, won't be for me since I'm using an older CRT monitor and XP will recognize it for me). 27 - Test all USB/sound/mic connections on case and MB. 28 - Test speed and stability overnight with PRIME 95. 29 - If all ends up OK from step 27, then enable cool n quiet. Disable when I begin overclocking. This can be enabled in your power mgmt settings in BIOS. 30 - Hook up peripherals. 31 - Load other software 32 - Install virus protection. AVG freeware http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/ ???????????????????/ 33 - Before connecting to internet, set-up your internet connection, if you need help read http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1743653,00.asp 34 - onnect to internet through LAN. Some questions that I have.. #11 - Is clearing the CMOS necessary before flashing the BIOS? #22a - what would be the optimal BIOS settings for an Infinity board? #32 - is AVG freeware virus protetion really that good? Because I already have Norton, but they'll charge you yearly for their definitions and such. WHat do you guys think? Well,. there it is.. Let me know what you think. Sorry for the long post, just want to get this right being that its my first build ever. Thanks in advance.

Perhaps shutting off your SLI function while you only have 1 card running will do the trick and moving it up to the first slot on your MB.

madian - thanks a bunch for the reply. I will definitely use all of your suggestions and thanks for your input/answers to my questions.

Hey guys. Newbie here.. I will be doing my first build starting tommorow with my nF4 Infinity SLI board. But after much, much, much reading, I have a few questions. #1 - Should I update to the latest INF-SLI bios no matter what? #2 - As far as bios settings go, should I refer to the settings used by Angry and RGone in posts #1 and #18 of this thread... http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5844 (Ed jacobsen originally used these settings in his step-by-step guide). #3 - How many of you would like to see a guide/journal done for my building experience? #4 - Strange question, but I have to ask it.. With the 24 pin power connector, is every slot filled or is there 1 empty? Just a little fyi - while I will be setting my system up for overclocking in the near future (next couple of months), I will not be concerned with setting it up to OC right off the bat. Thanks in advance everybody for all of your help and your patience.

True, but I think it would help more people than it would hurt. Either way you go, thanks for the quick reply. Have you thought about adding Prime95 to your cd as well?

Tmod - Complete noob here, but you wouldn't happen to be able to add the 8/31 edition BIOS for the nF4 Infinity SLI to the cd would you? I would be extremely appreciative of this and your work would not go unrewarded. Thanks in advance for any and all help.