The message E1EPzWB-00016B-00@pipe.localnet from MJ Ray mjr@phonecoop.coop contains these words:
Aside from the IDE thing (each channel should have exactly one master, else some things complain, so if you remove a master, set the slave to master IMO), I'd also be suspicious of the graphics card. Try knoppix in any "expert" mode to see if it boots in any way, then it's on to what I rudely call standard engineering methods:
Hmmm. So much to try. And, Expert?
Me + Expert = Does not compute
- rip parts out one by one and put them back in the kit bin;
- when it works, test parts from the kit bin on a known-good
system;
Ah. If all else fails, I was going to do that the other way round: gut the box to bare motherboard and video card (no onboard graphics), check BIOS etc, then add things one at a time.
- if that doesn't find the bug, put parts back in various
combinations until the system doesn't work.
I think the one-at-a time method might be more reliable - I have checked for conflicts and there is none.
If you've not got a known-good system around, it can get expensive. Sorry about that. You local computer hardware shop may have diagnostic boards and other tools if you get as far as suspecting the motherboard, but that can also cost (risk of a bad motherboard killing their diagnostic tools, for example).
I have some suspicions about the motherboard: I can't get it to talk to the (external) modem, though it has done so. Task Mangler says it's working OK, likewise the COM ports (tried modem on both), but when I look at it in Control Panel, Telephony and Modems, Properties, Query modem, it says it's either switched off or not connected.
However, a PCI (Hardware) modem works OK.
<note to self>
Reinstall Debian and ditch Windows...
</note>