The message 20051012231718.7da2608f.lists@pelvoux.nildram.co.uk from Steve Fosdick lists@pelvoux.nildram.co.uk contains these words:
Multiple OSes having reliablity problems running on the same hardware does suggest there is a hardware fault. I would proceed as follows:
- Remove all PCI cards that are not required for boot.
There's only the USB card and the modem - I hadn't got round to anything else. I can dispense with the USB card OK because I have a four-port hub now, but before, I couldn't use the memory stick without removing any (scanner or camera) connectors first. Those live in the PCI card now.
If that solves the problem put half of them back etc. i.e. binary search which PCI card is causing the problem.
I'll try that first - well, no, second. I'm slightly suspicious of the SCSI drives - or at least, one of them: I've noticed a tick-tock . . . tick-tock . . . while the box is trying to boot. It still happened last time I tried Knoppix, with HD0 and HD1 disconnected. (They're both in caddies.)
- If that doesn't fix the problem and you have more than one memory
module again try with half the memory installed, then the other half to test for faulty memory.
Yes, that's another suggestion received from several angles. There are three modules.
- If you have a multimeter check the voltages the PSU is giving the
motherboard are correct. I had a bout of random locking up when the CPUs 3.3V line was actually 4.4V.
I have a meter, but I've no idea which connectors carry what potential. If you (or someone could add them to the following diagram, I'd be grateful. ___ Orange |o o| Orange Orange |o o| Blue Black |o o| Black Red |o o| Green Black |o o|-, Black Red |o o|-' Black Black |o o| Black Grey |o o| White Purple |o o| Red Yellow |o o| Red ¯¯¯