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Inconsistent software operation due to motherboard change?
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Posted by: Saipanschmidt
I apologize in advance for the lengthy description of the problem and not having detailed hardware specifics (I am currently not in a location where either PC is located).
I am having intermittent, yet recurring, problems on two PCs (one at home and one at the office). The problems are somewhat similar. On the home PC, I loaded up a software program that I start by clicking the application (.exe) file (its an application meant to run off a CD; I simple copied the entire CD into a folder on my C: drive). Sometimes it works (starts the program). Other times it doesn't work. The hourglass sits there for a while, then nothing. By doing cntl-alt-del, I can see the program (or multiple copies of it (if I double-clicked several times) in the Close Program window. I can resolve the problem and have the application run properly by rebooting the computer, often not the first time, but usually within two or three times. If the program does initially work when I first turn on the computer, I can usually get it not to work by rebooting the computer one or more times.
On the office computer, I have the PC version of Oracle 8i running. A program developed for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stores data in the Oracle tables and uses Microsoft Access to view the data (when installing the original software, I ran SQL scripts that "connected" the Access database to the Oracle files). Here's the problem: intermittently, yet on a recurring basis, the Access program simple hangs when I try to run a previously developed query or report. Much like the problem described for my home PC, the solution is to reboot the computer one or more times until things work. Also, like the problem for my home PC, when it works (or doesn't work), it does so consistently until the computer is rebooted.
The home PC had its mainboard replaced several months ago. The problem started in recent weeks. The office computer has its mainboard replaced two weeks ago. The problem started immediately. Both PC's had their motherboards replaced at the same shop and I am questioning whether or not the problems I have described can be attributed to the mainboard replacement. The shop says it is highly unlikely and points towards software problems. I just picked up the office computer from the shop today after they performed several diagnostics, updated the virus program, Windows and MS Office components, and tested the machine numerous times by rebooting it to show that Access worked correctly. I took it back to my office and, on the first try, Access did not operate correctly.
Both PCs are running Windows 98 with Pentium III processors. Any thoughts on what might be causing the problems would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
David
Posted by: Sarc
The first thing I would try is turning off your virus software, and see if that makes any difference.
When if comes to database programs, virus scanners can wreck havoc on these type of systems, especially, multi-linked databases' which is what it sounds like you have.
After that, it could be the software. There are many times when software from several companies are designed to work together, but since it's different companies, little problems arise. If it is software, you should be able to contact the software developer and see if there is a fix or work-around for your problem.
If it is a hardware problem, there are some common things to look at, but in the end, it can be one of a hundred different possibilities.
I find it curious that two different computers that were serviced at the same shop are now having problems. Unless you have a friend that works at this shop, or a friend recommended you to the shop, you might try going to a different one.
Specifics, well, memory is a very common problem when a system is having trouble running programs. If a system is displaying blue screens, random lock-ups, or program crash's, the memory is a good place to look. If multiple modules are install, sometimes removing all but one can tell you if it is the memory.
The chances of the processor being flaky is rather unlikely, the mobo on the other hand, could be a possiblilty. But, honestly, I'd look at your RAM, and even your hard drives. If you havn't, I'd do a scandisk and defrag on your drives. Unless they're IBM 75GXP DeskStars, if they are 75GXP's, avoid doing a scandisk at all cost. Otherwise, basically, do some preventative maintanence, and see if anything improves.
It also could be as simple as re-installing the apps in question.
Good luck.
Posted by: Saipanschmidt
Thanks for the quick response and helpful tips. Unfortunately, the problems still exists. We've looked at resources (85% free), RAM (112 MB, adequate per vender), power management (all disabled), scans and defrag have been performed, and viruses have been checked (software updated, run, and disabled). The program software was designed and tested by the Federal contractor using the Oracle software version and the operating system (Win98) that I am using.
All these problems started when the motherboard was replaced. Could you possibly expand upon your reference to potential mobo problems. The particular shop I brought the computers to has been criticized by one of my co-workers as to not doing their homework
and replacing parts that may not be completely compatible with original systems. When I questioned the shop on this, the representative essentially
said a PC is a PC (vs. a MAC) and most PC parts are interchangeable between PCs. He mentioned something about motherboards and "chip sets," but I was lost by then.
I appreciate your time and any additional insights you might have would be very helpful.
Thanks,
David
Posted by: Ion Silverbolt
If that shop just swapped motherboards and didn't reinstall the Operating system, that can cause potential problems. Newer versions of Windows seem to handle motherboard swapping really well but in my experience, Windows 98 and 95 are very finicky to motherboard swaps.
Before you do anything drastic such as a fresh install of Windows 98, check the specs of your previous motherboard and your current one. If the chipsets are different from each other, you may need to install the drivers for the newer chipset. Also, there are also non-Intel chipsets that work with Pentium 3's. If there is anything about Ali, VIA, or SiS in your motherboard manual, you most likely will need to update and install the proper chipset drivers.
All you can do besides above is run the usual diagnostics such as a scandisk with a surface scan, and defrag. You also might want to consider running regclean and a memory diagnostic program of somekind.
You can download various utilities for free from http://www.majorgeeks.com
Posted by: Grimlock
Yeah, I would recommend the re-install of windows, or better, upgrade to 2000, you would have to re-install all of your other software, but it would make life a lot easier as win2k is by far the most reliable MS Operating System.
Posted by: Sarc
When considering that another person has stated a negative fact about the computer shop you used, Ion brings up a good point.
If the system was only swapped and not properly updated, this could very easily lead to the problems your having.
In light of this, I would first make sure and get the drivers squared away on your system first, before persuing any more hardware problems directly.
Even though drivers, at times, can be a pain to work with, it is a heck of a-lot easier than swaping different hardware parts in and out.
Granted you still have your old mobo, I'd check for a difference in chipset's like Ion mentioned.
If you have the mobo manual, that would be the best place to look.
If you don't, and are willing to just open the case, you can look at the mobo directly, and if you see a chip on the board that's about the size of a fifty cent peice, with any of the afore mentioned brands, VIA, Sis, ALI, or Intel written on it, this should tell you what chipset you have in your current system.
If it's any other than Intel, then it wouldn't hurt to go to the respective web-site and download the latest drivers.
Actually, you may want to go to Intel's site if it's theirs, and your old system had a different chipset.
Usually Windows handles Intel chipsets right out of the box, but if the install was originally setup with a different one, it could confuse things a little.
Let us know what you find, and we can help you find the right drivers if need be.
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