HP Pavilion a6200n VISTA Nightmare! HELP

Sorry folks, this is a long story yet needs told to give exact detailed issues.

My friend brings me a HP desk top pavilion a6200n about a month ago because "VISTA" OS would not load.

The system came with 2 (two) 1gb chips. After toying for hours I started unplugging everything and "Re-seating" it all (hard drive, fans, disk, ram etc..) no luck. I then pulled a chip out and left a chip in (1gb ram chip) and it fired up. So, I assume it's a bad 1gb chip.. I order a new one for him (sending it to his address by mail) then simply clean his pc of virus, malware etc.. (a good tune-up) I take it back and despite it now only had 1 gb in there he said it was faster then the day he got it new..

A week later I ask did he put in the new chip that was mailed. He said no as it was doing great...

Well, I get a call on Sunday saying he has a black screen. I tell him to bring it over. (this is 1 month later after first having it for ram issue)..

So I fire it up, there was a "Start Up Issue" (failed to start.) It ask do I want to do a start up repair. I select yes and no luck. I try and try and try , still no luck.. So I then go for the restore point idea. Would not let me do a restore point.. Got a message like "can't access restore point in this mode" I tried it from the hard drive and the CD.. After 29hrs of trying to get VISTA to load, I gave up.. I then re-installed VISTA to factory setting..

For the record, I'm a XP lover and never had any VISTA come my way..

After the new install of VISTA, I started to do "auto updates" and this was HELL. The PC crashed more then a drunk on a skateboard. The more I updated the more it ran bad. I then thought, let me try another chip. To my suprize it accepted the other chip making it 2gb now. However, seemed to crash more and more as I updated windows.

After reading on the crashes and freezing up issues on forums I see VISTA has serious problems with updates and even more with Service Packs.

Well, after a while I took it back to one chip. no difference. I also did Hardware, and pc checks for most components with VISTA tools and nothing was bad. (all tested passed)

The real hell started when I go to SP1 update. It took me 3 attempts and finaly it installed after 3hrs only to reboot to a black screen with blinking white line in corner. (failing to reboot) I was able to get it to go to safe mode after 15 trys only to get a message "SERVICE PACK ONE DID NOT INSTALL REVERTING" that took 4 hrs and I rebooted still no windows would load..

At this time I did a roll back with CD to earlier time (marked service pack1) it failed every attempt..

So I just did yet another New install from disk to "Factory Restore" now that it's fresh, no updates. I am going to proceed only by your advice and or instructions and I don't want to do this for 6 more days.

Thank you for your kind assistance
Super Lost 6

 

Has nothing to do with Vista, it has to do with your friend's machine Vista is a great OS, and better than XP, in more ways than Tuesday. Here are the spec's on the machine http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/e...3158-12133158-12133158-80626463-81048011.html If you have the original HP OEM Vista install discs, or even Windows 7, it should work. Nuke the drive to clear all traces of any OS installs, and attempt a new install of the HP restore discs for Vista.

Here is the link for dban http://www.dban.org/

 

I might also suggest doing the manufacturer's diagnostic on the HD to rule out a failing HD. Probably either Western Digital's diagnostic or SeaTools for Seagate/Maxtor.

If the HD passes the extended test then maybe try installing SP1 as a fully downloaded standalone program. Method 3 from this link: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/935791
see if you have better luck.

 

Vista is a horrible OS – upgrade to Windows 7 is the simplest solution sorry to tell you ….

Or replace the the Hard Drive with new one and reinstall the OS .... Hard Drives are cheap now so there are your options...

 

The "Vista" OS is 2 disk that came with PC. Strange thing is that there in Geek Squad jacket. (pc came from best buys) The disk do load windows. Problem is when it get to the last step "Please wait windows starting for the first time" .................................................. it then reboots, then starts to load windows and says. "System restarted before windows loaded" Please restart and load windows installation once more..

I download the dban and tried to burn image iso to new CD and no luck, says device not ready.....

superlost

 

Is the PC still under warranty? If so take back sounds like a bad ISO (install disk)

 

Nope, 3 years old. Still have no idea how a sealed PC came with "Burned OS CD'S" from Geek Squad... Sounds like I need a Windows 7 CD

 

That may be your opinion. It is no different than using Windows 7. People need to get off of that stigma. Vista works just as good as 7, and better than XP.

 

That would be your problem. You can get 7 with a .edu email through http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/cat/categoryid.37826100/ for $64.95. It was just $29.99 a couple of months ago, but went up.

 

Ok, was able to load XP Home on the PC and it took Fine... Now I need drivers for XP and HP does not have them. Most important I can't connect to Verizon Fios Internet as I need the Network Driver..

At least I got it going.. Any help locating drivers..
Many Thanks
Superlost6

 

Do you know what kind of motherboard you have?

Is the Network Card On board or is it card you bought and installed?

 

It's the one that came with PC (did not buy the card) Its the network addapter.. I will go look for the Mother board type

 

Were can I find out Motherboard type?
Sorry

 

Download Belarc Advisor from another PC

http://download.cnet.com/3001-2094_4-10007277.html?spi=fc8f1ba34757ea8ab94404652207bcfb

This will analyze your PC completely – software/hardware/windows updates….

Once you have the motherboard make and model search that online to get you network card driver normally you can obtain from the vendors website … let me know how you make out

Once you have an internet connection download slimdriver from cnet.com or downloads.com it’s a brilliant free drive scan tool.

Cheers,

 

I see HT2000 on the motherboard printed

 

Ok, going to download now.. Will post results
Thanks

 

http://www.posiflex.co.za/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=67&Itemid=103

download to flash drive install network card driver this will get you on the Internet once installed

 

Supoerlost, sorry for the OP wasting your time, but here is the info you requested regarding that machine http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Deskto...nd/HP-Pavilion-A6200-PC-Driver-help/m-p/41252

 

I'm better off staying out of drivers so I will just post this thread http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=158782 that has a few things to try. I'm not sure what exactly dlb is saying about the LAN driver he seems to have three different possibilities and the Gigabyte link is dead. If the Nvidia drivers don't do anything for LAN then maybe try realtek or PM dlb and ask him to take a look at your thread.

 

Realtek drivers http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads...d=7&Level=5&Conn=4&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false
alc888 driver http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads...=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false
Intel 945GC driver http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/sb/CS-020683.htm

 

I do not see "Flash Drive" in the list from your link... Do you have direct download link?
Thanks

 

Is the LAN drivers the Network cARD drivers?

 

It is the top link that says LAN drivers here: http://www.posiflex.co.za/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=121&Itemid=103

brownizs was just saying that you will need to get them over to your XP computer using either a flash drive or written to CD sp that you can install them.

 

Thank you, I downloaded the drivers and exstracted them to a folder on ther HD.. I open folder and there is no exe or set-up.. How do I install them?

Also, I cant find the network addapter in the device mgr.. See ing of the DM...

I guess I'm lost on how to do this// Thaks for any help!

 

When the OS asks for location of the driver, you manually install them from the flash drive. Once you get the NIC driver installed, you can get the drivers for video and sound on the machine, on the machine by downloading from those links.

Use the links I posted from the info at hp.com, not the OP link, since they are for a different manufacturers computer system.

 

Hi Superlost and brownizs,

Take a look at DLB's post I referenced in post #21 I really think you want to install these nvidia drivers http://www.nvidia.com/object/nforce...?ClickID=dyzcnxwxkksnzxotxzzokcnnxyb0zxsozymy and then see what is left with yellow in Device Manager.

I don't see any reference to Intel 945 chip in Compaq's specifications. http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01151591&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=3548643#N79

 

Hey, I am just going by the info I found. Only way to know what is what, is if the OP before they wiped out stuff, found out what drivers were needed. Personally, I would not have rolled back to XP, because of all of the problems in doing so. Unless you are in a corporate environment, then you have no choice, and at that, you would have a "Ghost" image, due to all of the machines would be the same.

Personally, I hate working with XP with a passion, due to it has too many issues that were brought over from Win2k, and MS finally fixed that stuff with Vista.

 

The pavilion a6200n uses a Realtek RTL8201N (PHYreceiver). The driver is only available by downloading the chipset driver as @sach2 stated.

I believe the chipset driver @sach2 referenced is for XP.

NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430

Vista 64bit

Vista 32bit

Edit: This step by step may help as far as manually updating drivers through Device Manger.

http://www.addictivetips.com/window...-or-device-drivers-manually-in-windows-vista/

 

tgell, the OP is rolling back from Vista to XP. Why, that is their choice, even though they could have contacted HP and got their dvd's for OEM restore, http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...dlc=en&lc=en&os=2093&product=3548643&sw_lang= or do like most of us that have .edu and get Windows 7. Again, it is their choice for the OS, as to which one they are installing.

 

Thank you both, I found a tool that might change everything... I took a few images of the PC's hardware.. See image...

With this new image it shows a different Motherboard then what we have refured to.. With that sai. Can we start over?

I have no idea what drivers I need (brownizs I know you said get from HP) however, I did not find XP drivers..

If you tell me what to download and how to install, I can do it.. Not good with driver updates I am sorry..

Thanks

 

This 32bit link is for " Win 7 & Vista"

 

Do you have the XP link for this?

 

Superlost this is the XP link http://www.nvidia.com/object/nforce...?ClickID=dyzcnxwxkksnzxotxzzokcnnxyb0zxsozymy

It is an EXE just run it and if it isn't correct it won't install. It should make your Lan device visible so you can install the driver.

 

This download says I need service pack 1 The ver of home XP is real old and does not have service pack.. Were would I get it?
Thanks

 

Ok, I downloaded the driver package you sent. It installed and I am on the net. I went to "Windows Update" and since this has NO service packs I downloaded the Sevice Pack 1a wizard installer. I get the same error each time I run the program. (see image of error)..

Is there another way to get sp1?
Thanks

 

Sorry about that. Missed the boat again. :-o

 

This is the error I get

 

Try installing SP2 instead. Then move on to SP3. You do not need SP1a to install SP2 but you need SP2 in order to install SP3. Also, I would do all the updates on SP2 first and then move on to SP3.

If you decide to download the full SP2, you can get it here.

 

Installing it now, THANK YOU!

 

Good morning Superlost,

Can you do me a favor and take a screenshot of Device Manager after you install the Nvidia drivers? I want to see which items it helps identify and which it doesn't just for my own education. It is not critical but if you remember, I would appreciate it. Sorry, for posting in the thread but you don't have private messaging turned on.

 

I would love to my friend however, when I downloaded service pack 2 the entire hard drive crashed. When I rebooted it said "No NLTS" (something like that) I know it was related to hard drive..

With that said, I cant get to the Device Mgr as there is no OS. Yet if it helps it only fixed the network addapter.. All items still had a yellow ! mark. I did downloade a free driver search and install tool that fixed 2 of the issues.. (got it from the download page here)..

Thanks for all the help, I think I will take Bruzers advice and order the $20 recovery CD from HP

Sach2, a while back you gave me a program called partitionmagic I think. Do you have something like that I can download and run on this hard drive to wipe it clean?

OR
Can I use a windows XP CD, put it in and let it boot to format, then select D for "delete" the exsisting partition and make another one, then exit the install..

Could that be considered a clean wipe out?
Thanks

 

Hi Superlost,

Get SeaTools for DOS. Burn to CD as an image/ISO file using imgburn or similar software using the "Write Image File to Disc" option. Guide: http://www.calibancomputer.com/computer-tutorials.htm#burning

Then run both the short and extended tests on the HD to make sure it is not the problem. If it passes both tests go ahead and do a low-level format. The low-level format writes to every sector on the disc and will completely wipe the drive.

I would definitely run the tests to make sure the drive is good and you are not working against yourself with a bad HD. If you don't want to do the low-level format you can use the XP install disc to delete the existing partition and then create a new one but (if given a choice) make sure you format the new one to NTFS (which is a full format) and don't select the NTFS Quick format option.

http://www.getpcmemory.com/pics/windows_xp_installation_partition_format.gif

 

Ok, found a good copy of Windows XP Pro w/SP2 It installed great. I am going to download the divers Sach2 recomended http://www.nvidia.com/object/nforce...?ClickID=dyzcnxwxkksnzxotxzzokcnnxyb0zxsozymy

I will take a before and after image of the Device Manager (as per your request)..
Thanks
Superlost

 

Ok, installed http://www.nvidia.com/object/nforce...?ClickID=dyzcnxwxkksnzxotxzzokcnnxyb0zxsozymy
drivers.. You will see a before installing and after installing image of the Device Manager.

What should I do next?
Thanks
Superlost6

 

Thanks for the screenshots!

So you have internet now. This should be the VGA driver: http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_169.21_whql.html?ClickID=bguf6vdveel6uvkzvuukef66vgn1uvlkugyg

The PCI device is probably the modem. I'm not good at drivers but will take a look. I hope someone who frequents the driver section more often has an accurate way of finding the correct driver--for me it is too much guess-work.

 

On the devices with the yellow question mark, specifically the PCI Device and PCI Communications Controller which is the modem as sach2 stated, can you do the following and give the Vendor and Device ID for each? Right click the device and then select Properties.

http://www.askdrtech.com/solutions/image.axd?picture=2010%2F3%2Fhardware-id-02.jpg

 

ok, all items in the device mgr are fine now. All yellow marks are gone. This is what I did since then...

1.) updated to service pack 3
2.) installed sunjava
3.) installed Kaspersky virus 2010
4.) ran a drivers test (all drivers uptodate)
5.) updated to ie8 browser

I did notice some "automatic rebooting" when I did not ask to reboot and sometimes ie will freeze and I need to reboot...

Keep in mind the issue started for this PC was a RAM issue.. I have 3 one (1gb) ram chips. This PC came with 2 (1gb chips) when this pc came to me it would not boot windows and no power to keyboard or mouse.. (I assumed power suply) I swoped out ps and nothing.. long story short, I took out 1 gb of ram and the PC fired up... I ordered another 1gb ram chip (i have yet not installed) it seems to crash more when installed.. Can I do some type of test with 1 stick in then both sticks in?

Thanks guys for all the assistance.. I'm 90% done with this beast

 

You can run a bootable CD of memtest86+ to check your ram.

http://majorgeeks.com/Memtest86_d4226.html

http://www.memtest.org/