
Thu 23 Dec 04 @ 3:02 am
Here is a problem I've just had after installing the Windows XP SP2.
Symptom
The system hangs during the Windows boot process. Even in the safe mode.
Problem
Depending on the chipset, motherboard manufacturer, BIOS version, and CPU, installing Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 can result in an unbootable computer system. The problem is generally associated with Intel "Prescott" CPUs and its chipsets, but not every such combination will cause a problem. As of this writing, motherboards exhibiting the behavior include:
Albatron PX865 PE Pro
Shuttle SB61G2
Jetway i875P
Soyo P4I865P
Aopen AX4SG Max
Asus P4P800-E deluxe
Abit IS7-V
Foxconn 865A01-G-6EKRS
Technically speaking, the problem revolves around the machine's BIOS not installing a production level microcode update.
Solution
The solution to the problem is to update the system BIOS for your motherboard. Here are some motherboard manufacturer links:
Albatron: http://www.albatron.com.tw/
Shuttle: http://us.shuttle.com/
Jetway: http://www.jetway.com.tw/evisn/index.html
Soyo: http://www.soyousa.com/
Aopen: http://english.aopen.com.tw/
Asus: http://usa.asus.com/index.htm
Abit: http://www.abit-usa.com/
Foxconn: http://www.foxconn.com/
Be carrefull
BIOS updates can be dangerous — please follow the manufacturer's instructions very closely to avoid a major catastrophe.