Dim 8100 - Updated BIOS, now no IDE

Question

Updated a Dimension 8100 (shipped mid-01). After updating the BIOS to A09, the machine ran fine for almost a week, but then would not see either the hard drive or CD-ROM.

Trouble shooting steps taken so far:

1) Changed Hard Drive and CD-ROM with known working units - they were not detected, either.

2) Placed the "non-working" drives in other computers, and they functioned fine.

3) Changed IRQs (IRQ 14 had been auto-assigned to on-board USB & Sound Card [PCI Slot 4] at one point)

4) Pulled the CMOS battery and power and came back in an hour.

After clearing the CMOS, the BIOS tried to Auto-Detect IDE devices, with no luck. Entering the BIOS, all IDE ports are listed as "Unknown Device". When one is selected, the drive type is "DETECT", and cannot be changed - even to "OFF".

I've never seen this before - and am quite stumped.

Thanks in Advance

Message Edited by wbellis on 02-22-2007 07:32 PM

Message Edited by wbellis on 02-22-2007 07:33 PM

Majestic · Answer

Are you getting any diagnostic lights on the rear of the system when this happens?  Given the age of the system I would also try a new motherboard battery.  The battery maybe failing and it is just a coincidence that it is happening now after the BIOS flash.  While the battery is out, do the following to clear the NVRAM (CMOS)........   With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard.  Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for 30 seconds to dissipate any remaining electrical charge on the motherboard.  Then re-install the battery, plug the machine back into the wall and see if it will boot normally.

wbellis · Answer

I had already replaced the MB battery - I buy 2032s by the case....

The Diag light states are listed below in the form of A B C D - as either [Am]ber or [Gr]een:

"Invalid configuration information - please run SETUP program"
Am Am Gr Gr

"Performing Automatic Drive Comfiguration"
Am Gr Gr Am

Gr Gr Am Am (>1 second)

[Beep] [Beep]

" Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility"
Gr Gr Gr Am

I was finally able to get the system to boot via FDD by turning off the IDE Drive Interface in Integrated Devices - then disabling everything in the BOOT SEQUENCE but the Diskette Drive, and placing it first.

I have subsequently reflashed with 8100_A08 and D81XPXP2 - clearing the CMOS after each flash. Still no IDE ports. Additionally - even with IDE Drive Interface turned off, the system still attempts to Perform the Automaitc Drive Comfiguration.

It's looking dead from this end - but, I just can't fathom why, after running flawlessly for 5-1/2 years, this system would lose both IDE interfaces days after a BIOS update...

Majestic · Answer

The only thing I didn't on your trouble- shooting list is trying a different ribbon cable for the drives.  It's possible one of the ribbon cables is bad.  A bad cable has been known to cause problems before.

wbellis · Answer

Quote=Majestic

The only thing I didn't on your trouble- shooting list is trying a different ribbon cable for the drives. It's possible one of the ribbon cables is bad. A bad cable has been known to cause problems before.

I had already done that as part of steps 1 & 2.

As far as I can tell, the IDE interfaces just died. However, I still have grave issues with the timing of these events. But, I've tried every trick I know - and I know a few...

I would welcome any other ideas - however farfetched or remote.

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Dim 8100 - Updated BIOS, now no IDE

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