First post, by tokyoracer
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Hi all, it's been a while but it's good to be back, just wish it was for a different reason.
I have one of them unusual All-in-one Compaq's from the mid 90s and for a while it has been working fine with RAM maxed out (68MB), an NIC and a 100 DX4 Overdrive.
I decided to lend it to my dad as I hadn't the space to use it properly. Loaded it up with games and such and he set it up. At first it booted okay for a few days. However over time it started to have issues which steadily got worse to a point now where it is now almost never posts completely and a constant problem. The problems are as follows:
• Memory count will stop randomly and will never re-start (still happens with just 4MB onboard, albeit slightly less often) Soft reset won't work of this happens. If memory count stops, sometimes the screen will go blank, flicker then recount it, sometimes then to do the same again or freeze as described previously. Or if lucky, will count successfully after another go.
• If the RAM count is successful, this will bring up a BIOS error with "F1 to save changes or F2 to discard changes"
(This is normal as I need a new CMOS battery solution) .
• After striking an F-key, it will almost always show the error "Party Check 2". Soft reset not working at this error either.
I have ruled out the following:
• SIMMs
• Hard Drive
• NIC
• Mobo edge connector
Would anyone know where I can go from here? I fear it could be a I/O or logic board issue. Possibly PSU, but I don't think that is too likely. It's currently running without anything in the SIMM slots or ISA slots. Even the CD-ROM is removed.
I'm not too hopeful if it requires a new motherboard. These things are obscure as hell. 🙁