Vista install hang on E521 w/ AMD x2

Question

I have a Dimension E521 with an AMD 3800+ x2 cpu. I have a VERY common problem which seems to be incompatible hardware from what Ive read about others who have this issue, but as far as I know, this box should be compatible... at least according to Dell.   When I run an beta or RC version of the vista install, I get a blue screen shortly after the initial grey loading bar completes. With RTM, the green bar just keeps going forever, or if I load it up in safe mode, it stops at disk.sys   I am not using raid and the box is bone stock, no parts added or removed so Im really stumped. Ive tried removing anything possible, even unpluged all usb devices including the mouse and keyboard and the ONLY way I can get it to load further is to attach a PCI-E card instead of using onboard video. Unfortunately, once the OS has installed, the same problem occurs on the first reboot even with the add-in card. I have tweaked every setting I could in the bios in various combinations. I wish I could disable a core on the cpu to try that...   I should mention that I have absoluely no problems what so ever using Windows XP or XPx64. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I searched and could find no mention of any other issues to either nobody has tried this and there is a bios issue of some kind or I maybe I have bad hardware. Thanks!!!   Specs:   Dimension E521 AMD 3800+ x2 4x 1GB PC2-4200 onboard nvidia geforce 6150LE nforce 430 chipset 160GB SATA HDD SATA DVDrom drive 305W? p/s     Message Edited by erniecars on 11-28-200611:39 PM

stan_1936 · Answer

, that's almost the same as my system...I too have an E521, and was thinking of VISTA.....that might change depending on this thread.   Anyone know, how much it is for a Dell technician to come to your home and install VISTA?

erniecars · Answer

Nobody knows anything about this? Its going to be a huge problem when Vista is released if none of the customers who expected to be able to upgrade and have upgrade coupons will be able to... Does anyone know of a bios version for E521 newer than 1.0.3?

erniecars · Answer

I have also discovered that the usb mouse and keyboard are no longer functional after returning from sleep mode or hibernation in vista...

erniecars · Answer

Well I figured it out. I had to remove some ram to get the system going. With 2x 1GB in dual channel, the system is fine, but with 4x 1GB, vista will not work. There must be something wrong with the bios. This is Dell supplied Nanya PC2-4200U memory.   How can this system be advertised as being compatible with 4GB of ram and at the same time compatible with vista? Too bad for me

stan_1936 · Answer

Thanks for posting the update....seems like you are not the only one with the IDENTICAL problem.  Unfortunate for sure....   Have you tried using the ReadyBoost feature with a compatible stick of flash memory?  It is a shame if you paid an extra $250 for the 4GB RAM and can't use it with VISTA.   How's the performance of the E521 with 2GB RAM when runnign VISTA....any noticeable slowdowns?

erniecars · Answer

Im not sure what you mean by flash memory. Im talking about RAM here, but anyway, it runs ok with 2 Gig and I cant say how much better it would be with 4 because it doesnt work. Dell is fast becoming my least favorite PC maker. Fine for the novice user but cannot possibly buy a computer that does EVERYTHING a normal pc can do. This is just a perfect example, and the total lack of customer support is really running their reputation into the ground.

e2vincent · Answer

Good posting. It seems like Dell is still testing with Windows Vista. Maybe I should put off this project for a few months. V.

Windows General

Vista install hang on E521 w/ AMD x2

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