GA-MA78GM-S2H Strange problem

[erbipjr]

I have an unusual problem after installing a GA-MA78GM-S2H motherboard.
I have replaced HD, DVD writer, RAM memory, OS (XP SP2 and Vista), power source (real 450W), have changed some BIOS settings and I always get the same problem.
I always get the message 'Windows could not start - C/Windows/System32/Config/System file is missing'. The funny thing is that the file is there, I can find it. With Windows Vista, I got same message (except for the file name).After this message, If I enter Bios Setup, change some settings (no matter what), the OS start with no problem. I can use the PC for hours. I can restart it several times and I got no message. But if I turn it of (power of), at the next start I got the same message. (missing Windows file).
I have installed the OS many times, rebooting after drivers instalations and no problem at the first use. The message appears only when I turn the power of, wait some time, and try to turn the PC on again.
My setup:
Motherboard: brand new GA-MA78GM-S2H rev 1.0
CPU : brand new AMD X2 5000
RAM memory : Kingston 2GB - single KVR800D2
Power : real 450W
DVD LG sata
HD samsung 250 gb sata
Motherboar updated to latest BIOS
Bios setup:
VGA core clock: default = 500 mhz (?) Is that correct for ATI HD3200 on board grafics ?
Sata mode: native IDE. But I have tested it in SATA mode with same problem. (windows Vista).
Other settings = default.
I do not have 1.44 MB Drive, so I disabled it in Bios.
This problem is driving me crazy.
Maybe here I can find any tip to solve this problem.
I have searched about this error message. I found some information, but none was usefull. I guess the BIOS is loosing information when there is no power. But the system clock always display the correct time. I have clear CMOS too and nothing !
I will lower the VGA core clock to see if it works. Meanwhile I am open to sugestions. Thanks in advance.

[Wild Child]

I have seen a similar problem and it turned out to be bad ram. I would start there first.

WC

[erbipjr]

I have changed twice RAM memory. I will try with another model. But I think it's not the problem.

[wonkanoby]

real 450W


got a link to specs

[Wild Child]

That memory isnt support if your using 1 2gb stick

http://www.giga-byte.com/FileList/Me...ma78gm-s2h.pdf

WC

[erbipjr]

I am using a brazilian power supply. It has been tested and results tell it delivers 450W max power.
I am trying to get a memory supported by the motherboard. As soon as I get it, I will post results. Thanks.

[wonkanoby]

what what on its side does it say max 12v amps are

watts mean nothing as modern pc load 90 percent on 12v rail

[Moshi]

I'm having the exact same problem as "erbipjr".

Put together a computer with brand new components, and it works fine except if I powerdown the computer; when I cold boot the computer, WinXP starts with the:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \Windows\System32\Config\System

If I wait about 10 minutes, and warm boot, WinXP starts fine. Sometimes if I don't wait the 10 minutes and warm boot, may WinXP will start but with permanent corruption (mirrored desktop, Explorer fails to start, etc).

Stuff I've tried/checked:
-WinXP SP2, SP3 & Vista SP1
-installing latest drivers
-flashing with latest BIOS
-swapping my SATA2 drive for an IDE drive
-AHCI enable/disabled
-Hitachi Drive Fitness Test: no errors
-memtest86: no errors
-disable ACPI & wake-on
-memory: dual channel, single channel, single module in different slots
-low level formatting drive & boot sector
-disabling write caching within XP & in hardware
-safe mode
-diagnostic startup via XP msconfig
-reconnect all cables
-swapping DVD-R drive with a CD-RW drive
-AMD Overdrive stability test: no errors (I have not overclocked ANY of the components yet)
-increasing memory voltage to 2.1V (OCZ recommendations)
-lowering memory to DDR2-667
-tested hard drive in another computer
-stock BIOS settings, misc BIOS changes, Optimized settings, reset CMOS, etc.
-disabling non-essential drivers
-swapping mice
-putting DVD-R drive as slave or master
-adding 15 second boot delay in BIOS for hard drive spin-up
-Event Viewer shows no problems
-all temperatures are below 40 degree celcius
-repartitioning drive
...and many other random attempts.

Note: I re-installed WinXP SP2 with almost every attempt I tried. (To the point where I'm ready to make an unattended install CD just for this computer. )

I suspect something in the hardware: motherboard or power supply. Possibly RAM, though it passed MEMTEST86 and AMD Overdrive stability tests.

Any ideas on how I can narrow it down to what's causing the problem? Unfortunately I don't have access to many spare components, so any help in diagnosing the problem before buying replacement parts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Wild Child]

I would bet for folks having this issue it's usually either a weak power supply, or a ram issue. For those trying to load the systems with 2 sticks in the system try one at a time.Other then that I would suggest using ram and a power supply unit of 500 wt or better.

WC

[edp33]

Hi I had exactly the same problem and tested everything see - http://forums.hexus.net/help-technic...-problems.html

It turned out to be a faulty motherboard, perhaps the bios wasn't retaining the values or a fault with the sata controller. Either way the replacement motherboard worked fine

[Wild Child]

I had an issue with a motherboard that was very similar to this,it wasnt the motherboard...it turned out to be the drives,for whatever reason the sata controller didnt like 2 different drives that I installed that tested fine. maybe it was a firmware issue with the hard drives, but I installed a brand new drive and the problem disappeared.

WC