Still need information regarding how to tell if a motherboard is bad...

But here is the next thing...

I don't have an internet connection yet on the other computer so I downloaded a new 64bit driver for the eVGA graphics card on another one, copied it then tried to install on my new computer. It wouldn't install because it is saying my OS setup is 32bit and the driver is for 64bit! The disc I've got (OEM) says it is 64bit, which is what I ordered. Under properties for Computer it just says Vista Home Premium and nothing about the bit. Is there a way to find out for sure that the OS I installed is 64bit?

Thanks for writing back. I'm guessing this error 'windows failed to start" because of a digital verification issue is more common than you might think. I've been on several forums and no one can come up with an actual solution that will work. You can disable the verification process but it is reset after a reboot.

I was able to get an old keyboard and change the BIOS to reboot from the Cdrom (default was the floppy - how stupid is that!) It then completely reinstalled vista - putting all of the first install into an ".old' file. I've not added anything since then (just the os) because I'm afraid that error will come up again. I'm not sure what is causing this - other people with the same error are getting it on different files...some on an upgrade from XP...some on server 2008...seems kinda random. Besides, my build items are pretty common so ...

I am wondering about another issue though and hope someone can steer me in the right direction. Neither of the two expansion cards are registering with the system. I've got eVGA 8800 GTS 512mb KO graphics card in the pcie16 slot and the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Audio in the lower pciex1. The system is showing standard graphics and sound. Is this a problem with the motherboard or could it be something else? (Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L). Other than this, and the above issue, everything seems to be fine.

Wait...one more thing...and truth to tell, I've not really done any research on it yet but...my Dell 2408WPF's highest resolution option is 1600x1200. Since it's supposed to be 1920x1200, is there something else I should be doing?

Yep - it was a really great build until a few hours later. The computer asked for a restart for some hardware CDs I'd installed so I did and now I've got a black screen saying that Windows failed to start. It's an 0xc0000428 error, which I've Googled and it seems impossible. The only thing I really need to know is what caused it. My DVD drives (2) have quit working so I can't repair from the Windows disc as the error is asking. The keyboard will only work with DEL, F9, etc., so I can't use the arrow keys to move around in the BIOS menu. The graphics card never was recognized. On another forum, it appears this error happens alot - some can get it fixed with the repair, someone else had to take out the hd, install in on another computer, reformat then reinstall, someone else ended up with a bad Mobo. Is there any way to find out where the problem lies? How would I know if it's the Mobo? Does the fact that it never recognized the graphics card be a clue?

I've gone from the heights of euphoria in feeling like I conquered something I don't know enough about to feeling like the biggest idiot who has just wasted $2000 for a gorgeous piece of junk.

Okay...I was feeling a bit cocky with my new build because it seemed to be going quite well (except for not recognizing my video card).I installed Vista and it worked fine so I then put in all the little CDs that came with the rest of the stuff -

Gigabyte MoBo GA-P35-DS3L

eVGA 8800 GTS 512mb KO - again, it was showing up with the standard VGA so I'm guessing it didn't register this card but hadn't gotten around to why not. Since I'm having an ethernet connection run into the room with this computer, I don't have internet access there just yet but I did go on this computer and download the driver for the graphics card, even though I didn't get a chance to install it before the system crashed.

Creative X-Fi Audio

Logitech diNovo Keyboard

Dell 2408WFP

All was still going along great so, after awhile, I added my graphics tablet software (from previous computer) with Corel Art Dabbler. Still fine. Tried to add Gravis joystick but it wouldn't take it because software version too old. Fine. Then I decided to add a little game I have called City Life. The computer said to restart to affect all changes. Since I'm new to Vista, I thought the restart option was with the turning off option, like XP. Guess not as it just turned the computer completely off. I thought no big deal, I'll just turn it back on and this is what I got:

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem.

1. Insert your Windows installation disc and restart your computer.

2. Choose your language settings, and then click "Next."

3. Click "Repair your computer."

If you do not have this disc, contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance.

File:\Windows\System32\drivers\sfsync04.sys

Status: 0xc0000428

Info: Windows cannot verify the digital signature for this file.

I Googled this and found a forum with this thread over a year ago. Some people could get the Windows disc to start and had the repair option. I cannot. Neither of my two DVD drives are responding and my keyboard responds only slightly at the Gigabyte startup for Tabbing and F12, etc. Unfortunately after making those choices, the keyboard quits responding all together. No up or down keys nor does the touchpad work. Some on the forum could fix it with Clearing the CMOS. Someone else said they had to replace the motherboard.

Has anyone else had this happen? I am devastated because I know so little about this aspect of the computer and don't feel as though I can make an adequate decision about what is happening. I even Googled sfsync04.sys but that doesn't tell me anything. So I'm sitting here with a big beautiful 24" Dell that's sitting with a black screen and really large lettering telling me I'm screwed. HELP!!!!

I think this motherboard didn't come equipped with the 1394 firewall so I've just tucked it away.

Plugged the case in and nothing blew up so feeling better! Apparently I did get the Power Switch plugged in the right way! Looks really nice on the inside - I've got the P182SE so it's all black and elegant :) Turned the PSU over and the cables ran much better on the back instead of up the middle. Got them all tacked down as best I could - there's a slight bulge but only slight.

Got my monitor out and am setting it up. I put on the DVI cable to the graphics card but the monitor is showing a sign that it's looking for the VGA cable. So I guess I'll go to the VGA for now - just to get things set up.

Next step - Vista!

BTW - did anyone have any thoughts on my sound card being so closely installed to the graphics card? I don't know what, if any, heat comes off the card so I don't know if it might be a problem.

Thx!

I'd Googled my specs and found someone who had the same case and PSU as mine and they put it in upside down with no problems. Getting the thing OUT of the case right side up was a b***h - the PCP&C box is longer than most so it is pressed severely against ... well... EVERYWHERE! :P Flippped it over, stuck it in the back, and it was a breeze. Slid in nicely and the cords work alot better. I can get just about everything around to the back or side except for the front audio that has to stretch right across the middle of everything. Since I've got an audio card and speakers with headphone jack, do I even need to plug this in?

Put the eVGA GeForce 8800 GTS KO 512mb in with no issues. However, it's so freakin' big it covers up one of the PCIe x1 slots and cramps the one below it. Since my audio card AND TV card are both PCIe, I'm a bit worried. I put the audio card (Creative Labs X-FI Audio) into the PCIe x1 slot below the graphics card and it leaves about 1/8" space between them. Since the audio card is shorter, the fan isn't blocked. Will this be alright? And can I just add that it's a bit weird that they go to so much trouble with the graphics on the fan side of the card when it just ends up getting turned over and never seen again!?!

Tomorrow - hopefully will have an email from Antec on the front panel "plugs." Gigabyte mentioned something about one of the plugs having a certain color as positive but nothing about the rest - and nothing at all in the Antec manual. Since such a big deal was made of making sure it was positive to positive, etc., this seemed a bit odd.

I also need to find out about the 1394 plug - the Antec manual said to plug it into the motherboard heading (what does that mean exactly) and the Gigabyte manual says NOT to plug it into the USB headings (the pins look the same) but doesn't address it any further.

I'll also install the TV card - we'll see what, if any, challenges that will bring. Finish hooking up the rest of the power and tucking away the cords as best I can. Luckily my case doesn't have a window so it doesn't have to look spectacular! Hook up the monitor and give it a go - installing all the software, that is. THAT gives me pause and am keeping my fingers crossed that it will go fairly smoothly. I've not got a lot of experience with BIOS and, with the manuals lacking in a lot of areas...eeks!

So thanks all - those who helped me decide what to buy those weeks ago and those who have (and hopefully will continue to :D) assist/ed me in all the terrific and understanding ways this group does. You guys are priceless!

This isn't easy.

The first and biggest hassle is the power supply. I've got the Antec P182SE with the PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610W. The cage is on the bottom and fits very tightly with the lower fan. I'm thinking I may have to install the PSU upside down to better run the cables behind the MoBo. The cords form a massive bundle that do not negotiate the case as well as I'd like. Research on the internet (what a Godsend) came across a guy that did a great, clean cable install but it required some drilling, etc. I'm trying to avoid that route.

I'm currently working on the wiring with the motherboard. The hardest part is trying to make two separate manufacturers work together. Deciphering what the Gigabyte (GA-P35-DS3L) instructions are asking from the case and what the case actually has ... THEN ... there are a couple of issues where, what the case actually has doesn't quite jive with the Antec manual! I've an email in to them for the power LEDs because the titles are different.

RE: the motherboard - I've a really stupid question. The instructions are pretty skimpy but I'm trying to figure out just where to screw it to the case. I've got it lined up with the back plate and 6 holes. While there are a few others, none are marked (small silver arrows pointing in like the sun) EXCEPT for one that doesn't line up with anything and the "rays" only go half way around. Anyone with this board know whether the six I've fastened are sufficient or if there is anything I need to do for that "partial" hole?

And another stupid question... I've got the Zerotherm BTF90 cooler that's shaped like a butterfly. I've seen it installed with the butterfly facing upright (antenna to the sky and fan toward the bottom) and facing to the side (antenna to the back and fan toward the front). This case has a fan at the upper back AND at the top back so I'm not sure it really matters. (Unless one draws in and the other pulls out...but I don't know for sure) Any thoughts?

The DVD drives were a cinch. Great rail system that just pops in. Plus they're SATA. Hard Drive has a lovely little drawer so it was also quite easy.

Time for me to get back to the crazy wiring, while awaiting suggestions. To all first time builders, plan on spending quite a bit of time (much more than you might think) on the wiring. :)

I'm getting ready to build my computer and also have the Vista OEM. On the package it talks about getting a pre-installation kit. Did you do this? (I'm starting to freak out because this is my first build and I'm not sure I know enough for getting in and screwing around with these sorts of issues so would love to hear what you've done.)

www.microsoft.com/oem/sblicense/OPK/