Computer freezes before BIOS after arch linux install

herrpfister · 2013-06-30 21:53:00

This is my first time installing arch linux, I followed the beginners install guide word for word. However, after the install, my computer gets stuck before the BIOS. It identifies the RAM, GPU, and harddrive (all Diagnostic lights are ok on my MOBO). Before the install it booted fine, but now when I boot it up it wont go to the BIOS screen no matter how many times I press delete. However, when I remove the harddrive it boots to the arch linux install screen on my USB drive perfectly.

I know it is not my hardware because I did many different tests (mem-test, swapped out harddrives, tried 1 stick of RAM in different slots, etc). More importantly, my harddrive is brand new so I know it isn't dead because I could partition it when I was installing arch linux.

Computer specs:
AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3700+
DFI LANPARTY nf4-d
ATI Radeon x800
2 GB DDR RAM
160 GB SSD

I have no idea what the problem is, I must have screwed something up with the bootloader or something. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Roken · 2013-06-30 22:10:12

It is honestly unrelated. POST errors have nothing to do with the installed OS. You need to be looking at H/W or BIOS config.

Last edited by Roken (2013-06-30 22:10:27)

herrpfister · 2013-06-30 23:17:24

Do you have any ideas for a good test to see if it is the BIOS? Thanks.

Roken · 2013-07-01 07:56:46

A quick google suggests that getting to the BIOS can be problematic, but the fix is always the same. Only fit a single RAM stick in bank #2 (orange slot closest to the edge of the MB) then try again.

herrpfister · 2013-07-03 16:07:26

Thanks for the quick response, but that didn't work. I think I might just format the drive via my desktop and try it all over again. Thanks for the help.

Foucault · 2013-07-03 16:19:32

Try clearing the CMOS settings either by removing the motherboard battery for some minutes or by using the relevant jumper on the motherboard. Check the manual of your motherboard for details.

Last edited by Foucault (2013-07-03 16:19:41)

Arch Linux

#1 2013-06-30 21:53:00

Computer freezes before BIOS after arch linux install

#2 2013-06-30 22:10:12

Re: Computer freezes before BIOS after arch linux install

#3 2013-06-30 23:17:24

Re: Computer freezes before BIOS after arch linux install

#4 2013-07-01 07:56:46

Re: Computer freezes before BIOS after arch linux install

#5 2013-07-03 16:07:26

Re: Computer freezes before BIOS after arch linux install

#6 2013-07-03 16:19:32

Re: Computer freezes before BIOS after arch linux install

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