Stuck in a loophole; Cannot boot computer

[GuitarHero]

Ok, so basically I reinstalled Vista x64 Ultimate to solve a couple of problems... Random crashing and blue screens, No keyboard when booting up, and I was on x86 so I wanted to beable to recognize all 4GB of ram.

I had everything working fine after installing (Took out 3 sticks of the ram to have to continue install). when everything was installed I restarted and it told me that my CPU or RAM config had changed and to reset my BIOS, so I reset my BIOS to defaults and changed the boot order back to normal (CD, HDD, Removable). however when I continued to boot it came up with the message "Floppy disk(s) fail (40)", I didn't worry about it at first so I pressed F1 to continue (I know how to fix it now, but you'll see why I can't). I restarted my computer a couple of time after installing some programs and when I was about to pack it in for the night my computer froze, I knew what was going to happen (bluescreen), so I just powered off. When I went to restart the message popped up again about my floppy disk but... my keyboard doesn't work. (This had happened before when I was running x86 but it started working again when I reinstalled until now.)

So basically I'm stuck in a loophole where this message pops up but I can't press F1 to continue or DEL to get into the BIOS to fix the problem (which i know how to do). At first I thought the problem was that I had my keyboard and mouse plugged into a Hub, however plugging into any USB port, the same thing happens. I have not tried a PS/2 keyboard because they are extinct and i donot have one to test, I have seen other thread about this problem about no keyboard at boot and for all of the the PS/2 keyboards don't work either.

I'm going to head into MemoryExpress here soon, but I was hoping you guys could give me some suggestions. My computer config is in my sig. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Stormcrow]

I had no problems setting up Vista x64 on the board, but then again I'm running a newer BIOS release. What version BIOS are you using?
On my 590 SLI (close kin the 680i) with the default BIOS, I have to use a USB-PS/2 adapter until I can set the USB Keyboard/Mouse option to enable. Sometimes it works, but then it stops working like in your case until I enable the option. I know with factory defaults the BIOS usually has USB Keyboard support disabled so you may try looking for a PS/2 keyboard or a cheapo adapter to see.

[GuitarHero]

I took my computer into MemoryExpress and they plugged in a PS/2 keyboard and re-enabled USB support and disabled the floppy drive. However i donot know what he changed in my BIOS but now my computer bluescreens with 4GB of RAM in it. It boots fine with 2GB in (2 sticks), but doesnt with 3 or 4 sticks in.

And for some reason my computer still randomly crashes, I cannot find a connection between all these bluescreens that i get becasue they happen for different reasons each time. And everytime my computer bluescreens it disables my USBs and my keyboard doesnt work at boot again.

I would really like to solve these problems becasue they are extremely annoying. any help is greatly appriciated!

[polobunny]

I would scan your memory with memtest86+.
You need to download and burn memtest86+ on a blank CD-rom then boot from it. All instructions are included, anyway.
Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

[Reloadron]

Also, per Stormcrow I would be sure to have the latest and greatest BIOS release. That in addition to polobunny's suggestion of testing the memory. I would test the memory a few sticks at a time.

The BIOS becomes a key player in the memory issues.

Ron

[screwballl]

in the bios is a settings for "1.44" floppy drive" which should be set to disabled... then another setting "stop on:" which may say all, or keyboard only, I usually set this one to None. Then in the bios is the USB keyboard or sometimes just legacy USB or something having to do with USB, just enable them all. Once this is done it should take care of it all.
As for the memory there is a memory extension or similar setting which should be enabled to take advantage of the full 4GB

[GuitarHero]

Thanks for the replys

I fixed the ram problem by installing the KB929777 update, so now my 4GB works perfectly.

I do want to update my BIOS, but to be honest, I'm scared to do so. I've heard my horror story's about bricked motherboards. How do I find out what version it is? I looked around in the bios and I couldn't find it. I see that the latest update is the P32 from eVGA's website, It has a lot of fixes that I want but I don't know if I want to take the risk.

Thanks again

[Yellowhello]

Download CPU-Z and look in the "motherboard" tab.

[GuitarHero]

Phoenix Technologies, LTD
6.00 PG
04/01/2007

Do you guys think that it would be worth the risk to update the BIOS?
My motherboard is still under warranty and I'm pretty sure updating would not void it.

[Yellowhello]

I say go for it. As long as the power doesn't go out or you turn the PC off during BIOS flashing, there usually won't be an issue. Just follow the instructions. Why and How to Flash Your BIOS