Hi Guys
Lets go down the list:
Dell can not give me anymore support, they don't know what the problems are.
I made a mistake on the video card, it is a dedicated ( mother board disabled ) 256mb ATI Radeon x3100 pro
AMD support told me to down load Athalon 64x2 Windows Optimizer that didn't work. It is a program that gamers use that lets them use programs that are a little older or have lockups on new programs. Support thought the Mach 3 program might fall in this category. AMD says I have the newest drivers, we did a test of the drivers. We also disabled the cool and quiet mode.
There is a program AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual Core Processor Driver for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 Version (x86 and x64 exe) 1.3.2.16 - Allows the system to automatically adjust the CPU speed, voltage and power combination that match the instantaneous user performance need. Download this Setup Installation program (EXE) to automatically update all the files necessary for installation. This package is recommended for users whom desire a graphical user interface for installation. This .EXE driver is a user friendly localized software installation of the driver designed for end-users. This driver supports AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual Core processors on Windows XP SP2, Windows 2003 SP1 x84 and x64 Editions.
I do not know if the above upgrade will help but at the end of the rope I might try it.
I do have a PCI parallel board that is new since I went that direction on the original CPU. I will try it and disable the motherboard parallel port.
I have disabled everything in the start menu except the basics.
I am going out and get a new parallel cable, I am a boat mechanic and setup electronics, since I have seen cables with to high of resistance cause problems in Marine Electronics which are as tempermental.
If all else fails I am going to atempt to swap hard drives, since I know the HP with the Pentium 4 works the machine, the Dell hard drive into the HP and visa versa. I can't just reload the data and programs from one to the other since my main problem is AutoCad 2000, 2004 and 2007 can't be copied since they just appearded miraculously on my desk top one day, get the drift. I have Ghosted both hard drives in case of a disaster.
I just shot an Email to Dell, cc: to every suport person that has worked on this problem, suggesting a simple fix, exchange the system with a Pentium system and I will pay the upgrade and even a restocking fee.
If they agree I would like to pick everbodies brain on which Pentium processor will work, no dual core, how much memory and what video board.
If all else fails I am going to File 13 the cpu and have one built.
RMD