little_drive

Hello,

First I want to say, if this problem is not related to the motherboard then sorry, for posting in the wrong forum.

My problem is that when I start my computer from a "cold" start, I get a black screen with the text like "Select proper boot device". However this is not always like this, sometimes it doesn't show me that message from a cold start and the computer will start properly.

1. After resetting my computer it doesn't show the message. (Harddisk connected and with harddisk deconnected)

2. I got an external harddisk of 160 GB, if I deconnect it from the computer, it still shows me the message sometimes.

3. If I change the BIOS settings, it still says the same thing from a "cold" start. (First check CD, than check Harddisk) This is still the same if I deconnect my external harddisk with these settings.

4. If I change the BIOS settings to check only harddisk. It still will show me the message.

5. If I push a button with that message, the message will be displayed on a new line like: (This is not the full sentense)

Select proper device...

Select proper device...

6. I tried to fix the MBR, but that message is still here.

7. I tried to reinstall Windows 2000, the message is still there.

My questions:

Is this a hardware problem or software problem?

How do I solve this problem? (please explain detailed)

Thanks for your time, help and response.

Greetx Little