firewire problems with win2k

Everything worked fine under win98se but I built a new machine which runs win2k. The mobo is the infamous Tyan s2460, which has been a total pain in the ass to setup. Anyway if you're reading this you already know about the freezing problems people are getting. yes, I resolved all the IRQ issues. yes, I downloaded SP3. I've had my 1394 controller working with no problem. I even got my DVcam installed without win2k freezing. However, the maxtor 3000dv HD still causes freezing when I try to boot with it. If only win98se supported NTFS and MP. Anyway, if anyone knows how to solve this problem I'd greatly appreciate the help.

Well, I answered my own question and this post is for anyone else who may get these problems. Apparently it is mostly the fault of the Tyan s2460 mobo, specifically the lack of good documentation for some of the more obscure bios functions. 1- there are 2 settings in advanced for SMP support (1.1 & 1.4) use 1.1 (this is what my final problem was) 2- enable mp to save PCI entries (or something like that you'll know when you see it) this will eliminate any IRQ sharing/conflicts 3- download windows 2k sp3 Thats really it! the rest of the things that you should know are already posted elsewhere oh, and did I tell you that in win2k a DVcam is listed in device manager under imaging devices instead of in sound & game controllers like in win98se. Also for advice try

Think the chipset they used in your 3000DV maxtor (LSI or something). Since is a FW drive can you just boot then plug-in after ward? Or replace the Maxtor FW case with something else. How about USB2.0 and FireWire Combo enclosure?

Thanks for the great link FWman. I never heard of them and didn't even know such enclosures existed. If I knew when I bought the maxtor, I would've bought this enclosure instead. Since I got this rig sorted I haven't had any problems and I suppose that I can just plug in the drive but with an HD I think I'd have to reboot anyway. Something about the way windows OS's deal with FW. In fact maxtor & MS recommend that you 1st power up the drive & boot and to disconnect you should hit eject icon in the system tray. the eject part I can tell you is bullshit because I don't always boot with the FWHD on and win2k doesn't even stutter but win98se needed 2 hardware profiles to work right. Curiously under both OS's the DVcam should be plugged in with the system running. I think these differences result from windows seeing the FWHD as an HD in device manager, while the DVcam is seen in game controllers (98se) or imaging devices (2k) and the 1394 controller is seen separately as well. lastly, yes, maxtor did have a problem with their 5400 rpm HD's and they did replace mine no questions asked with the 7200 rpm 3000DV to boot and no complaints so far.