User Feedback :: DSL 2.1b and the i865 chipset

FYI,

There is a boot message that appears on your monitor before the SATA modules are loaded and probed.

Did you see something like "Checking SATA..." or similar before your VIA computer locked up?

Yes, I saw the message (on another computer than the first that wouldn't boot). There was another line just after that message but I can't remember what was displayed. I will pay more attention next time and report with more details, if you wish.

Usually, the loading will finish with the line "Done"

If not and it freezes, the last module name loaded should appear instead.

original here.