[Pro] unable to install windows xp on new computer

**optimusprime47** · April 21st, 2006, 12:40 AM

I just got a retail version of windows XP Pro and i'm unable to install it. first off for some reason the disk won't boot directly on computer start up. I have to run the install via dos. it begins to copy and verify files for setup but then it stops. the computer doesn't hang it just stops right around the pary where it's copyng/verifying the ntldr part.

here are my computer specs.

amd athlon 3300
ddr400 512mb
WD 250gb HD
ATI 9800xt
lanparty UT mobo
52x cd rom

any suggestions? i'm thinking I may need to reformat the harddrive as it seems the data lifeguard disk that came with the HD didn't format/partition it correctly.

**Ridgerunr** · April 21st, 2006, 01:45 AM

Western Digital's tools are usually pretty good. It could be the MBR got screwed somehow. You can do a 'fixmbr' from a command prompt,but I would suggest you use WD's wipe tool and zero the drive. Then use the partition/format tool once again and start anew. Just be sure to choose the C drive as your boot drive and not another. May seem a nobrainer,but i've seen it happen before...

**ProfessorU** · April 21st, 2006, 01:50 AM

Also check your RAM. I had a similar problem with a bad module last month. Let it do the full POST on startup.

**optimusprime47** · April 21st, 2006, 02:32 AM

I was able to zero out the HD and then tried using the disk again to reformat/partion the harddrive again. It didn't work. the windows install said it was missing a swap file. when I use the disk to create a windows xp partition it does it awefully fast.

**Shinma** · April 21st, 2006, 03:10 AM

Originally Posted by optimusprime47

... WD 250gb HD ...

Double check jumper settings.

**optimusprime47** · April 21st, 2006, 03:15 AM

Jumper settings should be fine, it's set to master.

**Shinma** · April 21st, 2006, 03:17 AM

Which one?
Western has two settings for Master,
And one for Cable Select.

**optimusprime47** · April 21st, 2006, 03:22 AM

I had it on cable select, I just removed the jumper completely to set it to single. and it didn't work.

**Train** · April 21st, 2006, 10:44 AM

Run the Western Digital diagnotic tool on the drive. See what it says.

**SuperSparks** · April 21st, 2006, 11:57 AM

I'm with the professor, my money is on bad RAM here. You can test the RAM without needing to boot into Windows. Either or both of these can be run from a floppy:

Memtest86

Windows Memory Diagnostic

**optimusprime47** · April 21st, 2006, 02:09 PM

would bad ram really give me an NTLDR is missing error? in the bios it looks fine and i've reseated it a few times. I'll check it though when I get home from work today

**Shinma** · April 21st, 2006, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by optimusprime47

would bad ram really give me an NTLDR is missing error?...

Yes.
If memory and/or memory expansion slot is defective/damaged/incomplete contact(s),
Data transfer to HDD would be corrupted.

**optimusprime47** · April 22nd, 2006, 12:37 AM

I ran memtest in dos and the ram was fine and passed.

**Train** · April 22nd, 2006, 01:09 AM

Now did you use both test? I have seen one come up with errors that for some reason the other missed.
Now if you have used both and the ram passed, then the hdd diagnostic test would be my next step.

**anne** · April 22nd, 2006, 01:19 AM

I had a similar problam on a new motherboard a while back.
Eventually i did a bios upgrade and "bingo" the installation went like a dream.

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