[Pro] unable to install windows xp on new computer

[optimusprime47]

I did run both tests and both passed, I will try to do a bios upgrade and see if that works.

[optimusprime47]

I believe i've figured out what is wrong with the installation issues. It seems as though the harddrive I got is bad. i tried formating via win98 boot disk and it kept giving me a Insufficient memory error when it was at 7 percent completed. I then tried fdisk /mbr and after that still nothing when I hit both format C: and format C: /u

this is the only conclusion I can come to. also when I run the digital tools hard drive scan it always crashes less than half way.

[Train]

Well if the hdd diagnostic tool is crashing, then I also would say the hdd is bad. Return it!

[SuperSparks]

You could try changing the data cable first, especially if it's an IDE drive - faulty cables aren't that uncommon.

[optimusprime47]

yeah I tried three different IDE cables, same results with each of them. I think i'm just going to return it and get another one.

[ttodd]

also check the disc for scratches or dirt , clean and polish the underside of installation disc.

[optimusprime47]

well I returned the HDD and got another. still the same problems. keeps stopping during xp install when it's copying/verifying ntldr

[Train]

Go into the BIOS and make sure the PCI Bus master is enabled, both ide channels are enabled. Double check your manual for these. So mobo have one of them or 3 of them and others none.

Take a real close look at the cd, if fact clean it with 90+% alcohol. And after itis dry try it again.


Had a bad ide controller cause that problem a few years ago. It took a new mobo to fix the problem.

[ProfessorU]

Power supply or power management conflicts?
It could be a problem with windows and the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL).

I can't remember the F key that allows you to change it, but I think you want to select:
Standard PC (non-ACPI)
to eliminate ACPI compliance issues.

[Ridgerunr]

What ProfessorU is referring to I believe,is when setup says to press F-6 if you need to install third party software for drive controller or such,you press F-5 instead and it will give you a scroll list to choose 'ACPI compliant' PC...

Scroll down to the 'box' here ...

[ProfessorU]

Dude, mad props. Thank you. Excellent link.
Good point made on the page, if you want to use ACPI you should experiment with the ACPI configs first, but if you have to you can install without it and just resign to shutting the PC down yourself if you have to.