Why won't XP install?

[Calpitor]

I built this system out of canabalized parts more than a year ago for a customer:

Tyan mobo running the most current BIOS flash and chipset update.
AMD Duron 900 Mhz processor
GeForce II 64MB PCI Card
448 MB RAM Crucial PC133
Sound Blaster Live! sound card
3Com 10/100 Secure NIC
WD HDD 40 GB Primary
Maxtor HDD 20 GB Slave
Original OS: WinXP

Some time ago he elected to erase the Primary drive and install Windows 98. Having compared the two he now would like to go back to XP. Worried about losing data he has brought the system in for the upgrade with all the CDs for the software he wants installedm including the original XP CD.

After backing up the data, the first thing I tried was to run XP's compatibility check and uninstalled all problematic devices and programs; rebooting when necessary. Then I proceeded with the Upgrade. Windows copied the necessary files prior to rebooting without a hitch, on reboot the install went as far as the Windows Splash Screen (the Windows XP screen with the scrolling bar below the logo) five seconds later the display disappeared and the install halts. No errors just doesn't proceed beyond this point. I tried all the different video configurations the BIOS has to offer some shortened the length of time before the screen fades to black but the longest it will go is 10 seconds (if that long).

Next I removed everything but the Vid Card, Processor and memory still the install is halted. I tried a clean install same results.

I installed Windows 98 no problem. Windows reports no problems with any of the components currently installed. I ran Docmemory and memory checks out fine. I swapped the video card and processor into a known good system and the good system boots fine. Strangely enough swapping in the known good components a GeForce III and Duron 800 and 384MB RAM (also Crucial PC133) into this problem system I was able to complete the install but ofcourse Windows XP wouldn't allow me to swap the original parts back in once the hard drive was imaged.

Any thoughts?

[wonderinguy34]

XP has problems with Geforce cards during install,most people borrow a vid card for the install and then put their Geforce cards back in. If your having probs getting the GF2 to install once XP has been installed ,then I'm not sure .

[Calpitor]

I haven't tried this yet but I may have found the answer. Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 310064 Your Computer Hangs or Stops Responding and a Black Screen Is Displayed During the Upgrade Procedure.

XP has problems with Geforce cards during install? Strange with all the systems I have built with an Nvidia Card installed since XP has come out if this was true you would think I would have experienced this kind of behaviour before.

[104456]

I have had a similar problem with a new install and the screen just blacking out changing the graphics card for the install worked for me.It may be its actually showing an option screen requiring input but because the screen is black you cant input a command.

Another option is to change out the memory.I know it worked before on XP but it can get picky during install if its faulty although the chip may run perfectly under any other OS.

[Train]

Did you disable the AV in BIOS? Seen that stop the install many a time with the older mobos. Come to think of it, a couple of them were not that old.

[Calpitor]

Well guys thanks for the respones.

The Knowledge base article was off base.

Train: yes the BIOS AV is and was disabled still a nogo I'm affraid.

104456: Tried swapping the RAM (Crucial PC133 just like the original) nogo. Swapped in a GF 3 Vid Card nogo. Swapped both the RAM and Vid Card and it works?! The original configuration installed and ran fine with XP. This just defies logic. Ready to give up I'm now turning to my sales skills in vain to try and explain to this poor guy why it will cost him $250 in parts in order to get XP back on the system.

[Calpitor]

Believe it or not I found the resolution! Installed XP using a different monitor with the original configuration. Installation went through without a hitch. Who'd a thunk it

Just for kicks I tried installing XP on two other systems with the 2 Viewsonic monitors I had laying about in the shop and sure enough the XP install halted at the same spot.