Can’t Install XP Home

[dre1x]

First of all, the hardware details: HP Vectra PIII, 512MB, 13G Maxtor HDD (0), 16G IBM HDD (1), FDD, HP cd-writer, HP dvd-writer. I installed XP on this machine several months ago and it seems to have been working fine until recently, and then started exhibiting problems. I attempted System Restore several times to a previous date, however it would not complete the procedure. I got to the point of deciding to reinstall the OS. Herein lies the problem, the install will not complete. The farthest I’ve gotten is 23 min to go, but it usually quits (randomly freezes up) much sooner than that. I’ve used the same CD as the original installation. Here’s what I’ve tried: disconnected all unnecessary hardware (16G HDD, FDD, dvd-writer, PCI Ethernet card, PCI modem card, PCI video card, speakers, printer), used half the RAM (switched slots), and replaced primary IDE cable, tried the other HDD, ran Memtest86 (no errors). I decided to try and load the system using my HP Pavilion. The installation completed, however I did not attempt to start while in the Pavilion. I re-installed HDD in the Vectra and nothing (I assume the installation is machine specific so you can’t clone hard drives). So, I attempted installation on the Vectra again. I formatted the hard drive and again the installation stopped (froze up) prematurely. The format procedure (full NTFS) occurs normally, file copy is completed, and machine reboots and then at install randomly quits. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

[s7p9a2m4]

Is the machine clean? Are all the fans working? Try running with the side off for more cooling. Could it be a failing Psu? You said the machine developed problems earlier. Could be a failing motherboard, sound, video card. Have you looked for an updated bios? Its all guess work at this end. You have to keep going with trial and error. Get back to us.

[dre1x]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, machine is clean, fans are working. All hardware is the same as when XP was installed the first time about 9 months ago. Original HDD, FDD, CD-ROM, memory (removed original PCI ethernet card). I've tried this install several times since last post with the same results. This is the plan at this point: 1) I found a mobo and processor on ebay identical to mine (about $60) which I'm going to buy. 2) Install Win95 or Win98 just to get machine running again and try to install XP from it's autoplay mode. (Will XP overwrite previous Win versions?)

[s7p9a2m4]

No. Xp will not overwrite previous installs. It will just install itself inside another OS if there is room(bin there don that and it sucks). You would have to choose "upgrade" install to attain something similiar to overwrite.

[mikt]

i had a similar problem wiith my comp

what i did was to run a lowlevel format on my HDD Maxtor. i had only one HDD drive that time. there is a utility called maxllf.exe for lowlevel format on maxtor...

also check the bios settings.... in some cases disabling cache memory helps avoiding some errors in the install proces... but it will take very long to complete... however if it installs ... then the cache memory located on the mainboard might be damaged and this leads to replacing the MB... if it's failing to install then there can be both external and internal cache memory... cpu's have a built in cache mem.

cache memory usualy fries because of a cooling failure... even if coolers are running properly, dust and so keep components hot.

[mikt]

btw ... try installing win 98... see if the problem is the same. also as a remark win95 can't handle RAM if it excedes 128 Mb ...err or 256... cant't remember , but 512 will surely not.

[dre1x]

Thanks for the input. I'll keep trying and report back (dre1x)

[dre1x]

Well, thanks for suggestions, I solved the problem. The motherboard went bad...overheated (?) and failed at least two capacitors. Replaced the motherboard and install performed flawlessly. Maybe this will help others. Dave (dre1x)