hi. im trying to install win xp pro on this machine. the set up begins and does what it needs to to then it reboots, unfortunately i am getting the error 'cannot load keyboard layout file KBDUS.dll setup cannot continue shut down or restart yr computer.' i shut down and restart windows begins to load 'normally' then i get a screen asking me if i want win xp set up or win98. if i chose the set up, it begins to load things then says its starting windows, then i am back at the keyboard error screen. i'm stuck so if anyone could help i would be very greatful....the 'technical' stuff is a bit above me i'm afraid. thanx again

Here's your solution. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;246187

Nick, correct me if I am wrong, but it seems as if you are attempting an upgrade from 98 to XP, correct? Having problems upgrading XP from an older system is very common. The best thing is what is called Clean install, meaning that you wipe your harddrive of everything, set a new partition, format, and install XP. Unfortunately, that also means that you lose all your data and programs on the drive. Did you back up all your data off-computer before you started this? Do you have all the installation disks for all the programs that you want on your computer? If you have only a restore disk that came with your computer originally, that can't be used. Post back.

thanx for the link Dave02, unfortunately it was no help....its microsoft innit ;0) hehe, it says.... If you are upgrading, reboot the computer and select the option to start the operating system that is being upgraded (Setup has not yet made any major changes to the operating system being upgraded, so it is still bootable). Give the following groups Full Control permission on the root of the volume on which the $Win_nt$.~bt folder is located: Everyone Administrators (local administrators group) System i'm either missing something blatently obvious or im not being given that option.... it then says If you are performing a new installation, (WHICH I WAS HOPING TO DO VIA THE 'INSTRUCTIONS' OF A FRIEND) take the drive to another computer and set the appropriate permissions (Recovery Console cannot set ACLs on the volume). Because this takes place on a different computer, Microsoft recommends giving the Everyone group Full Control permissions on the root folder. i just dont understand what that means at all. ranchhand, yes kind of, but i was going for the new installation option,i have everything backed up that i need to be backed up so no problem formatting and losing what ive left on the machine sorry for being such a bozo but i think im all 'putered out now........HELP!! as always, thanx computing.net you guys are the biz! :0)