While attempting to install Windows XP (I've done it sucsessfully many many many times before) I got an error while copying files saying that "Marlett.ttf" could not be read. First thing that came ot my mind was that the CD might be dirty. So I took it out, and looked at the back. Not One visible scratch (I like to take good care of my XP CD). Thinking the CD might be warped or something for some reason, I tried using a WinXP CD from one of my other computers, also in mint condition. And it had the same problem - could not copy file "marlett.ttf" I know that .ttf's are font files, but according to many websites the "marlett.ttf" file is more importaint than that, so I didn't want to skip the file and continue the installation. After trying a few different things, I finally got it to work by putting a different hard drive in my computer and installing it on that one, and taking my "old" hard drive and plugging it in as a secondary (slave) drive. This boggled my mind. I used the same XP CD, and the only thing I changed was the hard drive, and somehow copying the file "Marlett.ttf" became possible with a new hard drive... Although I did overcome the problem, I was at a friends house recently and he was re-formatting and upon trying to install windows XP, he had the same exact problem. He asked me if I had any suggestions, and the only one I had was to get a new hard drive, and he can't afford that. Has anybody else heard of this problem, and how to fix it?

I have not heard of this problem but you did not say whether or not you tried reformatting your HD after the error and then a fresh install.

Obviously, there is something remaining on your hard drive from the previous install. I would wipe out all partitions, and do the FDISK \MBR thing and setup all new partitions. Then reformat. Then reinstall. This way you know there is nothing on the drive except what you are putting there. You didn't say whther you are using FAT 32 or NTFS files; it could make a difference. Good luck. Bob

I use NTSF. And before installing I always format. Since this problem occurs before actually installing windows, I usually format multiple times. I never set up partitions though, usually winxp takes care of that automatically.