First, System Spec Compaq 7478 533 k6-2 AMD 192MB pc133 Crucial RAM 30GB Maxtor Diamond max Netgear fa311 (removed) Onboard video chipset Onboard sound HORRIDLY restrictive BIOS Problem: IRQL_LESS_THAN_OR_EQUAL stp error on install during copy of files to hdd. Thsi is a clean format, NOTHING on system at all so not a previous software issue. This memory has been checked. all ok. The CD i am using is a backup copy but has been used to install on 5+ machines (all with valid keys :) ) The machien was running XP before and i can't remember what i did to correct this last time. i removed the nic so tha tis not the issue, i changed the irq's for all onboard hardware (about the only option the bios relly gives) thsi machien is a priority and i am tearing my hair out. PLEAS HELP!!!!!

You may want to update your bios first. I don't why I'm saying this, but this might be an option.

Is this plug and play enabled or disabled? Why not let the OpSys assign the irq's automatically?

This error indicates you have incompatible hardware and WinXP is refusing to install. I see you have allready removed non essential hardware which may mean a component on you MOBO does not like WinXP. See http://sft-cyber.com/stoperrors.htm for more info.