Sorry about the length of this message but always ask for further info.

I just bought a new P4 with Windows XP Home OEM and started to install software from my old PC.
The Mitsumishi DVD+R combo drive seemed to have problems installing some large programs from some CDs. The progress bar would stop and I eventually used Crl/Alt/Del. Then usually I could run the installation again and it would work. I put this down to bad CDs, running anti-virus software in the background, whatever.

I then started to get the odd crash and illegal operation type messages. I used System Restore from the day before, which only seemed to make things worse and I was having problems with Windows taskbar. Windows shutdown by itself, I used Safe Mode, OK, but same thing happened again when I started in Normal mode and used last good known configuration,etc.

I finally decided to use the Windows XP CD and do a clean install.

I tried option 1 & then 2 (quick format) and both times I received error messages after the progress bar got to about 95%. I was able to press Enter to retry, and it would continue, then another file, another error message, and so on until I reached 100%.

“The file Setup placed on your hard drive is not a valid Windows XP system image. If you are installing from a CD, there may be a problem with the Windows XP CD. Contact your Windows XP Supplier.”

The Windows Installation screen appeared saying it would take about 36 min to complete. It then said that there was a problem and had shut down the system to avoid damage. Now, booting up without the Windows XP CD in the drive I get a system error warning on a blue screen and need to turn off the power.

Reading messages in this forum there appears that there are problems installing Windows XP with various hardware, i.e. I have a Seagate HD 120GB Serial ATA and a Creative Audigy 2 soundcard, and video cards also seem to cause problems for other users.

I rang my supplier who said that it is probably a hardware fault and to just bring it in. Hopefully he will fix it, however, I am concerned that I’ll need to reinstall Windows XP Home again and be faced with the same problems.

My questions are:

Does it sound like a hardware problem, perhaps the DVD drive not reading the Windows XP Home CD?

What should I have done first rather than trying to reinstall Windows XP?

I would also like to give a warning to other users.
Do NOT install software in the middle of the night when drinking vodka. Like me, you may wake up in the morning with a headache and a stuffed PC.

Thanks

Jim

I've found plenty of XP cd's that actually fit the description:

"If you are installing from a CD, there may be a problem with the Windows XP CD. Contact your Windows XP Supplier.”

There are alot of defective XP cd's.
-DF

DF might be very correct. You may have a bad CD.
Some companies provide different ways to restore your computer. Your supplier is usually the best source for information. Some makers put a hidden partition with the original data on and a special boot disk to access it. Some makers have a restore disk(s) with the exact way your computer came from them. These things aren't known usually by people until they need help. You might be better off finding out how to put all the applications back on.

darkfriend

It would be great if it was the CD as that would mean that I’d probably get a new CD.

I hate new PCs, I’ve had in order:
 XT from a very large company that went bust just before when my PC HD died.
 486 IBM from a large retail store that worked OK but was expensive and hard to upgrade.
 P1 from a guy working from home recommended by a workmate (who were both dopes).
 P3 Gateway that I think was the best, however, they no longer sell in Australia.
 Now, P4 custom PC from a warehouse/franchise, who I hope will be OK.

I became worried when I went to the store yesterday and it was closed with a sign “Due to unforseen circumstances this store will be closed on 8/2/2004 but will reopen on 9/2/2004.” I rang this morning, no answer so I rang another store, no answer, so I rang a store in another state, no answer… Turns out that the guy with the keys was sick yesterday and they start late on Mondays. Thank God!

jethro

My last PC was a Gateway and they had restore PC that I never used. They also had a Windows 98 CD that I used a few times without problems… which is why I charged ahead to use the Windows XP CD this time.

My new PC was built and came with just the CDs for the hardware and Windows XP Home. You are able to get the PC without Windows XP Home and install it yourself.

It is hard to determine the exact skill level that people have. I just wanted to point out that you may have other options.

I have seen the same problem with proven hardware and a CD that we have installed from many times before and after. The two things that we have found to correct this are Replace the Motherboard, and or the Power Supply. I have one on the bench now that is doing the exact same thing and I will bet money that if I replace the motherboard in this machine the problem will go away.

Jefro

Your assumption of my low skill level, at least with XP, was correct as this was the first time I used it. At work I’ll do anything to a PC cuz a tech will fix it if I stuff up but at home I panic.

Xpdite, it was hardware.

My supplier said that the problem was having 2 X RAM 512MB 184PIN PC3200 DDR,400MHZ and that they have replaced it. Something about being incompatible. When I pick up the PC I’ll ask for more info and post. If anyone knows what he is talking about let me know.
I did notice that the CD for the ASUS Motherboard was in the drive when it arrived so perhaps the installer had problems and worked around them but he is on annual leave.

Now they said that the two memory sticks weren't identical... according to the invoice they should have been but it seems to work ok.