I read some helpful posts in this forum about Error codes showing up during an XP install, where in the initial stages of setup (blue screen white text) the install stops with errors about files being corrupted and saying The error code is 7, etc. The links such as this were helpful: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=... and another stating that the BIOS needed to be reset to defaults (clear CMOS) or there was faulty RAM. In my case, it was my Memorex Dual Layer DVD Burner. I was running the XP CD from that drive, and as soon as I switched to an old DVD-ROM it ran perfectly. Just had to post this as no one mentioned an incompatible ROM drive specifically. (most of the time you're looking at the PCI cards, right?) HTH

In the early ages of XP there were some issues detailing this problem. When the CD drives became faster and faster they would sometimes cause the installation to fail because the drives were over reading the installation disc. There was many a time that I had to substitute older CD drives in place of the newer drives to install XP successfully! This still happens from time to time. Especially with the use of combo drives as the drive is designed to track at the DVD speed and not the CD speed. Manufacturers have come a long way in solving this issue. Change Is Good http://www.citizenlink.org/Stopligh...