cant install windows...

[lockmac]

Hi. I just need some help on the following problem

My dads mate has asked me to fix his computer. Its quite old (Athlon 1200Mhz) but has XP on it. When it boots, it loads the XP screen, flashes the BSOD for a split second (not long enough to read) and then restarts. I have connected that HDD to my computer but i cant image it (it just freezes) and i cant copy stuff off it, so i was thinking maybe the HDD was dodgy.

I have put two new HDD's into it, but when I try to install XP from booting the CD, just after formatting the drive, it will get around 6 percent into the install and say that a file is missing.

I have used 3 different copies of this install (and it works for me on other computers).

Can anyone think what the problem might be?

Perhaps the HDD's i have been using are stuffed... or the CD-ROM's?

Thanks

 

[cubby1223]

Originally posted by: lockmac
it will get around 6 percent into the install and say that a file is missing.

Almost always a sign of bad memory. Put this software onto a cd and run it:
http://www.memtest.org/

Next most common cause is a bad cdrom. But by far it's memory that's at fault.

BTW, to see the BSOD, hit F8 just before Windows loads, and select "Disable automatic restart on failure." But whatever, I can just about guarantee the problem is bad memory.

 

[lockmac]

Thanks so much mate. Ran MemTest and one of the memory modules was royally rooted! Chucked some new stuff in and we are all good now. Your a lifesaver.

I got another one for ya though....

Just built two new systems (identical, AMD x2, 4 gig ram). Anyways, one has been working perfectly for the last month (we will call it computer A) and the other has just been sitting in the cupboard (it wasnt time to install it yet, we will call it computer B)

Anyway, i went to install it today (B) and it would not POST (has onboard graphics and nothing would come up, and it would not make the beep sound). Anyways I took the memory out of it and put in another piece of memory (was a new one that i had lying around) and it worked. I took the memory out of computer A, which works and put it into computer B and it would not work, but it would work if i put it back into computer A.

Basically, the memory taken out of computer B wont work in any computer
The memory taken out of computer A will work in computer A but not computer B

Is this a sign of a bad motheboard and memory or what do you think?

They are brand new systems so i think its weird.

Thanks