Error during a xp install

[jst0ney]

My roommate woke up the other day and his computer was all fscked up. I suspect his mbr got messed up somehow. I put the drive in my machine and saved all the data he wanted, after running numerous tests and virus scans of course. The drive seemed fine so I formated it with a fresh NTFS partition.

Back goes the drive in his machine and in goes the (fully liscensed) XP disc. I just get started when I get the following error:

ntkrnlmp.exe could not be loaded
Error Code 7

A search of the microsoft knowledge base gave me this. I followed the instructions as best I could because I am starting from a clean drive. The f7 trick does not work (confimed with 2 keyboards).

I'm stuck. Is there a way to install XP on the drive while its mounted in my case? I feel that it would mess up my MBR among other things.

Has anyone else had this problem? Could this be a BIOS problem that is as simple as flashing his BIOS?
Suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[OdiN]

It could be a damaged CD. If he doesn't have RAID...you can try this method.

1. Remove cables from all the hard drives in your computer.
2. Install his drive in your computer.
3. Install XP from the CD. Only let the initial part finish. Let it partition/format the drive if needed, copy files, etc. When it goes to reboot, turn off the system.
4. Remove the drive from your computer and put it in his.
5. Try to boot up and let the install finish. It should do hardware detection after the initial install.

Also, try replacing his CD-ROM device...maybe it's having trouble.

 

[jst0ney]

Thanks I'll let you know how it goes

 

[Ryoga]

Check the manufacturer of the drive, go to their website, and download the relevant diagnostic tools. You need to be certain that the drive is not actually damaged before you try to install something on it. Those tools will also be able to zero fill the first sectors of the drive, this forcing a new partition to be created (and hopefully exorcising whatever demons it has).

 

[jst0ney]

Originally posted by: Ryoga
Check the manufacturer of the drive, go to their website, and download the relevant diagnostic tools. You need to be certain that the drive is not actually damaged before you try to install something on it. Those tools will also be able to zero fill the first sectors of the drive, this forcing a new partition to be created (and hopefully exorcising whatever demons it has).

Thanks I think I got everything figured out. I installed windows in my machine with his HD mounted. I know that this is a sloppy way to do it but if he has a problem he can RTFM and do it himself. All the diagnostic test come out ok. I don't know what the problem was but hopefully its fixed now.