[FIXED FOR NOW] Computer Won't Install Windows

[spc hink]

Troubleshooting starter

1. Overview of the problem
   
   Desktop will post but I am unable to install Windows.
   
   
2. Full description of the problem and symptoms
   
   The PC will post. I then boot from the DVD-ROM drive into the Windows installation. I am able to go thought the procedures until the installation copies the files. It then freezes at a random file and I need to reboot. I have been able to finish copying the files once, but when the windows installation program came up; it said that it was unable to find a file.
   
   
3. Did it work normally at one time, or has the problem always existed?
   
   I had a cheap Celeron plugged in and I experienced similar problems. I was able to install windows, but it was unstable giving me a BSOD every couple of hours.
   
4. Is the problem consistent and repeatable, or entirely random, or semi-random?
   
   It is a repeatable error. The installation usually freezes on a different file.
   
   
5. I already tried these steps:
   
   When I run Memtest, it goes for a bit then stops testing. It still blinks but it is unresponsive. I have tried multiple sticks of ram in multiple slots. I have also set the voltage to the correct level.
   
   I have tried two different DVD drives one IDE and one SATA.
   
   I have used two different PSU?s.
   
   I have also tried multiple video cards.
   
   I have used multiple hard drives, only SATA though.
   
   I also cleared the CMOS but have not done so before so I am not 100% sure that it was done correctly.
   
   
   
6. My software:
   • Windows XP Professional Edition with SP2
7. My hardware
   • Asus P5N-E SLI
   • Intel E8400
   • EVGA 8800gt
   • OCZ Platinum Edition 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000
   • Antec Smart Power 500 Modular
   
   
   

[/quote]

 

[daveybrat]

1) Make sure your bios is up to date.

2) Try installing windows with just 1 stick of ram.

3) Try memtest with 1 stick of ram only.

4) Try turning off all usb ports, lan, and sound in the bios and try to install XP. Turn them back on if it loads successfully.


These are all of the options i can think of for now. Let us know how it goes.

 

[fidelissemper]

this might sound dumb but maybe ur installation disk is just messed up? reset bios to default settings, plug everyting in and try a clean instal. I don't see why it will not work.

 

[lenjack]

Use 1 stick
physically disconnect all but 1 optical drive
stock speed
disconnect all peripherals

Let us know.

 

[spc hink]

Thanks for all of the responses.

Originally posted by: daveybrat
1) Make sure your bios is up to date.

2) Try installing windows with just 1 stick of ram.

3) Try memtest with 1 stick of ram only.

4) Try turning off all usb ports, lan, and sound in the bios and try to install XP. Turn them back on if it loads successfully.


These are all of the options i can think of for now. Let us know how it goes.

1. I am running the 0901 version which is the latest. I previously had 0401 but had to upgrade through Windows in order to install my E8400.

2. I have tried using only one of both sticks in various slots and still same result.

3. Memtest would still freeze. The dots would blink but everything stops and is unresponsive to the keyboard.

4. I turned off all USB, sound, and Lan in the BIOS and still no luck.

Originally posted by: fidelissemper
this might sound dumb but maybe ur installation disk is just messed up? reset bios to default settings, plug everyting in and try a clean instal. I don't see why it will not work.

I have used more than one installation disk and the disk works on a different PC. I am in the process of downloading Ubuntu to see if that works.

Originally posted by: fidelissemper
this might sound dumb but maybe ur installation disk is just messed up? reset bios to default settings, plug everyting in and try a clean instal. I don't see why it will not work.

I really can't see the disk being the issue as I am getting the same results with multiple disks. I only have the keyboard, monitor and power cord plugged in.


I think I am going to have to buy a new motherboard. Thanks again for the responses and will post back after I have installed Ubuntu.

 

[spc hink]

I was able to get Windows to install by following the following steps posted on the Asustek forum:

In order for the machine to properly boot your OS, you need to enter the BIOS and go into the Advanced tab. Enter the Jumperfree Configuration menu and set AI Tuning value to [Manual]. Then enter the FSB & Memory Config menu, and set the FSB - Memory Clock Mode to [Unlinked].
Once this is done, save changes and reboot.
You might get a "updating ROMSIP table" message.

I appreciate all the help and I really hope I don't have to reopen the thread. Thanks again!