help, cant boot from CD, general protection fault

[storminnorm80]

I am trying to install Windows XP to a brand new HD, and when I use the boot from CD option at bootup, I get this error:

TRAP 0000000D ==========GENERAL PROTECTION FAULT =========



tr=0028 cr0=00000011 cr2=00000000 cr3=00000000
gdt limit=03FF base=00017000 idt limit=07FF base= 00017400

cs:eip=0008:00318B1A ss:esp=0010:00061FEF errcode=B830
flags=00010016 NoCy NoZr IntDis Down TrapDis
eax=0000110C ebx=00301329 ecx=00001617 edx=534D00E4 ds=0010 es=0010
edi=534D00E4 esi=00051D6A ebp=00061FF2 cr0=00000011 fs=0030 gs=0000



I've tried a different CD-ROM reader, ribbon cable, original HD, and every time I try to boot using the CD I get this error. I'm trying to get this old thing up and running for my kids.

Here are the system specs;

Aopen AX3S PRO mobo, whatever BIOS came with the board.
CPU- intel x86 Family 6 Model 8 Stepping 3
256 MB Ram
Window XP Pro

This system was operational, then the OS started hanging up and acting weird.
This PC originally belonged to my step-son, who is now in the US Army getting ready to go to Iraq. I asked him where the original XP disc was, and he informed me that it was a "copy" of XP from some kid he knew. That is why I could not update the OS from MS. So anyhow, I decided I would put a legitimate copy of XP onto a new Hard Drive, and ran into this "General Protection Fault" problem.

Any ideas? I'm starting to think that maybe the memory is going bad, but just a guess. I have built two computers that are working without problems, so I'm no wizard, just know enough to get me in trouble.

Thanks for any assistance.

Norm

 

[alzan]

Check your BIOS settings; make sure the CD-R drive is recognized, and that you're set to boot from CD; and that your BIOS (if applicable,) is set to PNP OS = Yes. Also, it might be that you need to set your CD as Master drive on Secondary IDE channel (if it isn't already.)
Your memory can be checked with memtest86. Do you have any other known-working memory of the proper specs for the motherboard that you can try? You didn't say if your memory is 1x256 stick or 2x128 sticks, but if the latter you could also try installing with just one stick at a time.

Hope one of thos helps.

alzan

 

[storminnorm80]

The CD-R is recognized, and set to boot in BIOS.
The PNP option is set to Auto.
The CD is set as Master and connected to Secondary IDE.
I have two sticks of 128.
I have a spare stick of 256 same spec, so I'm going to shut everything off, and install the "new" memory. BTW, I put the "old" HD in, and the system boots to windows, but the taskbar will not respond. The cursor changes to an hour glass when it enters the taskbar area, and does not go away, even after an hour or so. When I put the XP disc in, the window pops up, "What do you want to do?", and I select "Install XP". The hourglass appears for a second, then goes away, and nothing else happens, even after an hour. I tried to run the set up through the browse CD and selecting set up, and the same thing happens. I'm going to go stick the different memory in, and I'll get back with the results. Thanks for the assistance.

Norm