HELP! can't install any Operating system

thefish8

Senior member
Apr 17, 2001
291
0
0
I get an error that says "error loading DMBOOT.SYS" when I try and install XP. I get this at the blue screen when it is checking my computers hardware. I tried installing 98 and it dies when it is copying files needed to install windows and it doesn't give me any error. I am lost as to what to do.

I did a complete scandisk and it showed no errors. I ran the Data Lifeguard Diagnostics program with my hard drive to completely clear out the drive. I ran fdisk and formatted my computer. I tried both of my CD ROM drives. I tried fdisk/mbr and that didn't do anything.

I have no idea how to resolve this error, and I have no idea if it is a hardware issue and if it is with what part. I originally had my computer with dual boot of 98 and XP and it worked fine. It crashed like last week and well here I am.

My System
AMD Athlon XP 1800
MSI K7T pro-RU mobo
20 gig WD Hard Drive
MSI geforce2 mx vid card
256mb DDRAM
Toshiba DVD
TDK 16x Burner

Please, Please give me advice. Thanks to anyone who helps.
 

TrollMan

Member
Dec 2, 2000
55
0
0
Which of your CD/DVD drives are you using to install the OS? Whichever one, maybe try unplugging the other (just for the install), as well as disabling your onboard sound (which I guess you are using as no soundcard mentioned!) so there is as little hardware powered up and detectable as possible while the install is running. If the install then works, try reconnecting your other optical drive and seeing if that goes OK, then reenable the sound and try that... Also, does your motherboard have onboard modem or LAN? If so, do the same with them until your OS is up and running...

Worth a try? :)