Need proper W\XP install

[imported_dbrown]

I've had some install problems...some solved, however I'm looking for the most stable way to install Win\XP Pro, service pack 1.
First I bought some Kingston Value\Ram KVR400/512R, Cas3, 2.6v.
Kingston says it's compatable, (I won't be overclocking). I corrected the voltage in the bios, and moved the memory to slot A-1, as per Asus tech. This solved a lot of issues with bsod.
I started clean after that, but I got an "exception" error with C:\windows\system32\ierunonce.dll. I did NOT install Asus drivers when asked, (wasn't sure then, but will next time).
After login, it clearly wasn't running "right". Ran SFC to correct some problems, restarted, but I still can't install SP2 that I downloaded. I'll start a clean install again Friday, but I'd like some feed back on installation(s) proceedures and Asus drivers old vs new, when to install etc

My psu has 450w with 20 pin+4pin power connections, (mobo is 24+4)
I do have another 512 stick of memory (same as above)
AMD A64 3000+ venice
GeForce 6600GT
Western Digital 160 GB IDE HHD

Thanks in advance, Dale

 

[imported_dbrown]

This message was to go on the Asus A8N-E motherbord thread

SORRY !!! I'm new to this! Any help with win\XP Pro with SP1 would be great!!!!

Thanks again

 

[mechBgon]

1) is the 450W PSU something fairly respectable, and not just a random freebie that got thrown in with a Brand X case?

2) the WinXP is genuine, right?

3) another silly question: the CD isn't dirty or scratched?

4) the A8N-E has the latest official BIOS installed?

5) it is strongly desirable to install SP2 before you install the motherboard drivers and before you let the system have any variety of network connection, so that it has its worst vulnerabilities patched, and has its firewall up to protect the rest of them.

 

[imported_dbrown]

Thank you for replying mechBgon!

1) The power supply did come with the "X-BLADE" case (made by A-Top Technology), it is a noname brand, and it does only have a 20 pin connector for the motherboard. Please feel free to make recomendations

2) The WinXP is genuine, but I'm wondering if its even a sp1 version. I've had it at least 3 years, more or less. On the cd it says "Version 2002" and part# X08-33951

3) It doesn't appear to be scratched or dirty, however, I will run it through the cleaner

4) The A8N-E has version 1005 of the BIOS

5) I will do the installs for all the XP's SP.

**FYI***

I have set the BIOS to default, except for DDR voltage, it's at 2.6

The last couple of installs I got a 'Fatal Error' message that 'windows failed to install the product catalogs' ??? I click OK and it restarts and I get the same message. I've even tried to reinstall over the installation. No Luck.

I also delete, recreate and format NTFS in a small partition of 30-40GB's before each new installation. I did get it to install once...lot of problems...couldn't install SP2...tried drivers, then SP2...got the Black Screen of Death with windows\system32\config .....
:| then called it a nite.

I have been looking into slipstreaming XP with SP2. I'll give that a shot later. I the mean time, opinions are greatly needed!!!!

 

[mechBgon]

Here are my next ideas:

1) it couldn't hurt (except for your wallet ) to get a name-brand power supply with 24-pin, here is one possibility: Enermax with strong single 12V rail

2) you might also try a different optical drive if there's a possibility that the optical drive is the problem

3) it couldn't hurt to boost the memory voltage a little more and try 2.7 volts either

4) it sounds like you have the WinXP from before SP1 came out. If you install it and then patch with your SP2 installer file before you install your motherboard drivers, then that should be just as good as if you'd slipstreamed it.

Good luck!

 

[imported_dbrown]

mechBgon,

Thank you so much for all your help. I thought I should give you and others an update.

Through this whole ordeal, I kept saying, it's not the memory, it's not the memory, it can't be the memory, Kingston said it was compatible....twice!

IT WAS THE MEMORY! Before I did any hardware changes...I thought, what the heck, lets see if a stick from my wifes pc will work.......it did, and the install was picture perfect! WOW!!!!
I will order memory this week, and any recomendations, and opinions would be welcome.

I will also be ordering the 24 pin psu, to avoid future problems.

Another question I have is:

I installed the nvidia nforce drivers 6.66 directly right after I installed windowsXP pro on a clean install, and the connection is noticably slow. Is there something I should check or do? I didn't install the firewall, or any other extras.

Thanks in advance, Dale