Random restart during Windows XP installation.

[chuckywang]

I'm trying to install a fresh copy of Windows XP to a blank hard drive. However, when I try to boot to CD, I get random restarts after all the files are loaded. It happens everytime. Resetting the CMOS doesn't help. I've done that a few times already.

My setup is a Core 2 Duo 2.4Gz, Abit IN9-MAX mobo, 1 stick of 1 GB PNY DDR2 RAM, and a Geforce PCI-E vid card.

Is there anything I can do to diagnose this problem? Keep in mind that I have a bare hard drive, so I'm trying to install windows.

 

[mechBgon]

If using Serial ATA, which I expect you are, then make sure your SATA controller is in IDE mode (not AHCI) if you want to install WinXP without needing to provide disk-controller drivers on a floppy.

Check your power supply's voltages in the BIOS, or with a multimeter if possible.

Test your RAM for errors. http://www.memtest.org

 

[Slammy1]

So, you never get to the initial reboot? Definitely try another copy of XP as a first troubleshooting step.

 

[chuckywang]

No, it's not the disk. It happens during Windows Vista installation too. I've changed around pretty much every single component in my computer but still no difference.

 

[NoelS]

chuckywang,

I see you have plenty more experience than I do, but here are my guesses to try to help:

If it happens trying to install any OS, it could be PSU, motherboard or RAM giving you issues. Do you have another PSU you can try out to see if it works any better? Another stick of RAM you can swap with the present stick? And try re-seating the video card.

Was this computer working OK before, or is this a new install on a new computer? If it's new, check that you have your CPU power cable plugged in and also your video power cable.

I had a similar problem, turned out to be bad RAM...

Good luck on this one, Noel

 

[daveybrat]

Go in the bios and disable all legacy usb and all onboard features such as sound, lan, serial and parallel ports. Try running setup again and if it works, you can renable what you need after windows is loaded properly.

good luck

 

[Chafik75]

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=126726Hi there,
i had the same problem,
After trying all possible solutions (mines and which found on the web) : Ram check, loading default Bios parameters, HD virus scanning using another pc, do a clean CD installation via a newer CD/DvD reader/writer and even do a low Hdd formating...but in vain.

Finely and after several tries during a couple of days i figured it out : the problem occurs because a damaged POWER SUPPLY BLOCK.
(May be a leak in a condenser or another deficient component)

after changing the Power Supply the problem is gone

 

[THRiLL KiLL]

thread necromancy!!!