Windows XP install...HUGE problems!

[twharry]

A few days ago, I woke up to a marvelous BSOD. I couldn't figure out exactly what the problem was, but I think it was the hard drive. I tried to install the drive into a different computer so that I could take my important files off of it, but I had a drive failure when I did that.

Since then, I have tried to install Windows XP on three different hard drives, using two different CD/DVD drives and two different Windows XP install discs. I keep getting the same errors, no matter which drive/optical/media combination I use.

Here's what happens. I boot to CD, Windows XP Pro (both of them legitimate OEM copies of Windows), and run the setup program. I choose a fresh install, and I format the drives with NTFS. I have tried both quick and full formats, with the same results. It formats the drive and then moves on to the Windows XP setup portion of the install.

This is where the problem begins. What happens is that it tries to install the drive image, and it gives me a series of errors:

"The file mrxsmb.sys was not copied correctly

The file Setup placed on your hard drive is not a valid Windows XP system image. If you are installing from a CD, there may be a problem with the Windows XP CD.

To retry, press Enter
To skip this file, press ESC
To quit setup, press F3"

If I press enter repeatedly, sometimes it moves on, but it always pops up another file that says the same thing. If I press ESC, it immediately finds another file that says the same thing. There are about 20-25 files like this. If I continue to press ESC and skip them all, Windows attempts to start up but I get a BSOD.

I have tried two different Windows XP Pro discs, and they are clean and scratch-free.
I have tried two different optical drives.
I have tried on three different hard drives of various sizes.
Of these hard drives, two have had Windows installed on them in the past, and one of them is BRAND NEW.
I have tried both the quick and the full format on all of the drives.
I also reset the CMOS.

No matter what I do, I get the same errors.

This is an AMD 64 3000+ socket 754
DFI LanParty UT nF3 250gb
1gb Rosewill 3200 DDR
BenQ DVD+/-RW
Samsung DVD-ROM
CoolerMaster RealPower 450W
Antec P160

Everything but the hard drive is less than a month old.

Any idea what the problem is and how I could fix it?

Thank you for your help.

 

[Slikkster]

Tried different IDE cable(s)? Reseated everything on the motherboard (cables/ram)?

Tried taking a stick of ram out for install?

You could re-partition the drive as Fat32 temporarily and copy the I386 folder from the CD to a folder you've created on the drive, and run setup from there.

Also, any overclocking going on?

Tried a minimalist install with only basic devices attached?

Think of things outside the optical drive/hard drive obvious errors to other causes is the main point.

 

[KGB]

Harry,

Try some different memory or test yours with MemTest86.
If you're running with 2 DIMMs, try with just one and try different slots.

 

[twharry]

I posted on another forum and everyone is saying the same thing. Memory. I guess I found it hard to believe because this is brand new RAM. I will give it a shot when I get home from work. That would be nice if it just worked. Maybe my original hard drive would just work then (wishful thinking).

There are three memory slots on my MoBo, and I put the modules on the two outer slots. Would this make a difference? Should they be next to each other?

Seems like after builfing computers for 7 years, I would stop making noob mistakes eventually.

 

[Slikkster]

Well, it's a case of RTFM (Read the **#E Manual), I guess. See what it says about which slots. Chances are what you have on the outer slots is for Dual Channel setup, which shouldn't be an issue. But, maybe there's an issue with the brandname itself, etc.

Check out the manual.

Edit: Page 117 of your manual shows how to place the ram. However, it uses the "Single Rank" and "Double Rank" classifications to dictate where to put the DIMMS. Now, there isn't too much about these terms that I could find. Best guess is that double rank might be ECC, but I can't be sure as my research time is limited.

OK, here's a website that talks about "Ranks" of memory chips. Hardly useful from an installation standpoint, however. But, I present it anyway:

http://www.castalk.com/ftopic1128.html

 

[twharry]

Actually, there are only 39 pages in the manual, 19 of them in English, and none of them talk about how to install memory.

Further, this board does not support dual channel memory, so that isn't even a consideration.

 

[Slikkster]

You are kidding, right? Are you sure you're not looking at some quickie user guide vs. the manual?

Look here:

http://www.dfi.com.tw/Upload/Manual/lp%20ut%20nf3%20250gb%2081000414-r.pdf

My mistake was that the memory config is on page 19 of 117.

This is the motherboard you mention at the top of your thread.

 

[Chism]

I had the same problem with a new build a few weeks ago. Try disabling everything in the bios that you don't need to run the computer...sound, lan, Cool 'n Quiet, etc. When I did this Win XP loaded perfectly. Turned each thing back on one at a time. Computer has run for 3 weeks now with no issues. Knock on wood...good luck.

 

[mechBgon]

Also, if you left your memory on AUTO voltage, crank it to 2.7 volts. I also heard less-than-complimentary things about Coolermaster power supplies... might want to add the full system specs (video card, etc) so we can eyeball what you're asking of your Coolermaster there.

 

[dustqueen]

I had a real problem with xp and it turned out the ide cables were bad. I mean, other than xp stinks.

You know, the person who developed xp should be taken out, blindfolded and put in the middle of a Walmart during a 15% off sale.......

 

[ifryfishonfriday]

Did You ever overcome this problem?
I am experiencing EXACTLY the same thing.

I have tried a few of the suggestions stated here, but to with no success.

I'm desperate!

seeing blue.....