Windows XP Install/Repair Issue

[trooper11]

Ive had an issue with windows files becoming corrupt so I have been attemping to run a repair install of Windows XP Pro.

The system is an older dell dimension 8300

The problem is that every time I go through the repair install process, it starts failing to copy files from the I386 folder of the cd.

Ive been going through all sorts of different ideas trying to get around the problem, but nothing has helped. So far Ive tried:

Using another XP Pro disc ---- same result

Using another disc drive ---- tried two different drives, only one of them actually improved things, but the process was still halted at a file trying to be copied, just took it longer to hit that point

Testing out ram --- it had 4 sticks of ram in it (2x 512mb and 2x 256mb), so I pulled all but one stick and repeated the process with only one of the sticks installed and nothing was different. I cant check the voltages or speed the ram is running at in the bios becuase the dell bios heavily restricts what info can be accessed. Have tried running memtest, but no errors have shown up.

Copying I386 folder to another source --- I transfered the I386 folder to a usb flash drive and two of the hard drives installed in the pc. When I pointed to them for a file that couldnt be copied, it would work, but eventually even pointing to them resulted in the same error.


If anyone has any other ideas, Id really appreciate it, thanks.

 

[boomerang]

I've got a computer that belongs to my sister next to me right now that's doing the exact same thing. By process of elimination I've determined it has to be the motherboard.

I tested the RAM and the HD, replace the ribbon cable to the HD and Optical Drive and tried several disks. I have not replaced the PS, but the voltages look fine.

I've decided it's the motherboard and am waiting to hear what she wants to do with it.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Try a differnt HDD. Had a similar problem before and it was due to a failing HDD. As eludided too above the RAM could also be an issue. So use Memtest and see if it checks out. But i'm pretty sure its the HDD itself thats causing the problems.

 

[RebateMonger]

The Dell 8300 motherboard is very similar to the Dell 400SC server. As such, it's generally pretty reliable. But there were SIGNIFICANT issues with the power capacitors on the SC400, which typically caused reliability problems or total boot failure after less than two years of 24/7 runtime.

Check out the power capacitors (the larger capacitors, located near the CPU, usually underneath the green CPU cover) on the motherboard for bulging on sides or top or for electrolyte (brown goop) leakage.

Problems installing Windows XP are generally caused by three things:
1) Failing memory
2) Failing hard drive or cabling
3) Failing CDROM drive, cabling, or Install CD.

Power supply or motherboard are possible, but normally less probable, possiblities. But check those power capacitors for damage.

 

[daveybrat]

Remember guys, he's doing a 'repair' install of windows xp, not a fresh format and install. I've had this error many times working on customer's pc's and trying to do a 'repair' install of xp. It's the same error as the OP gets, it just starts failing to copy a ton of files from the i386 folder on the windows xp cd.

The fix? It's always been software related so far and a fresh format and reinstall of xp worked perfect. Don't waste a ton of time on it, just backup what's needed and format the drive.

 

[techmanc]

Sure nuke your system to save time lol. How long you think it might take to get his system back the way it was if that even possible? Are you using real install cds or ones that you made with a burner?

 

[boomerang]

OK, I've got some follow up information. I learned something today.

My assumption was that the motherboard was bad. I stated this several posts up. I had tested the HD using the Western Digital utility and it passed. I also ran chkdsk on the drive and it passed.

I put a SATA drive in the system and was able to install Windows using the same CD and the Optical Drive that was in the system. However, the WD HD that was in it, was IDE. So as a true test, I put a spare IDE drive in the system and was able to install Windows with that same CD and Optical.

So, thanks a bunch daveybrat, although the drive in the system appears to be bad, you got me looking in the right direction.

I have to admit that I am confused as to why a HD that tests good is actually bad, but I had a co-worker that used to say 'Some things just can't be explained'. I'll lump in this in under that category.

 

[Blazer]

did you run the extended hd test, as thats where deeper problems show up, i dont even run the first test.

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: blazer
did you run the extended hd test, as thats where deeper problems show up, i dont even run the first test.

You know, I think I'm guilty. I think I only ran the quick test because I was convinced the motherboard was the problem. The numlock could not be toggled (regardless of whether using a PS2 or USB keyboard), the onboard NIC and the PCI wireless card would not work.

I had myself convinced it was the motherboard and I guess it blinded me to the real issue.

 

[RebateMonger]

One way to generally check things out is to run a Linux Live distribution. Ubuntu has a version that will run off a boot CD, so you can pretty much test the motherboard/memory/power supply without using the hard drive.