WinXP Pro Install Problem - Turns Off Computer W/37 Minutes Left on Install

[Fritz1970]

I've been trying to install WinXP Pro on a new computer I've built, but the computer keeps powering off when it is "Installing Devices" with about 37 minutes to go on install. Computer posts fine, BIOS is set to defaults. Power-off event appears to happen at exactly the same time in the install sequence. Computer specs below.

Have partitioned the drive with the Western Digital-supplied CD/utility.
Installed WinXP up to the point when it reboots.
On reboot, I get WinXP Pro splash screen, then it starts to install the OS; says there are 39 minutes remaining.
When it gets to about 37 minutes, the entire computer just turns off.

Have tried changing memory slots and using one stick or two.
Have tried reformatting and reinstalling.
Have tried taking the data drive (Raptor) out entirely.A

At wits' end - what am I missing here?

Thanks for any advice;

Fritz1970
Computer Specs:
Mobo: ECS nForce570 SLIT-A
CPU: Core2Duo e6600
Boot HDD: Western Digital Caviar 250gb EIDE
Second HDD (NOT boot HDD): WD Raptor 30gig SATA
Memory: Corsair Value Mem 2gb
GPU: XFX 7900GS
OS: XP Pro (without any service packs on install disk)

 

[John]

Can you complete 2 passes of Memtest?

 

[Fritz1970]

Thanks for the reply. Have never used Memtest, but will create a bootable diskette with Memtest on it and give it a whirl. Am using memory that is supposed to be compatible with my board; also have swapped the 1gb sticks in and out, rebooting with just one, then the other, and have same problem.

Thanks;

Fritz

 

[MisterJackson]

I've had that problem a LONG time ago, so bear with me as my memory isn't what it used to be . In my case the hdd ended up having bad sectors.

I'd start by trying with a fresh hdd. If it still persists try replacing ram, optical drive, etc......one component at a time.

You also might want to start by removing any add on cards from the equation.

 

[MJGlo]

Fritz,
Maybe to eliminate a problem or two, I would plug in JUST the Raptor and load the OS on that drive. If that works maybe it will give you some direction.

Mike

 

[Fritz1970]

Mike:

The BIOS recognizes the SATA Raptor, but when I the OS attempts to install, it sees the Raptor, but says it cannot "access" the Raptor. The Raptor is only 30 gig, so I don't think it's an issue that I am installing an pre-SP1 XP Pro.

Thanks;

Fritz

 

[MJGlo]

What I'm getting at is:
Just have one hard drive installed, either one.
Let XP format it, do not partition, just do a simple install even if it is on an IDE HD.
Keep it simple to eliminate any problems with either the two HD's installed or with the Western Digital-supplied CD/utility. You don't have to keep the install, it's just for trouble shoothing.

Mike