XP Pro upgrade fails...

[dboy]

I've got a Dell 4550 (but many new parts) that had XP Home on it (from a clean install, not the "fresh from the factory" install). I got a copy of XP Pro cheap (the MS Action Pack) and want to install it and sell my xphome copy. However, the install keeps failing. It goes to a black screen with a grey underscore, and just sits there. Hard reboot, it'll try to continue the upgrade, and do the same thing. Even booting off the XP Pro cd does the same - I can't get anywhere. I've pulled all non-essential hardware, but no dice. Any ideas?

Dell 4550 (P4 2.53 ghz)
512 PC2700
ATI AIW 7500
cheap 52x CDRW
original 30gig HD

Everything ran fine until this upgrade attempt...

 

[hjo3]

I'm pretty sure selling your old copy of XP Home Ed. would be a violation of the EULA, if you care.

 

[Sideswipe001]

Have you updated your motherboard BIOS to the latest?

It's always a good idea, and sometimes it can solve issues like that. At what point during the install does this happen?

 

[microAmp]

If it does this during the copying from CD to HDD, try running Memtest86, it checks your RAM to see if it's faulty.

As far as your WinXP Home, if it came from Dell with the computer, it will more than likely not work on another computer. The Dell WinXP checks the CMOS to see if it's a Dell and decides to continue on (if it's a Dell) or abort (if it's NOT a Dell).