Problem installing XP Pro
 

I'm having some trouble getting XP Pro to install on my old computer, it had XP Pro on it before, but was in need of a complete reformat. It got to the point where it would not even log me in half the time and programs would not open at all. So i got the XP disc out, did a complete reformat (not a repair install), and started installing XP, the first time all was going well but i forgot the keycode. So i restarted the computer, got the key code, and began installing again. I did a second reformat just to be sure that all the files were gone from the first attempt. it copied all the files and restarted the computer into the actual XP installer. But now about as soon as it starts installing windows, i get a "Fatal Error".

This is the error message i get:
When i click to view the setup log it tells me this:
Now i don't see why it would be doing this, the first time it installed to where it asks for your 25 character key code (which i forgot at the time), and now it gives me this error as soon as installation begins?

Anybody have any ideas on what might be causing this or how to fix it?

Re: Problem installing XP Pro
 

Try an installing Ubuntu (or any other linux distib), and seeing if you can instal it. THis will make sure that you're not having a hardware problem.

But there are a million reasons why a Windows install will stop mid-install.

Re: Problem installing XP Pro
 

try doing a fresh reformat and try again.

Re: Problem installing XP Pro
 

Heh, i think i mentioned that in another thread. :)

Ubuntu installed fine on it, not a single problem (after i finally found my the install disc :rolleyes:), so its not hardware related.

Re: Problem installing XP Pro
 

Well, I don't suppose that you might have a different Windows CD lying around, or even a Win2K cd? I would try using a different version of Windows (2k, XPpro, or XPhome), if you can.

Re: Problem installing XP Pro
 

Static, did you ever come to the assumption that your XP disc is scratched, or dirty? Try clean it and see what happens. I know it sounds like I'm treating you as an idiot by that question, because obviously you would have checked this, but you would be suprised.

Try the install on another computer, if possible.

Re: Problem installing XP Pro
 

Yeah, this does sound very much like a CD-media related problem to me. Examine the surface for any scratches and try and clean them up as best you can. (If needs be CD-repair kits can be bought quite cheaply from hardware/stationary stores.)

In the meantime, try and get your hands on a different XP disc and see if that installs correctly.

Re: Problem installing XP Pro
 

The disc is a little bit scratched, and i mean a little, you have to look at it pretty close to see them. i cleaned it off once before i started the install the first time, but i'll try cleaning it off again and see what happens.

Re: Problem installing XP Pro
 

Sorry about the double post, but it was too late to edit.

I tried cleaning it off again, but no luck. I had though about that when i first got the error, but it had just been cleaned.

I'll see if i can find another XP disc to try tommorow.

Re: Problem installing XP Pro
 

Did you try it on another computer?

It could also be the optical drive playing up. It's a long shot, but it's possible. That's why I wanted you to try on another PC.

Re: Problem installing XP Pro
 

Unfortunatly i don't have another PC to try it on at the moment. I might try switching optical drives once and see if that helps though.

I talked to some people today and should be able to get another Pro disc in a couple days so i'll wait and see.