file copy error on reinstall

[RJ]

I tried overinstalling XP (rather than a clean install) and kept getting
file copy errors. Ran memtest for 8 hours, no errors in memory or mb. Took
it to the shop and the guy said it's probably a software problem and it
usually happens when you overinstall. He said to reformat and do a fresh
install and if it still doesn't work, it's a hardware problem. Since I don't
want to do that right away, are there any ways to troubleshoot software
configuration problems?

 

[Harry Ohrn]

What you are seeing is typical of a hardware problem or a problem with the
XP CD you are installing from. Basically the setup files are not getting
written to the hard drive. While flaky RAM can cause this so can a flaky
CD-Rom drive, bad sectors on the hard drive, a motherboard problem and even
a weak power supply. Try cleaning your XP CD and CD-Rom device. See if that
helps. If you have more than one stick of RAM onboard try removing one and
see if that helps, if not swap it back in and remove the other(s). You can
try running a hard drive diagnostic app on the hard drive but be careful not
to wipe your data in the process. Hopefully you have backups.

BTW the guy at the shop is not correct. This does not usually happen when
you overinstall. What problem prompted the need to do the overinstall?
Perhaps you have a hardware problem that you thought was a Windows issue.
See if a better qualified tech can sort out your issue.