Reinstalling XP

[Guest]

I was running XP on a Gateway computer and installed Service pack 2 recently
from a CD-ROM from Microsoft. After installation, the computer became
un-bootable. Here is the history:
1. I began with Windows 98 on the Gateway.
2. Updated it to Windows ME
3. Updated it to XP.
4. Upgraded RAM by bring the total from 128 to 512 mb.
5. Installed SP 2 from CD
6. Computer would no longer boot. Error message mentioned something about
cross-linking.
7. During my attempts to resolve the problem, I was able to go back to
Windows 98 on the computer. Attempts to reinstall XP using the upgrade CD
were met with error messages that some files were not loaded properly, or
were corrupt, or a bad CD.
8. Further attempt to resolve this includes formatting the c-drive, getting
Windows 98 to run, but further attempt to reinstall DP were met messages
similar to one I described earlier.

I would appreciate your help to get the system running again.


CharlesH 5-15-2005. My e-mail: (e-mail address removed)

 

[Dave Patrick]

To do a clean install boot the Windows XP install CD-Rom. When you get to
the point, delete the existing NTFS and or other partitions found. After you
delete the partition(s) abort the install, then again restart the pc booting
the CD-Rom to avoid unexpected drive letter assignments with your new
install.

During Windows XP setup, at some point, will want to confirm the previous
operating system for the upgrade; at that point you'll simply insert the
qualified product install CD for it to verify. Then the install will
proceed.

Check the pc, mb or hardware manufacturer's web site for the latest bios and
or Windows XP drivers for your devices.

Be sure to apply SP2 or at least these two below to your new install before
connecting to any network.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...be-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a&displaylang=en

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-043.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-049.mspx

--
Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

:
|I was running XP on a Gateway computer and installed Service pack 2
recently
| from a CD-ROM from Microsoft. After installation, the computer became
| un-bootable. Here is the history:
| 1. I began with Windows 98 on the Gateway.
| 2. Updated it to Windows ME
| 3. Updated it to XP.
| 4. Upgraded RAM by bring the total from 128 to 512 mb.
| 5. Installed SP 2 from CD
| 6. Computer would no longer boot. Error message mentioned something about
| cross-linking.
| 7. During my attempts to resolve the problem, I was able to go back to
| Windows 98 on the computer. Attempts to reinstall XP using the upgrade CD
| were met with error messages that some files were not loaded properly, or
| were corrupt, or a bad CD.
| 8. Further attempt to resolve this includes formatting the c-drive,
getting
| Windows 98 to run, but further attempt to reinstall DP were met messages
| similar to one I described earlier.
|
| I would appreciate your help to get the system running again.
|
|
| CharlesH 5-15-2005. My e-mail: (e-mail address removed)
|

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

First issue that comes to my mind: Prior to starting the XP upgrade, did you install the Ram. And did you minimize / disable auto-start programs (Including the Antivirus) to the barebones ?

Any operating system upgrade or any service pack setup is a major undertaking, and must be preceded with planning, preparation, and trimming of startups.
You have another complication that appears to be a bunch of cross-linked files --- which means you needed to run Scandisk while still in Win ME.

At this time, what is on the hard drive? Have you saved your important data & documents?

It's likely time to suggest a clean setup of XP..... but one of very first steps is to check on your hardware to make sure it is compatible with XP. Set pc BIOS boot sequence to boot from CD first. Place CD in. Boot from CD. Do not run setup. Choose and run "Check System Compatibility" and let it check your hardware.

See Paul Thurrott's website on guide for XP clean install
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

Guide to upgrading (or new install) Win XP at Aumha.org
http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm

 

[Guest]

Thanks to Dave and Maurice for their help. Before I posted my question, I
think I must have tried all of their suggestions one way or another with the
exception of restoring Windows ME. I was so annoyed with ME that I threw out
the upgrade CD. But I did format the c-drive and started from there and was
able to get Windows 98 running and then tried installing XP again. At this
point, I give up but thanks for your response and help.