Windows XP Professional Installation Problem

[Guest]

Hello. I reinstalled Windows XP Pro to my Dell Dimension 340 but the computer
stopped responding after the "Preparing Installation" step. The screen showed
that it is in "Installing Windows" step and display a message: "Setup will
complete in approximately 35 minutes" and the Installing Device progress bar
showed about 45% but stopped there forever. I rebooted the computer and it
came back to the same spot and stopped there. I repeated the process several
times but could not pass that step and could not revert back to the original
windows either. I stuck in the middle of this installation for a couple of
days. Please help. Thanks a lot.
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Guest]

If the installation is just hanging without any error message then it will be
a little bit hard to identify the problem. Mostly caused by hardware failure.
You have to diagnose everything one by one.

1. Check for the RAM first. Mostly caused due to bad RAM. If you have 2
sticks of RAM in your Motherboard then try unplugging one and complete the
installation with one. If not successful then unplug the first one and insert
the second. Also clear the dust from RAM and RAM slots on motherboard.

2. Turn on your PC and check if your PC is showing your System Temprature at
POST Screen (very first screen you see with Processor name and total RAM
installed). You can Pause this screen by pressing the Pause / Break button.
If there is no temprature displayed then goto your CMOS settings by press DEL
or F2 or the key specify your Motherboard manufacturer. Check if there is any
Hardware Monitoring option. If it is there then check the CPU temprature.
Normally it should be below 55 deg. I was having the same problem where the
CPU temprature was 56 deg. If that is the case then you need to clean the
dust around your CPU. Make sure you are good at this.

3. Check if your hard disk is making any unusual sounds. You may also turn
on S.M.A.R.T. feature from your CMOS settings to check if your hard disk is
in good condition. This feature will test your hard disk at the post screen
and will notify you for any failure.

Hope this help, let us know!