WindowsXP installation problems

[rasmus_noertoft]

I have tried installing Windows XP on a new computer, but after having
formatted and copied some files it reboots (as usual), after rebooting
it tells me that a "disk read error" occured and I should press
ctrl-alt-delete to reboot. I have tried different partition size, I
have tried using NTFS and NTFS(fast) when formatting. I have tried
running Ultimate Boot CD and completely formatting my HD. I have also
tried using fixmbr on the disc name I get from map in the recovery
console. The computer has the following hardware:

AMD Athlon64 PR3000+ S-754 (I know 939 is better)
80GB Maxtor 7200RPM (ATA)
2x 512MB DDR RAM PC3200
Asrock K8NF4G-SATA2
Inno3D GeForce6600 PCI-Express

In case you can use it, the output from map was:
\Device\Harddisk0\Partition1
And then the name of my floppy drive and CD drive. I have tried using
fixmbr with both:
\Device\Harddisk0\Partition1
and
\Device\Harddisk0
(I'm not familar with fixmbr so I weren't sure if I had to specify the
partition)

After using fixmbr I get an "Invalid partition table" error, but right
after installing XP it just says "Disk read error" (translated, so
might not be the exact error message in English). I hope someone is
able to help me. Also the computer came pre-assembled so I doubt it's
something stupid like jumper-settings on the HD.

 

[philo]

I have tried installing Windows XP on a new computer, but after having
formatted and copied some files it reboots (as usual), after rebooting
it tells me that a "disk read error" occured and I should press
ctrl-alt-delete to reboot.

<snip>

go to the website of your Harddrive's manufacturer...
you should be able to download a free diagnostic program.
i suggest you run it and test the harddrive...
it could very well be bad