Errors loading software from CD after XP installed - corrupt .CAB

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Guest

I have encountered a strange problem.

I clean installed Win XP Pro from a new MS CD onto my old PC which had
previously run ME - no problem. Then I tried to install MS Office 2003 from a
new CD and encountered errors during the setup (blue screen) sometimes also
with error messages about corrupt .CAB files being read from CD.

Eventually found description of problem at:
http://www.support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;314810&spid=2488&sid=216
and having tried everything else succeeded by copying the MS Office CD files
onto hard disk and running the install from there.

Unfortunately this problem then repeated itself when I tried to load
subsequent software from CDs. This included a Belkin Wireless router,
Photoshop Elements 4 - again corruption errors reading CD files during the
install. In case it was a hardware CD drive fault, I also tried using the DVD
drive but the same problem occurred. The only way I can reliably install
programs from CDs to this PC now is to use the CD-drive in my other PC and
install the software over my home network link!

I had never had any problems with this PC reading software from CDs prior to
installing XP.

I have updated drivers for the video, sound and motherboard. Can anyone
throw any light on what could be going on? It's really frustrating.
 
Thanks for the suggestion - the cd/dvd drivers were those automatically
loaded by windows XP and no other drivers are suggested on the relevant
websites. There is some firmware but I'm a bit reluctant to mess around with
this given all the warnings about possible problems.

Any other suggestions anyone?
 
What did you do go on an extended vaction?

step one: reseat cables on drives and motherboard.
step two: install cd/dvd drive from other computer in this computer.

does it work after step one or step two?
 
No - just proccupied preparing for the families Christmas!

I can try re-seating cables but both devices do work normally except when
reading large amounts of data as happens during program installation. The
fact both developed this problem together (after years of faithful service
when I had Win ME) and immediately after the clean installation of XP-Pro
makes me think it is unlikely to be a hardwire (i.e. wiring) problem. The
references to the problem on the web identify "problems with memory
allocation" as a possible source.

Am reluctant to take out working CD unit (never done before and afraid might
end up with 2 PCs not working!), or buy a new CD or DVD device to try your
second option but it may come to that as the existing ones are 5+ years old
and not as fast or capable as modern ones.

Still feel there must be a software glitch somewhere. Thanks for your help
thus far!
 
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