fatal error during installation

[cbcornelius]

Hello.

I'm trying to re-install windows xp on my machine. During
the installation process I get the following fatal error:
"Setup has failed to install the product catalogs. This is
a fatal error." There is an "Ok" button. I click it.
Windows reboots and trys to install, only to give the same
error.

My attempts to start in safe mode and last "good" session
have all failed.

What does this mean? How can I just discontinue
setup/installation and go back to my previous version.

Thanks for any help,
cbcornelius

 

[Rory]

Try cleaning the disk with warm soapy water, yes that's
right...Might have some oily residue from your fingers or
what not, not allowing that portion of the disk to be
read properly.

 

[cbcornelius]

Thanks rory, but that didn't work. Do you or anyone know
how to exit setup/installation?