Installing windows xp error

[dylanhutch]

I am trying to install windows XP Pro on an IBM (i know horrible isnt
it) Aptiva with an AMD K6 Processor. I start the install process by
booting with the windows xp pro FULL Installation cd, go through the
dos prompts, then it is restart the computer time. Once restarted,
loaded from hdd no windows setup continuation, A BSoD (Blue Screen of
Death) saying IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. any suggestions?

 

[Malke]

I am trying to install windows XP Pro on an IBM (i know horrible isnt
it) Aptiva with an AMD K6 Processor. I start the install process by
booting with the windows xp pro FULL Installation cd, go through the
dos prompts, then it is restart the computer time. Once restarted,
loaded from hdd no windows setup continuation, A BSoD (Blue Screen of
Death) saying IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. any suggestions?

That error message pertains to bad hardware or bad drivers. On such an
old machine, it is likely that some of the hardware is failing or
marginal. Also, IBM Aptivas had some proprietary hardware in them which
may not be compatible with XP. Did you run the XP Upgrade Advisor first
or check to see if there are any XP drivers for the hardware in your
machine?

That machine probably came with Win98SE. If you still want to use it,
you should probably restore it with the Aptiva Restore Disk and forget
about XP. Otherwise, post back with processor speed, amount of RAM, and
size of hard drive.

Malke

 

[hardkore_57]

Processor is running at 450 Mhz, has 256 megs of SD Ram (just
installed, i know it works), and a new 10 gig hdd (also tested, and
works). I know it cant be bad drivers, because there is no OS to put
drivers into, and this setup will work to install Windows 98SE. I would
like to use Win XP, but can't pinpoint the problem to installing it.

 

[Malke]

Processor is running at 450 Mhz, has 256 megs of SD Ram (just
installed, i know it works), and a new 10 gig hdd (also tested, and
works). I know it cant be bad drivers, because there is no OS to put
drivers into, and this setup will work to install Windows 98SE. I
would like to use Win XP, but can't pinpoint the problem to installing
it.

OK, the machine will run XP but slowly. I would start by testing your
RAM and then your hard drive. Make sure you have no peripherals
attached. If you have any odd hardware in the machine - unusual PCI
cards for instance - remove them before the install. If you were doing
an upgrade install, try a clean install with the understanding that
formatting will remove everything and you will need to reinstall
programs and restore data from backups. Make sure any programs you want
to install are compatible with XP.

To test the RAM, I like Memtest86+ from www.memtest.org. Obviously, you
have to get the program from a working machine. You will either
download the precompiled Windows binary to make a bootable floppy or
the .iso to make a bootable cd. If you want to use the latter, you'll
need to have third-party burning software on the machine where you
download the file - XP's built-in burning capability won't do the job.
In either case, boot with the media you made. The test will run
immediately. Let the test run for an hour or two - unless errors are
seen immediately. If you get any errors, replace the RAM.

Test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility from the mftr. Download
the file and make a bootable floppy or cd with it. Boot with the media
and do a thorough test. If the drive has physical errors, replace it.
The 10GB hard drive you have is on the small side for XP; a clean
install of XP SP2 will take approx. 2.5GB all by itself and then your
need at least a couple of gigs for the operating system to move around
in.

Personally, I wouldn't try to install XP on that box but YMMV.

Malke

 

[hardkore_57]

I know, it is a piece of garbage, but it isnt mine. I am fixing it up
for someone to use for college. they just need Win XP and office. I
just need it to work. Thanks for the help, i will test it all tonight.