New install problem on old hardware -solved

[Richard in AZ]

For what it is worth, here is a tidbit I learned.
I inherited a PC with an AMD 1600+ cpu because it constantly froze up and
the owner bought a new computer.
The old pc had been built with misc. parts and originally setup with a
bootlegged copy of W2K by a friend (?) of the owner.
The owner had no documentation and no software disks. She had since
upgraded it to Windows XP HE.
I could not find any information on the motherboard as to make and model.
So I bought a new MB, a copy of Windows XP Pro and a hard drive. (Owner
kept the old HD to make into an external drive)
The computer booted up just fine, but would not complete the installation of
XP. It would get as far as "Starting Windows Installation" and give me a
stop error. Unfortunately, in 6 tries, I got 6 different stop error
numbers. I even tried installing Windows 98SE once and it failed about 1/4
into the installation.
Finally, I took the heat sink off the cpu, scraped it clean and applied some
new thermal grease.
Then the XP installation went just as smooth and clean as I have ever seen.
The PC works great now as my test machine.

Lesson learned, make sure the cpu has the best cooling features possible.
It does make a difference.

 

[Guest]

Recently purchased new machine, am trying a clean install of XP Media Centre.
Was prompted to insert "Service pack 2" Disk on installation, and that
Windows would need the disk to install properly. Went ahead anyway. When I
got into windows there was no help, troubleshoot internet explorer, etc. Help
icon is there but when I click on it computer can't find file. Have installed
drivers, but can access the internet or LAN. Have home network and broadband.
All other PC's fine. Can't update without internet access. Have since
installed service pack 2 from another computer but still to no avail.
ARRGH!...Please help someone!