Windows Will Not Install (No Version!!)

  • Thread starter Thread starter kc5rls_
  • Start date Start date
K

kc5rls_

I had Vista and removed it. I cannot get Windows XP Home or Pro or
Windows 98 to install. I have eliminated pretty much everything,
removed all RAM except 1 chip, ran mem+ tests on each chip, made
bare-bones system with older Trident S3 video, 1 hard drive, etc.
When Windows starts to install, it gets to a point (varies a little)
and reboots. I finally got it running long enough to copy the Win 98
files to a directory on the HD and was able to install from there.
BUT, it seems like it is a CD problem (2 drives, have tried each by
themselves) because it reboots even when I try to copy the XP files to
the HD. The only way I got the Win98 done was to start copying A*.*,
then B*.*, etc. so I would have an easy place to restart the copy
after it reboots! It seemed to be OK after I removed both CD drives
but, of course, I can't get to my WinXP files that way! I have booted
with the 6 disk XP boot set, Windows 98 Boot, etc. Believe me, I have
tried EVERYTHING I can think of!! Right now, I have a second computer
and will install my HD in it as a secondary and format it, etc. and
Ghost it and see if that works. I really don't think it will (because
nothing else has!!)!!! I have exhaustively searched EVERY forum I can
find and none of the suggestions have solved my problem. Most point
to the RAM but mem tests show both sticks to be OK. I have a brand
new case so I don't think it is the power supply, either.
 
In (e-mail address removed) had this to say:

My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:
I had Vista and removed it. I cannot get Windows XP Home or Pro or
Windows 98 to install. I have eliminated pretty much everything,
removed all RAM except 1 chip, ran mem+ tests on each chip, made
bare-bones system with older Trident S3 video, 1 hard drive, etc.
When Windows starts to install, it gets to a point (varies a little)
and reboots. I finally got it running long enough to copy the Win 98
files to a directory on the HD and was able to install from there.
BUT, it seems like it is a CD problem (2 drives, have tried each by
themselves) because it reboots even when I try to copy the XP files to
the HD. The only way I got the Win98 done was to start copying A*.*,
then B*.*, etc. so I would have an easy place to restart the copy
after it reboots! It seemed to be OK after I removed both CD drives
but, of course, I can't get to my WinXP files that way! I have booted
with the 6 disk XP boot set, Windows 98 Boot, etc. Believe me, I have
tried EVERYTHING I can think of!! Right now, I have a second computer
and will install my HD in it as a secondary and format it, etc. and
Ghost it and see if that works. I really don't think it will (because
nothing else has!!)!!! I have exhaustively searched EVERY forum I can
find and none of the suggestions have solved my problem. Most point
to the RAM but mem tests show both sticks to be OK. I have a brand
new case so I don't think it is the power supply, either.
Click to expand...

As Vista doesn't use the same method to boot it could be possible that the
drive needs a complete format. You're on the right track at any rate I
suspect. A complete wipe and format of the drive itself would be where I'd
start. In addition - you might want to try the Vista groups as this is an XP
group.

--
Galen - MS MVP - Windows (Shell/User & IE)
http://dts-l.org/ http://kgiii.info/

"Chance has put in our way a most singular and whimsical problem, and
its solution is its own reward." - Sherlock Holmes
 
I have formatted completely, many times!! (FDISK too). I posted it here
because I took Vista off and am trying to put my XP back on.
 
In John John had this to say:

My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:
Try: fdisk /mbr

John
Click to expand...

As John John said, and I should have clarified "low level format," the /mbr
switch is a good idea. Truthfully, someone in the Vista groups might really
know more as they may well have gone through this before.

--
Galen - MS MVP - Windows (Shell/User & IE)
http://dts-l.org/ http://kgiii.info/

"Chance has put in our way a most singular and whimsical problem, and
its solution is its own reward." - Sherlock Holmes
 
Hello,

I'm not sure how old your mobo might be, but look at the capacitors on
the mobo. I've seen were blown capacitors could cause you sporatic
uptime issues. The capacitors look like little beer cans (various
sizes) sticking up all over the mobo. Most of them have an "+" on the
top, it's designed to explode nicely when their time is up. Indications
that they are bad might include bulging or popped tops. Brownish goo or
a tan powder, usually on the bottom but sometimes on the top also.

I hope this helps out and I wish you the best of luck.

-Dean
 
I'll try the /mbr with FDISK - haven't tried that switch yet. This is getting
really aggravating!! I formatted it in a different computer and tried to
boot with a floppy and no CD's hooked up and it still rebooted at the "Press
Enter to Install XP" and "Press "R" to Repair"... prompt! This is killing
me!! I also see now what you mean about the Vista group - I'll post there
too just in case. Thanks
 
Nah, checked that pretty good - fairly new motherboard, too. Worked like a
charm until I formatted drive and tried to reinstall my old XP. And I can
install Windows 98 and it will run all day until I try to access the CD to
copy the files to the Hard Drive. What baffles me is that it reboots during
install even if I don't have the CD's hooked up! Thanks for the reply It's
kinda like I am caught in a catch-22!!
 
Back
Top