windows XP clean install

[Guest]

I am attempting to clean install Widows HP Home after my most recent crash.
However, I tried to use the Gateway Operating system rescue CD (which I have
used before without incident) and it continues to have problems copying the
Windows files onto the Hard Drive. Specifically, after reformatting and
partioning the HD, the file copy consistently stops at 75-85%, with the
message that "file ?.dll cannot be copied correctly, press Esc to skip." But
if you skip the next file does the same thing.

Gateway tech support initially said my rescue CD had gone bad ?!? but I
tried a retail version of XP from a friend and it did the same thing. I
tried two CD drives, and replaced the hard drive but no matter what the file
copy always stops at the same point with both XP cds. I have even used the
"write zeros to fully erase hard drive" without success. I am pulling my
hair out. Any ideas on what the problem could be?

 

[Guest]

Have u made any hardware changes besides HD or Optical drives, like memory??
Or have u tweaked the BIOS, that could be part of the problem, still
remember, go back to basics, install with the basic configuration possible
and don't leave any detail go lose.

 

[Malke]

I am attempting to clean install Widows HP Home after my most recent
crash. However, I tried to use the Gateway Operating system rescue CD
(which I have used before without incident) and it continues to have
problems copying the
Windows files onto the Hard Drive. Specifically, after reformatting and
partioning the HD, the file copy consistently stops at 75-85%, with the
message that "file ?.dll cannot be copied correctly, press Esc to skip."
But if you skip the next file does the same thing.

Gateway tech support initially said my rescue CD had gone bad ?!? but I
tried a retail version of XP from a friend and it did the same thing. I
tried two CD drives, and replaced the hard drive but no matter what the
file
copy always stops at the same point with both XP cds. I have even used
the
"write zeros to fully erase hard drive" without success. I am pulling my
hair out. Any ideas on what the problem could be?

Failure to install an operating system normally is because of bad hardware.
Common culprits:

1. The cd itself - you've ruled this out.
2. The cd drive
3. RAM
4 Hard drive

Here are some general hardware troubleshooting steps:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Troubleshooting

Testing hardware failures often involves swapping out suspected parts with
known-good parts. If you can't do the testing yourself and/or are
uncomfortable opening your computer, take the machine to a professional
computer repair shop (not your local equivalent of BigStoreUSA). Or if the
machine is still under warranty, call Gateway for replacement/repair.

Malke

 

[Guest]

I did not do anything with the BIOS settings, and tech support actually made
sure these were reset to factory defaults. I HAVE, however, upgraded the
RAM. Should I try to replace or remove the RAM module? Or reinsert my old
module (which I still have)?

 

[--Alias--]

I did not do anything with the BIOS settings, and tech support actually made
sure these were reset to factory defaults. I HAVE, however, upgraded the
RAM. Should I try to replace or remove the RAM module? Or reinsert my old
module (which I still have)?

Good idea.

Alias

 

[Guest]

Last question: If the RAM module is the problem, does that mean the RAM is
defective and should be replaced? Or is it just that I have too much RAM on
the computer and should downgrade from 1 GB to 512 MB? Thanks.

 

[Dave B.]

If the install goes ok with the old RAM, reinstall the new RAM, then
download and run MEMTEST.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Last question: If the RAM module is the problem, does that mean the
RAM is defective and should be replaced? Or is it just that I have
too much RAM on the computer and should downgrade from 1 GB to 512
MB? Thanks.

The former. There's no such thing as "too much memory," as long as your
motherboard and operating system support it. You may not need as much as
1GB, and the second 512MB may not help you at a ll, but it can't possibly
hurt you.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I am attempting to clean install Widows HP Home after my most recent crash.
However, I tried to use the Gateway Operating system rescue CD (which I have
used before without incident) and it continues to have problems copying the
Windows files onto the Hard Drive. Specifically, after reformatting and
partioning the HD, the file copy consistently stops at 75-85%, with the
message that "file ?.dll cannot be copied correctly, press Esc to skip." But
if you skip the next file does the same thing.

Gateway tech support initially said my rescue CD had gone bad ?!? but I
tried a retail version of XP from a friend and it did the same thing. I
tried two CD drives, and replaced the hard drive but no matter what the file
copy always stops at the same point with both XP cds. I have even used the
"write zeros to fully erase hard drive" without success. I am pulling my
hair out. Any ideas on what the problem could be?

Problems copying files or corrupted files during installation are
most often caused by defective, incompatible, or sub-standard hardware
(probably the same defective component that caused the crash in the
first place); in order of likelihood, either RAM, the hard drive, or the
motherboard. On very rare occasions the CD drive or installation CD is
the problem.


--

Bruce Chambers

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[Michael Stevens]

I am attempting to clean install Widows HP Home after my most recent
crash. However, I tried to use the Gateway Operating system rescue CD
(which I have used before without incident) and it continues to have
problems copying the Windows files onto the Hard Drive.
Specifically, after reformatting and partioning the HD, the file copy
consistently stops at 75-85%, with the message that "file ?.dll
cannot be copied correctly, press Esc to skip." But if you skip the
next file does the same thing.

Gateway tech support initially said my rescue CD had gone bad ?!? but
I tried a retail version of XP from a friend and it did the same
thing. I tried two CD drives, and replaced the hard drive but no
matter what the file copy always stops at the same point with both XP
cds. I have even used the "write zeros to fully erase hard drive"
without success. I am pulling my hair out. Any ideas on what the
problem could be?

Your description suggests a hardware malfunction.
If any new hardware was installed, make sure all connections are seated by
checking all hardware physical connections. Sometimes installing a hardware
device will un-seat a currently installed device. When you install a new
hardware card, pushing the card into the slot can cause the motherboard to
flex and unseat other devices.
When installing new hardware, use only enough force to properly insert the
device into the slot.
Also if you have encountered extreme high temperatures due to electrical
outages from the recent hot wave, this can also cause connections to lose
their connectivity.

Open the case and reseat all your hardware.
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Guest]

The problem with memory is that maybe you are trying to use memory that has
faster or slower speed, remember that the combination Chipset/Cpu/Ram has to
work in order for the system to run stable.

What Cpu do you have, what Mobo and what memory are you trying to install,
check the specs, is every one going to work with each other?