Windows XP Pro OEM Setup Loop

G

Guest

I'm trying to install XP Pro on a HDD with Win ME previously on it. I booted
from the CD, re-formatted the HDD in NTFS, let it do it's thing, copied
files, etc, and it tells me it will re-boot and continue installation after
the reboot. Problem is that once it re-boots, it starts over from the
beginning, and this loop continues.

Instead of re-formatting (AGAIN!) in NTFS format, I tried the other options
(FAT32 and leaving the setings alone, etc.) and the loop continues. What am
I doing wrong???
 
C

Carey Frisch [MVP]

To work around this behavior, do not press a key when
Windows XP Setup restarts your computer.

Windows XP Setup Restarts the Setup Program When Your Computer Restarts
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;826976

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| I'm trying to install XP Pro on a HDD with Win ME previously on it. I booted
| from the CD, re-formatted the HDD in NTFS, let it do it's thing, copied
| files, etc, and it tells me it will re-boot and continue installation after
| the reboot. Problem is that once it re-boots, it starts over from the
| beginning, and this loop continues.
|
| Instead of re-formatting (AGAIN!) in NTFS format, I tried the other options
| (FAT32 and leaving the setings alone, etc.) and the loop continues. What am
| I doing wrong???
 
G

Guest

Very close. Unfortunately, If since I have re-formatted the HDD so many
times, there is nothing for the system to go on is there isn't a bootable
disk in the CD-ROM drive.

Any other suggestions??? I'm Desperate!
 
C

Carey Frisch [MVP]

The Windows XP CD is bootable and contains all the tools necessary
to partition and format your drive. Follow this procedure and allow
Windows XP to partition and format your drive:

NOTE: It would be best to physically disconnect all your peripheral hardware
devices, except the monitor, mouse and keyboard, before installing XP.

NOTE: If you have an internal Zip Drive installed, physically disconnect the
EIDE and power cable to it before proceeding, otherwise your main
hard drive may not be assigned the customary C: drive letter.
After installing Windows XP, you may then reconnect it.

1. Open your BIOS and set your "CD Drive as the first bootable device".

===> Accessing Motherboard BIOS
===> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

2. Insert your Windows XP CD in the CD Drive and reboot your computer.
3. You'll see a message to boot to the CD....follow the instructions.
4. The setup menu will appear and you should elect to delete all the existing
Windows partitions, then create a new partition, then format the primary
partition (preferably NTFS) and proceed to install Windows XP.

5. Clean Install Windows XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]

6. ==> Immediately after installing Windows XP, turn on XP's Firewall.
==> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

7. After Windows XP is installed, visit the Windows Update website
and download the available "Critical Updates".

8. After installing the critical updates, be sure and visit the support website
of the manufacturer of the computer to download and install any
available Windows XP compatible drivers, such as video adapter
and audio drivers.

9. If you happen to run into any installation difficulties, use the following resources:

How to Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;310064

Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Kelly Theriot]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| Very close. Unfortunately, If since I have re-formatted the HDD so many
| times, there is nothing for the system to go on is there isn't a bootable
| disk in the CD-ROM drive.
|
| Any other suggestions??? I'm Desperate!
|
|
| "Carey Frisch [MVP]" wrote:
|
| > To work around this behavior, do not press a key when
| > Windows XP Setup restarts your computer.
| >
| > Windows XP Setup Restarts the Setup Program When Your Computer Restarts
| > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;826976
| >
| > --
| > Carey Frisch
| > Microsoft MVP
| > Windows XP - Shell/User
| >
| > Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
| > http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx
| >
| > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| >
| > "DrBundy" wrote:
| >
| > | I'm trying to install XP Pro on a HDD with Win ME previously on it. I booted
| > | from the CD, re-formatted the HDD in NTFS, let it do it's thing, copied
| > | files, etc, and it tells me it will re-boot and continue installation after
| > | the reboot. Problem is that once it re-boots, it starts over from the
| > | beginning, and this loop continues.
| > |
| > | Instead of re-formatting (AGAIN!) in NTFS format, I tried the other options
| > | (FAT32 and leaving the setings alone, etc.) and the loop continues. What am
| > | I doing wrong???
| >
 
D

D.Currie

You need to boot from the CD to start it, but when it reboots, you don't
press the key or you start from the beginning, as you said it's doing. When
it reboots, it has enough to boot from the hard drive and continue the
install.
 

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