Set-up not copying random .sys files

I've been using this version of XP Home for a few years. There's been a couple of times when I've had to re-run the install function to iron out a few kinks, but this latest time something is not right.

Every time it gets to the point in the set-up where it copies files from the CD to the hard-drive (before the first time it re-starts the computer) I get a message telling me that it's failed to copy one of the .sys files. The last error message told me that it couldn't copy "apmb20am.sys" to "C:z$WIN_NT$~BT\ampb20am.sys ", although which .sys file it is is different every time (although it's always a string of letters and numbers, and a search of the internet finds no mention of any of them).

There's the option to cancel the set-up, or to skip the file and carry on. If you try carrying on, then the computer re-starts as it should, offers you the choice of entering Set-up or booting XP. If you choose Set-up, then it tells you that it's failed because it can't find, in this case, "ampb20am.sys ".

The CD isn't damaged in any way. Not only is there no visible damage to it whatsoever, but all it's been doing since the last time I used it is sitting in an unopened box with all my other system discs.

It's driving me spare. Can anyone help?

 

Try ejecting the disk and put it back in and wait till you hear it spin-up before you click retry. Sometimes it’s as simple as that.

 

No, this is something that's happened on multiple occasions over the last month or so. In no way is it an isolated incident.

 

Sorry? Isolated? You must have missed my point. Sometimes the CD stops during an install of Windows and does not spin-up again when needed. One of my test rigs does it regularly, but not always. I’ve seen it on other machines and I can’t tell you why it happens. Maybe something to do with the CD drive getting older.

 

Oh, you mean eject it when it says that it can't load it in, rather than eject it and start from the beginning again? Sorry, I completely misunderstood you there.

I'll give that a go, thanks.

 

Nope, that doesn't help. In fact, from how quickly the error message disappears and comes back, it doesn't even look like it checks the CD. It does, however, launch the Autorun again while still in set-up.

 

Oh, you’re doing this from inside Windows. I always install by booting off the CD so can’t really say if what I suggested would apply this way. Try waiting till the autorun pops up then close it and then click retry.

 

Have you tried going to start - run and typing sfc /scannow.

 

Ah, thank you. I feel like a right numpty, now. Every time I do a repair install I end up doing it by booting from the CD and every time I come to do it again I forget that you can and that it's better to. It's worked now.

I swear I'm too young to go senile yet.

Thanks, I'll have a go at that, too, just in case.