1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Problem reinstalling windows XP

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by Drkknight645, 2008/10/19.

  1. 2008/10/19
    Drkknight645

    Drkknight645 Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2008/10/19
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hey i'm trying to help a friend reinstall XP from scrach. I pop the disk in and get the "Press any key to boot from CD" message and hit enter. Then a message flashes across the screen for less than a second saying something like setup is checking system then the screen goes black and just sits there.
     
    Drkknight645,
    #1
  2. 2008/10/19
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    Drkknight645 - Welcome to WindowsBBS :)

    Is this a retail install CD, a copy or an OEM CD which came with the computer?

    Have you checked the CD for cleanliness or any damage?

    Try booting from the CD in another computer and see if the behaviour is replicated - you can quit the install at any stage without affecting the existing install.

    If the CD boots on another computer maybe a problem with the CD on the computer on which you are trying to install XP.

    Would be useful to know why you are making a fresh install of XP - were there problems on the computer and, if so, what were they?
     
    PeteC,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2008/10/19
    Drkknight645

    Drkknight645 Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2008/10/19
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Ok lets see here....

    The Windows Xp CD is brand new, free of dust dirt and scraches, i tried running it on there laptop and it worked fine.

    Um. Im not really sure the problem she was having before but i'll describe what i know.

    Everytime she tried to start windows it would let to the "loading bar" screen and then it would just leave her on what she called a "Gray screen" so she tried to use the Cds that came with the comp to reformat, and got an error something about NsTs not found or something.

    And thats all i really know
     
    Drkknight645,
    #3
  5. 2008/10/20
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    It seems like you've got bad hard disk. I would get the hard disk manufacturers diagnostic tool and run a check. Those tools are run off a bootable floppy.

    You could "nuke" the hard disk by downloading and adding DELPART to a bootable floppy. When you run DELPART, make sure that no other hard disks are connected. It will remove everything on the hard disk and doing it to the wrong one doesn't make you happy. When done, try the Windows XP CD and hopefully it will work. If not, get a new hard disk.

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #4
  6. 2008/10/20
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    PeteC,
    #5
  7. 2008/10/20
    Drkknight645

    Drkknight645 Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2008/10/19
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    So is there some way i can check the Mfg of the HD with our opening it up. (i know what i'm doing in there but she dont trust me)
     
    Drkknight645,
    #6
  8. 2008/10/20
    Centurion

    Centurion Inactive

    Joined:
    2007/01/23
    Messages:
    69
    Likes Received:
    1
    Everest will Identifier everything in your computer, I think i would try another Cd rom drive first.. Or run a cleaner disk through it...
     
    Centurion,
    #7
  9. 2008/10/20
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    Device Manager will often give sufficient info - if you can't interpret it just Google for the designation listed.

    Otherwise Everest as posted above.
     
    PeteC,
    #8
  10. 2008/10/20
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    ... makes me believe he/she doesn't get far enough to use neither Device Manager nor Everest.

    It's possible that the hard disk is listed on the screen during the BIOS boot sequence. You have to be quick, though.

    Telling is optional ... ;) ... !

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #9
  11. 2008/10/20
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    So right - another Senior Moment :(
     
    PeteC,
    #10

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...