Compaq 6730S Issue installing OS

Good afternoon, I'm having an issue with a Compaq 6730S laptop. When I attempt to install Windows XP, 100 percent of the time the files copy over to the harddrive and right at 4 to 5 percent into the install the unit locks solid and I have to press and hold the power button in order to shut the unit off. I placed the machine into diagnostics mode and let it run for 10 hrs. with no locking issues what so ever. The memory, drive, fan and system board all passed diagnostics. I'd like to note the drive was replaced last week. It appears that when the cpu is called upon, the unit locks solid.
Any input would be appreciated.

 

Go into the BIOS (startup configuration settings), check that the new HDD appears to be recognised properly (maybe under the heading of System Information, but the HDD may not be listed anywhere). The main thing is to Save and Exit, so that any updated information will be saved.

In the BIOS, you can also select Defaults (or similar wording).

Which version of Windows are you using? Your own or Compaq's? The HP computers I have worked on (not for a while now) would only install from a HP installation disk. The last Compaq laptop I worked on (5000 series I think), seemed to be able to install a MS version, but I still used the Compaq disk.

Did you make a set of Recovery CDs when the original HDD was installed? You should be able to use them on the new HDD.

What was wrong with the old HDD? Is it "broken "?

I suggest you go to the HP website
www.hp.com/support
Look up your model and see if they have information about how to change or upgrade your HDD. What might be quicker is to read in your User Guide (you can download it at the HP website if you can't find it). The User Guide often has information about changing or upgrading the HDD.

Is the installation disk CD clean and free of scratches?

Let us know the answers to those questions and we might be able give you more information.

Matt
PS Did you use Windows to format the new HDD or a third-party program?

 

Matt,
I'm actually repairing the unit for a fellow at work. I was told the drive was replaced last week. The Windows CD is my own and not an actual HP CD.
I will check the bios and website today and post accordingly.