Intel boot agent causes "Error loading operating system"?

I'm try to install XP pro on my bro's machine, 80 gig Maxtor HD. with the XP CD I have deleted all the partions, then created new partitions, formated and started the installation of XP but as soon as it reboots the first time it stops with the error - "Error loading operating system "

I'm assuming this Intel boot agent program is causing this error, I have never seen this program before. during start up, right after it detects drives, it says press Ctrl & S to access Intel boot agent program.
is there any way to work around this or get rid of it?

 

Sorry I posted this in the wrong place, thought I backed out of the sp2 questions.

I got rid of the "Intel boot agent" by removing the NIC but still getting the error msg.

edit note: moved from SP2 section to XP main section. Newt

 

I used the max blast cd to clean HD and create new partions, it added DDO, now trying to install XP, when it reboots the first time it stops with error, "NTLDR is missing "

any suggestions?

 

take a look at:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=318728

 

It already has the last BIOS update made in 2000.
It's an Apollo AV11, maybe not compatable with XP?