Weird formatting issue

So, I just tried to format my PC for the first time in a while. Whenever I try to format, the CD boots up, and it says "Setup is configuring your hardware" or something like that, I can't remember the exact phrase. But from there, it just goes to a blank black screen and sits there. I've tried numerous copies of XP - I know they work, I've used them to format other PC's recently. Does anyone have any idea why this might be happening? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

Hi,
There may be a piece of hardware present that Windows cannot identify. Remove any added hardware (including PCI cards) and try then.

Could it be a SATA drive that requires the SATA Controller drivers to be installed at the beginning of setup (F6)?

Matt
PS If you have more than one HDD installed, I suggest you remove/disconnect the second HDD until after Windows has been installed.

 

Since I bought the PC, I haven't put any new hardware in it. Only 1 HDD too. Tried taking out the PCI cards and that didn't work... I'm stumped.

 

Thanks a lot, guys. I actually tried what TonyT recommended and it still didn't work. I borrowed a friend's external, put all of my data on it, and completely wiped the drive. Put windows back on, then installed Ubuntu after that. Everything works great and dual boots nicely... What I don't get, though, is before I installed Linux again, I tried to format with just Windows on the HD, and I got the same thing. It doesn't go past the black screen unless the drive has been completely wiped before hand. Doesn't make much sense, but oh well, problem's been resolved and I'm happy. Although I would like to know why this happens... It makes formatting a real pain.