[Windows XP setup crashes before eula]

Hi, before i start, i would like to tell you that this is my first time on this site and i like it very much. You guys do a great job here.

I've always been able to solve any problems by my self, as you know google is your friend, but a few dys ago i encountered a problem that puzzles me, and i havent been able to figure it out.

the big picture is this, i assembled a new pc from parts, and i can't install windows xp on it.

the specs are like this:

- Motherboard a7v600-x bios version 1007
- amd athlon xp proceson 2200+ set to 1800mhz from bios
- 1024 mb ram: 2x256 mb and 1x512 mb all ddr 333 mhz
- i have 3 hdd of 40,60,80 gb, i used the one of 40 gb ata133
- geforce fx5500 128 mb agp8x
- no other addin card no other pci card, all pci slots are free

The pc works fine, detects everything in bios, i installed windows 98 and ME without a flaw on it. No errors no nothing. i could install any device, sound network, video, i played warcraft 3 just fine.

But when i try to install windows xp, setup crashes before eula, at the "Setup is starting windows" screen. Nothing responds on the keyboard and the only solution is the reset button.
- I've tried many windows cd's, thought there was something wrong with cd.
- I've tried installing with clean formated hdd.
- I've tried an upgrade instalation from windows 98
- I've tried installing after i copied the the kit to the hard drive (with winnt.exe) i booted a win98se cd, formated c: drive, loaded smartdrv.exe, then copyed the i386 dir to d: drive and winnt.exe from it), setup copyes the files to hdd and then after reboot the same problem, crash at "Setup is loading windows" screen)
- I've disabled from bios sound, network, usb devices and tried again but still the same problem.
- after many other attempts the last thing i tried was this: one of my pals has a pc with the very exact same specs, a7v600-x, 2200+ athlon xp, 1024 mb ram, geforce fx 5500. so i went and got his hdd and connected it to my pc. The result was this: windows wouldn't start, after POST i see only a blank screen, and only reset can "cure" it , and in safe mode( i can select safe mode) the pc locks when loading "TDI.sys" and again only reset button can cure that. After many attempts i gave up and i went to my pals place, i put back the hdd in his pc, and what do you know, it worked just fine.

i don't know what else to do, so if you can suggest something/anything it would be a big help.

p.s. please excuse my english, i'm still learing

 

Hi,
Try the install using one stick of RAM at a time (or get your friend's drive and test it using each stick of RAM). Also investigate the different slots. Read the motherboard manual about memory, it may state to put the modules in certain arrangements (maybe, the largest in slot #1)

Borrow your friend's RAM modules and try those in the same arrangement he has them.

Also consider using his graphics card.

Matt