My computer hangs in each the last 3 attempts to format and reload XP.

[hampsha]

I'm writing this for my dad (his username is 'wumply') as he cannot contact you.

Details of the problem: These 3 attempts were made using the retail version of the disc that was used by the dealer from whom my dad bought his computer. This route of repair was chosen because my dad was getting cofnstant error messages. On the first try, XP did install but NAV screwed though a 2nd. install worked. Eudora installed OK. ICQ install resulted in several error messages and he was unable to delete it and start over. It also would not send messages. Constantly, at this point, he got "Windows Explorer has encountered an error and must close." Well, he made 3 more identical attempts, reformatting each time. Each time the old partition deleted successfully and the new partition came off just fine. Each time Setup would start. BUT each time when there were 9 minutes left to go in Setup, things would hang. I waited 10 minutes here each time; the HD showed no activity; only the blurbs extolling XP kept recycling.

What can my dad try now? I will phone him with your response.

[phishhead]

I would go into the bios change it to the defaults or safe mode settings. also make sure the acpi is disabled in the bios this had me for a loop for hours. you can also take out all the cards leaving only the video, harddrive, cdrom in and see if xp will install if it does put each card in 1 by 1 and see if that helps...do you have any system specs for us might help like cpu, mobo, etc. also how many sticks of ram could be a ram issue might want to try memtest to test the sticks. and lastly what kinda temps are you looking at on idle.

[Conan]

It sounds like a memory related error. Can you post the complete system specs.?

[egghead]

good advice phishhead

that is exactly what i would do

also check the xp cd surface to see if any scratches

[efc]

I had similar problem today. Tried to install xp over an old install. Then deleted a Linux partition and the NTFS partition, created new partition formated and attempted install again. Tried the last method a second time. Nothing worked.

I finally went to Western Digital site and downloaded their utility to write 1's and 0's. Ran it. Created new partition and formated. No problems with the install.

Every hard drive manufacturer has a utility to accomplish the 1's/0's operation.

[zipp51]

Sounds hardware related such as memory as Conan suggested.If there are any usb devices connected I would disconnect them as this has caused similar problems upon reinstalling for me.Reseat the memory module for better contact in the slot.While your at it reseat all cards and cables.Make sure any Lan connections are unplugged also.Try Phishheads bios suggestion,that had me hanging up for a while also.Also not mentioned is the power supply which if all else fails,usually is the culprit. Oh and welcome to Techzones Hampsha,and tell your dad I hope he gets it fixed so he can come back to the forum soon.

[wumply]

Hi Phish, Conan, Eghead and EFC...and anyone else who has happened to read this thread!!! (Conan, I've a question for you in this email.)

It is April 22 and I am back online after a week off it. I thank you all for your input. A note: Being without a computer is H___!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enough to make me thinking about having an inexpensive spare or perhaps used one--I'd need only the tower.

Zipp 51: appreciated your kind words and your welcoming my son. Made me feel good.

Conan: When you asked for complete specs, were those specs you listed in blue (which my son failed to mention or forward to me via a friend's computer) an example of what you wanted...or what? If not, what exact specs were you suggesting I supply?

Phish...I started off with your ideas because you were at the top of the various answers and pretty specific. But they did not work. My computer still hung on each of 3 tries when it got through the first 30 minutes or so of the Windows setup (afer the format.)

At this point--4 full days had passed--I gave up, bit the bullet and took it to a repair place. His diagnosis was either a damagaed CPU or a damaged motherboard. After he checked further (by trying a new mobo and a new CPU), he determined the motherboard needed to be replaced. It was: it cost $90 and labor was $60 (an hour and a half). So now I have 4 UPC ports whereas before I was using a hub. (I have 1 firewire in my sound card.) Still have lots of programs to reload.

Cheers...wumply.

[Conan]

Conan: When you asked for complete specs, were those specs you listed in blue (which my son failed to mention or forward to me via a friend's computer) an example of what you wanted...or what? If not, what exact specs were you suggesting I supply?

Glad you were able to make it back Wumply! My specs in blue are listed for informational purposes. I did not expect something as concise but a general listing of processor, motherboard and memory type/amount.