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

[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.