Cant install XP

[Plasticmonkey]

hey guys, ive been having some trouble with my secondary pc. I cant seem to format it.

I pop in the xp cd, and it goes through the initial pre install process, (partition hdd, and copying files), but when it restarts fo install XP it gives this msg: "error loading operating system" and the whole process starts over.

Ive tried changing the boot devices, and tried several XP cd's, no luck.

Any help, suggestions?

 

[PostmanPot]

I've had a similar problem I think.

To rectify it, I used a GParted (Linux proggie) boot disc and used it to format the drive to NTFS.

After that, Windows XP install was a breeze.

 

[|tera|]

Yep, you could do what Postman said, or just take the HDD out and put it in the primary pc, do a complete format and try again

 

[wcoetzee]

yes a good fdisk will work as wel
http://www.bootdisk.com/

 

[LazyLion]

But don't use Ranish partition Manager... XP does not like the way it formats hard disks.

 

[HavocXphere]

Delete the partions using the XP install then recreate them and then format using the non-quick format (I think its does even give you a choice). Should have the same effect.

Doesn't sound like a partition problem though since its managing to copy files. If you previously had an older OS running on the PC then check the BIOS for something related to plug-n-play OS. Switch this off.

Use an SP2 integrated XP.

Also run some memory tests (memtest86) and harddrive tests (spinrite).

If all the tests are clean and nothing works then remove everything none essential from the PC before installing (Audio, LAN etc).

/My money is on memory issues