PC corrupting HDDs?

Tpex

Tpex

Teh Cyber Ninja
Joined
Sep 4, 2008
Messages
18,265
Reaction score
4,707
Location
UK
I'm trying to setup a PC for my mom a IBM Thinkcenter, and it keeps freezing and failing to install XP.
I have tried with 2 different versions and 2 different HDD (that work perfectly), and it either can't find files on the CD when copying, or when it gets to the part where the 32bit GUI comes up and XP starts to setup, it freezes (randomly). I have tried copying the files across on my PC then letting it setup on the IBM but it doesn't even see it, then thinks the 80gb HDD is 40gb.

Got it from a friend who was trying to do the same thing, he thought the HDD was broken, but I have a feeling its something to do with the IDE bus?
 
Well, first things first. Is the CD an original CD or a copy. Used to have similar issues when using copied disks. Otherwise RAM has proven problematic in this line as well.

Step 1: If CD is copy, find original
Step 2: Run memtest to check RAM is OK.
Step 3: Replace IDE cables.
Step 4: Put HDD's in a different machine and run scan tools from manufacturers.
Step 5: Find new machine, or at least spend money testing things like MOBO. Easy step forward would be to load an Ubuntu LiveCD, and run the machine for a few hours on the CD. If all runs good, you can isolate it down to HDD
 
South_Bit said:
Might be your RAM.
Click to expand...

graviti said:
Well, first things first. Is the CD an original CD or a copy. Used to have similar issues when using copied disks. Otherwise RAM has proven problematic in this line as well.

Step 1: If CD is copy, find original
Step 2: Run memtest to check RAM is OK.
Step 3: Replace IDE cables.
Step 4: Put HDD's in a different machine and run scan tools from manufacturers.
Step 5: Find new machine, or at least spend money testing things like MOBO. Easy step forward would be to load an Ubuntu LiveCD, and run the machine for a few hours on the CD. If all runs good, you can isolate it down to HDD
Click to expand...
Thanks, CD is a copy but it works perfectly on all the other PCs I have used it on. if its the RAM then its hopeless, its uses some old stuff.
 
Its your optical drive.

I had the same problem, swapped the optical drive and it was sorted.
 
Try resetting your BIOS to the defaults and try again - had this before on a PC with XP installation ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X