Cannot install Win XP :(

Hi there,

I\'ve encountered an unique problem for in that my rig refuses to install XP. The problem I\'m having is during set up - I usually get a message saying that it cannot find a particular dll file. After several times it always seem to be a different file it cannot locate.

I thought it was the disk at first but attmepting to install Win2K results in the same issues.

I\'ve tried both CD/DVD roms both appear to be in order although they are both on the same channel so I need to try them independently and with a diff data cable which could be the issue.

I\'m also getting numerous blue screens which would appear to be driver related as the error is normally driver related.

I\'m just wondering if a duff CPU might be the issue? Would this cause such issues in trying to locate files.

The computer was a tad flakey before I tried to re - install windows which was actually my reason for doing a clean install.

I\'ve never in my life had an issue like this so I\'m a bit stuck!! Please help!!

Reset the BIOS and/or replace the CMOS battery.

If the BIOS isn\'t matching up to or is \'forgetting\' the hardware in your computer you can get these issues.

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Originally Posted by kalniel

Reset the BIOS and/or replace the CMOS battery.

If the BIOS isn't matching up to or is 'forgetting' the hardware in your computer you can get these issues.

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ok mate i'll give that go - cheers for the advice, I'm also wondering if a dodgy stick of ram might cause these sorts of issues?

Yup, bad ram can also do this - try checking with memtest86 (doesn't need to be installed, can boot/run from floppy or CD) - but you need your BIOS to be working correctly before you can test the RAM properly.

i've seen windows installs do this on bad motherboards, memory, etc. Not with XP or 2K, but did happen with Win95/98/ME

Happened a few times to me in the past. Things to look for :
1. Dodgy memory
2. Overclocked motherboard - reset to default while installing XP, then overclock
3. Broke motherboard

Good luck :)

Had the annoying DLL file missing lark and its always come down to slight scratched on the CD's. Get it a lot at work when we were using them to build the RIS images. Try checking the media, if thats not it its what others have suggested so far :)

Yup, as Grey said, scratched CDs can also cause this type of issue - if you have a couple of windows disks, alternate betweeen them if they are all scratched :P

Thanks for all the replies people, I think I've id'ed the prob as a dodgy memory stich (have got some on it's way just to be 100%)

Again thanks for all your help - will reply later just to make sure it was the ram!!

Also, try using a different CDrom / DVDrom. Worth a try mate as the old one may be on its way out.

As a matter of interest, what hard drive are you trying to install to? Is it SCSI, SATA or bog standard single IDE? Did you use a drive utility to set it up before installing the OS?