XP installation problem

[chatelainjw]

I'm attempting to install XP Pro on a new build, and it's not cooperating. My system: Asus 87V8X, Athlon XP 2100, 512Kingston, Asus 52-24-52 CD-RW, WD 40G HD, floppy..etc.

First, I used a Windows 98 boot disk to partion and format my HD. I used one partion all C: After that I get it to boot from CD-ROM, it goes through the initial file copying, then restarts. Then it boots from the Hard Drive, the XP screen comes on...it loads...then I get a nice menu screen...and then an error message pops up saying:

Error: blah blah Invalid Parameter D:\i386 ...blah

Setup cannot continue....hit enter and it restarts.

I've even tried using the XP boot disks before booting from the CD, and still same thing. However, I did notice something in the 'boot disk prompts' saying that my CD-RW has been named with letters starting with R ? Not sure what all that was, but anyway, I could use some help :P

:confused:

Thanks in advance.

[crjdriver]

Some thoughts you might try.
Minimum install; just video card, ram, hd, and floppy. Add other cards after you are up and running.
Test your ram with a memory tester such as this one http://simmtester.com./
Prior to installing enter the bios and load fail safe defaults. See if there is a bios update that addresses any install problems.
Have you tried coping the i386 folder to your hd and install from there? If you do this, you will need smartdrv.exe either on the hd or floppy.

[sleepypost]

looks like maybe its reading a D:/ partition even though you dont have one. Are you sure you selected to install in the Fresh C:/ partition?

[chatelainjw]

I'll check out the Asus website to see about bios updates, concerning installations. Guess I'll have to try copying the i389 folder to hd as last resort. Although, not sure how to do that with DOS.

Yeah, I definately did the install on C.

Maybe I should just try re-partitioning, and make a c and d drive.

I was also thinking that maybe the CD itself is bad... gonna try to get hold of another XP CD, and try that too.

*sigh* Three days since build, and still not up and running..oh well, guess it'll get figured out.

Thanks for the help guys :)v

[Confused]

Really no need to use a WIN98 boot disk to format and partition prior to loading as XP will do it all.

You might try a zero fill of the HD and then boot from the XP CD and let it do the partitioning and formatting.
Chas