windows xp install problem

[danusthemanus]

I just built my first computer and am trying for the first time to install windows xp home edition. I'm having a similar situation with the computer listing all the pci information (which at this point is none) and ending up at the bottom of the screen telling me to put the cd in. I put in the cd but nothing happens. I try without the cd and nothing. well, in both cases "nothing" means the thing just recycles. I've turned it on and off and the same thing happens. I think I've done something wrong.

I'm no expert, but I have reinstalled windows on computers and I thought installing the first time on a new HD would be easy. Can anyone tell me what I might be doing wrong? I am ignorant enough to ask this: Does the HD have to be the master or the slave?

Is there a "simple" document I can get to install? I went to microsoft website and each "how to" page has links and it gets confusing.



Thanks for any help.

[pam123]

Go into the bios and check that the cd-rom is first in the boot order.
You should find the boot order under Advanced BIOS Features, and any other BIOS info will be in your motherboard manual.
If the hard drive is PATA it should be on IDE 1 and it can be jumpered to master or cable select (If it's a Western Digital drive then there is no jumper used if it's on as master alone).
If it's an SATA drive there are no jumpers to worry about but some motherboards require that you use a specific SATA connector ( check your manual).
From your description I'm a little confused though.
If by nothing you mean it goes to POST and stays there, then try the boot order suggestion.
If the computer is constantly restarting then you've got a hardware glitch and you need to give us your specs. In fact you should do that any way.

[danusthemanus]

I'll be back pam123

[danusthemanus]

I got the boot order correct and got thecd to format the partition but when it goes into the second phase which is the copying of files, many files cannot be copied and I have to bypass them to continue.

Correct me if I am wrong, but when you put together the physical components of a computer, isn't the operating system (in this case Windows xp home edition) installation the first thing that has to be done?

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by danusthemanus Correct me if I am wrong, but when you put together the physical components of a computer, isn't the operating system (in this case Windows xp home edition) installation the first thing that has to be done?

Yes it is. Some items to double check: Is this a true holographic XP disk or a copy? Do you have any peripheral devices connected to usb connectors? Do you have the front case usb wires connected to the mobo? If any of these connections or peripherals are connected, disconnect them before you try to install XP.

[pam123]

1. Specs!
2. Yes the OS is installed first and no it should not be allowing you to bypass anything.
A description of what it is you're doing and where (in the install) would help.

[danusthemanus]

Originally Posted by Panama Red Yes it is. Some items to double check: Is this a true holographic XP disk or a copy? Do you have any peripheral devices connected to usb connectors? Do you have the front case usb wires connected to the mobo? If any of these connections or peripherals are connected, disconnect them before you try to install XP.

I am using the original holographic copy I bought. Hey, it finally installed! Only one problem. I had to hit esc and bypass some files that would not copy. Everything seems to be OK now, but I'm worried something will go wrong because of these uncopied files.

PS can I buff the disk? It may have gotten scratched.

[pam123]

Something's wrong somewhere.
If the disk is a recent purchase call up Microsoft, or the on-line retailer you got it from, and arrange an exchange.
That's a much better idea than buffing the disk.

[glc]

It sounds to me like you may have defective ram on your hands. You need to test it.

www.memtest.org