can't install windows xp home

[hobey19]

I am working on a friends computer, specs:

AMD Athlon 1800+
256MB RAM
40GB HD
edit: Mobo is a Biostart M7VIZ

I am trying to do a standard nuke and pave, but I keep getting an error after it formats and starts loading files:

The file glfm32.dll was not copied correctly. The file Setup placed on your hard drive is not a valid Windows XP system image. If you are installing from a CD, there may be a problem with the Windows XP CD. To retry, press ENTER. If you continue to receive this message, contact your Windows XP supplier or system administrator. To skip this file, press ESC. CAUTION: If you skip this file, Setup may not complete and Windows XP may not work properly. To quit Setup, press F3. Enter=Retry ESC=Skip Files F3=Quit

I first tried a different disc, and it gave me the same thing, albeit a different dll file. I then swapped in a different optical drive, same thing. Hard Drive swap, same thing.

I then swapped psu's. He had a turbolink that came w/ the case and i had an extra Antec lying around. It got significantly further this time (~60% loading files) but gave me the same error with Shell32.dll.

I am currently running memtest to rule that out, as i don't have any extra memory here.

I am at my wit's end with this one, so i am hoping someone on here has some suggestions

thanks
craig

edit: it passed memtest all the way through with no errors. I have found this document (http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;257954) on Microsoft that still points to it being memory. since stores won't open for another hour or two, i will just have to wait unless any of you have any ideas

[rcvalencia09]

Try to flash the BIOS. Download it from the Mobo manufacturers website.

[perkster]

maybe try it with one of your memory sticks in iof you can at a time see if it is one of them causing a problem

[hobey19]

rcvalencia - just tried that and it did the same thing

perkster - there is only one 256mb stick. i am in limbo until my local shop opens (10:30 local time, so about 1.25hrs) so i will go grab a 512mb stick then.

i am almost 100% sure its the ram based on everything i read. i am really hoping its not the mobo, because the computer was functioning fine when she gave it to me, she just wanted it wiped, so i will feel pretty bad if thats the case

craig

[hobey19]

update: bought a 512mb stick of ram, and its still the same problem. only thing left is the mobo so i guess i will be swapping that out soon

craig

[Negeva]

These problems are normally down to RAM and Hard-Drives; though I've seen dirty Disks and Optical drives cause a few problems to.

When you used the 512 stick of RAM did you remove the 256 stick? If not try it with only the new 512 in.

Scan the hdd for any errors, check the cables too.

[hobey19]

i only used the 512 stick, no dice.

as for the optical and hard drives, those were the first two things tried

craig

[hobey19]

just as an update, the she has elected to get a new computer since this one was wanting in the power department. thanks for the help everyone

craig

[kev7555]

A little late but I had this same problem with a brand new build and it turned out to be a defective motherboard right out of the box.

I went the same route as you did, replaced everything but the board when it was the source of the problem all along. It did real weird stuff. the system would install from the windows disk, no problem. then it would fail; to run certain applications (Nero, for instance). I would do a repair install of Windows and I would get the file not copied properly like you did.

Good luck,

-Kev

[hobey19]

well, i have just been informed that the onboard NIC has been going in and out for the last few weeks, so i think that pretty much confirms it.

they don't want the system anymore, so i am going to try to install linux on it to see if it works. obviously nothing important will be kept on there, its more just to see if the system can still be used

thanks for the help everyone
craig

[kev7555]

Without a new mainboard (if that is indeed the problem) you are likely in for more hair-pulling then success...