Win XP install problem

[doubledragon5]

Hi everyone I have a BIG problem with installing Win XP on my kids pc. I was in the middle of installing Win XP on their system when I received a message saying [The file shell32.dll was not copied correctly . The file placed on your hard drive is not a valid windows XP system image,if you are installing from a cd their may be a problem with the windows xp cd.] Now the funny thing about this problem is this is the second XP cd I have been trying to install on their system The first cd I tried did the same thing but I chose to ignore the warning and finishing installing xp anyway, but when I was done I got all sorts of errors where every time I tried to open a program of folder I would be told their was an internal error and would have to shut down. I was copying over win 98 se I also tried to do a clean install and received the same message. Question has any one had this same error message installing xp and if so what is it and what to do about it. This is a oem version and Microsoft does not support it. I tried to install it on my first dell system and had the same problems as I am having now. Is it me or did microsoft make a bunch of these disk with the same messed up file. Any help would be nice I hope someone who is microsoft certified will read this also and give me some advice. Thanks everyone and have a great weekend.

[Rancher]

Originally posted by doubledragon5 Hi everyone I have a BIG problem with installing Win XP on my kids pc. I was in the middle of installing Win XP on their system when I received a message saying [The file shell32.dll was not copied correctly . The file placed on your hard drive is not a valid windows XP system image,if you are installing from a cd their may be a problem with the windows xp cd.] Now the funny thing about this problem is this is the second XP cd I have been trying to install on their system The first cd I tried did the same thing but I chose to ignore the warning and finishing installing xp anyway, but when I was done I got all sorts of errors where every time I tried to open a program of folder I would be told their was an internal error and would have to shut down. I was copying over win 98 se I also tried to do a clean install and received the same message. Question has any one had this same error message installing xp and if so what is it and what to do about it. This is a oem version and Microsoft does not support it. I tried to install it on my first dell system and had the same problems as I am having now. Is it me or did microsoft make a bunch of these disk with the same messed up file. Any help would be nice I hope someone who is microsoft certified will read this also and give me some advice. Thanks everyone and have a great weekend.

Yes I have got that one and others from time to time. I have been wrighting down the failed to install file & copying it to the correct folder. This rarely happens with a brand new cdrom but 32X and older can mess up an otherwise nice day

[alexmacdonald]

I've had this error on many a XP install and every time it was bad memory or cheap memory, try 1 stick of memory re install, if it doesnt work try another stick, if you have to and you have good memory in your pc, than use it for the install and then switch it back.

[Strider]

I also agree that it might be a bad memory chip, for I recently ran into almost the same problem you're experiencing now.

[doubledragon5]

does anyone now a good program for testing memory?

[doubledragon5]

Hi all I think I figured out what the problems is, this is a long shot though I downloaded a program that will test the memory and it checked out ok so what I did was another clean install and still get the same message and I found 6 more files that give me the same message. I think because it was sent from dell they install these files so as to prevent people from loading their os on to another non dell computer. If this fails I think by not installing the files the system might work, I am giving the option of hitting the esc button to not install these files so when I'm done with the first install I will try the other way if this one fails. What I don't understand is this if you look at the disk it looks like one you would by in the store, also I have had experience in the past where if you try to install an oem os on a non oem pc the disk would not install because it will tell you that it is not a supported pc. Any thought on this would be appreciated Thanks and have a nice day

[Strider]

Boy, that sure sounds like a memory problem, but if you have a program that says it is ok, then it must be something else. How old is your computer? If it's older that 1 1/2 to 2 years old, it might need a bios upgrade? Have you check your computer to see if it is windows xp upgradable?

[alexmacdonald]

The XP disc is ok, OEM and retail disks are identical, like i said i've had this problem many times and it was always bad (broken) or cheap (useless) memory, after replacing the memory everything works fine. And it has always been Kensington Value Ram that was dodgy. Try some good (ie. crucial, mushkin) memory and see if it works. Windows XP is very particular about memory and doesnt seem to like cheap stuff. It's a real bad idea to skip the files to force the install, and you will probably find different files get skipped on each install. It's also impossible for the disk to know you have a Dell. The only way for this to be a problem is if the bios is locked to 1 OS, therefore the disc wont be the problem.

[Rancher]

Try another cdrom, or mark the the failed to copy file & install later in correct folder; the fail to copy "to" line is important to note. Winxp manages memory much better then win98, however, only after the OS is completly up & running. Last thing here, have you done a Thorough surface scan on the hard drive for bad sectors?

[glc]

TIME OUT!

This is a Dell OEM XP CD? It will *NOT* install on a non-Dell computer - it IS rigged! It's keyed to a Dell bios somehow. Whether you agree with it or not, what you are trying to do is technically piracy and cannot be supported in this forum. You will need a generic OEM cd or an upgrade or full version.

[doubledragon5]

your right I found out the hard way, but my only complaint is I bought this cd seperate from my pc from dell. When I bought my PC it came with XP already installed on it then they sent me an upgrade version also Which I paid $20 bucks for so I figured I had the right to install it on another PC because I now have TWO versions with TWO seperate product keys so technicaly I have two operating systems I'm not installing ONE version onto TWO PC, so technicaly this is not PIRACY PIRACY is if i'm installing one copy onto two PC. But in the end I still can not install it on two my kids pc so I have an extra copy incase my original one fails someday or if I buy another dell I will have another backup.

[alexmacdonald]

glc is wrong, sorry dude. The only way to tie the OS to the Bios is during the OEM preinstallation process on new PC's, of which i've done a bunch, and all this does is negate the need for WPA by coding the OS to the bios instead of generating a hardware key for activation. There are "NO" additional flies on the XP cd's for PC Manufactures Hardware. If this were the case the XP code would change daily to allow for new technology. If it's an OEM XP cd it will install on any PC and the licence will be tied to that PC only. If it's a system restore disc it will only install on the dell. There isnt an OEM out there that make a new restore disc for upgrade purposes, they send out an OEM upgrade disc instead. There are no restriction as to what pc you install it on regardless of the source. Of course Dell would want you to install it on your dell, but legally you are not required to. This is not piracy, if you read the EULA you would know that and would think twice before accusing a member of breaking the law.

[Statica]

Hi Alexmacdonald:

While you may be right, unless you have documentation of Microsoft's position wrt OEM CDs released by a manufacturer (like Dell in this instance), GLC is correct. I would be interested in seeing any documentation to that fact.
From speaking to a Dell representative, I was told that a Dell XP OEM CD must not be used in a non-Dell system. Admittedly, it couldve just been a Dell propaganda ploy at getting people loyal with Dell, I do not know, but as of now we will use this as the only yardstick available.

I do realize that my conversation doesnt have more concrete proof, but I would urge doubledragon5 to contact Dell support with the issue and try to get a satisfactory answer out of them. And if a more concrete solution can be found, it would be welcome.

As a note, GLC's job here, as with all moderators, is also to make sure that this forum does not contain anything illegal, or anything that can be construed as illegal; and if we are wary of anything even remotely to the contrary, it is to be taken as an act of "moderating" and this is what keeps this place free from the underground sites that plague the net, and this place can yet remain amiable, without getting touchy about the issue.

Thank you for your continued support of PC-Media Tech Forums.


_{AlexMacdonald: This has been posted here, because you dont have your PM's turned on. If you would like to take this matter up, please feel free to PM me.}

[Rancher]

Nobody but you Moderator & glc, even mentioned or slanted towards pirates, hacks, ilegal stuff You are WAY to fast to ATTACK & condemn! Your beating up on some fine folks here that are truly trying to help others! Would you rather just have this forum for yourselves? It will go that way as has others unless you butt out, back off, & then say your sorry in your haste to do right for us all Yeah, you can KICK me off too \\\Rancher///

[doubledragon5]

I have spoken with a Dell rep and they told me that they do urge people to not install an XP upgrade on a none Dell PC, but told me that they can't legally force a customer not to do so. I have mentioned to the rep that I already have an XP full version already installed on my Dell system,and that this upgrade was purchased from them after I bought my first system from them which came with WINME. The upgrade came 4 months after I purchased my system from them which I stated early I had paid them $20 bucks for the upgrade which is a real sweet deal. However while installing my upgrade I ran into all sorts of probllems and their tech people informed me that I possibly have a bad copy and I would have to be given a new. Since then I was given a replacement PC because my original one was determined to be a faulty system. My second PC came to me with XP already installed on it and I figured I would not be needing an upgrade so I did not purse it,but 3 months later I received another copy of the upgrade that was reordered by them 6 months earlier so I figured I would install it on my kids PC so they could enjoy the wounders of XP like myself,but I'm still unable to install it even after I checked the memory for problems. I did see however during install that file named oem.bios were being loaded so maybe their is some truth to the statement made early about it being rigged to the bios,but the book that came with my upgrade does not say for a new Dell pc only so I can't figure why I'm having so many problems with this install but I have decided to give it up and let them run win98 instead. All I now is I feel that I did not get my moneys worth and that Dell in the end made an additional $20 bucks off me.

[Statica]

Originally posted by Rancher Nobody but you Moderator & glc, even mentioned or slanted towards pirates, hacks, ilegal stuff You are WAY to fast to ATTACK & condemn! Your beating up on some fine folks here that are truly trying to help others! Would you rather just have this forum for yourselves? It will go that way as has others unless you butt out, back off, & then say your sorry in your haste to do right for us all Yeah, you can KICK me off too \\\Rancher///

Ok let me get this straight, you feel slammed, attacked and condemned because
* GLC warned about piracy and about how the action was questionable; and
* I posted a response based on what the manufacturer specified and needed further clarifications or documentation, and urged the original poster to check with the manufacturer? And no I have not apologized or said sorry in any way, shape or form, and if you take the time to read my post I have corroborated with GLC's observation based on what Dell had told me.

If you dont like the way this site is moderated, I would suggest Sir that there are lots of other sites that will tolerate a lot more. There are fine folks here because we try to keep it clean. And that also means that no toleration of butting out and backing off towards moderators.

I was even inclined to keep this thread open before, but this thread has outlived its usefulness with the moderator slamming, if you could not understand the civility shown before then I don't think you will care for my closing it either.

On a personal note: I would suggest that if you like this site, you try to guage the way this place is run, and perhaps try to see if you would like to belong. If you do have any concerns with a mod, take it up with him or the administrator in private, it will be tolerated a lot more.

Thank you for your patronage.