missing files can't install xp

[useless]

Hi all wonder if could get help.

Trying to build a computer configed BIOS, mainly left all as was.

Then stuck in a clean copy of XP Home. Started to run fine until to copying files section...........loads of files where unable to be copied. First time around, I quit the process as it kept saying "setup cannot copy the file:...what ever"

When I ran it again, it seemed to copy more of the files this time (first time was quick format selection second was normal)

The only file that was missing was the SAMDRV.dll

however can not do recovery without this file as does not let administrator password work properly.

Help please

[bailey]

you have a bad copy of the xp cd, you cannot do that, it will not install correctly, you must use a orignal cd. to be able to do a clean install and end up with a stable system, copy will mes things up and then you cannot update the system without the proper activation, which the copy won't allow.

[useless]

thanks for your reply baiely. It is off an original cd that I got with a compaq system. This system is a self build, do you think that is the problem ? of course I have the serial number etc but can not even get that far.

[Aaaron]

It just could be a faulty cd i am not sure what the chances of that are i have never had any problems with xp or 98

i am just interestedhow many members here have ever had a faulty windows cd ever

[bailey]

that cd is probly a restore cd the will only work with that oringal compacq

[sdkfz]

useless,

You stated that your XP was "off an original cd that I got with a compaq system". If by this you mean it is a real microsoft OEM win xp disk, it could be faulty and you will have to go back to Compaq for a repacement.

If it is not OEM but retail then

Obtaining a Replacement Disc
If you bought the program in the last 30 days, you may be able to return it to the store where you bought it to obtain a replacement under the Microsoft 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. Check the packaging for information on the 30-Day Money Back Guarantee.

Alternatively, to obtain a replacement disc call the Microsoft Order Desk at (800) 360-7561 and request a replacement for your damaged disc. If you are outside the United States, contact the Microsoft subsidiary for your area. To locate your subsidiary, see the Microsoft World Wide Offices Web page at:
http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/default.htm

the full text is here http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=218617


If on the other hand you mean that it is a copy of XP on a restore disk for a compaq then the story is diffenet, you will have all kinds of issues IF you are able to install at all, the OEM company customizes the install so that it works on their computers only.

[bailey]

right, that is what I have been trying to get him to state as to just what the cd is clearly, as I am confused when the word copy was used

[useless]

Sorry guys been away for a bit, thanks all so much for feedback.

The CD is a XP recoverable Compaq disc. It not a copy but an original. However I have installed XP on a NEC machine with this in the past and thought I could do the same with this again......guessing not now by your replies.

yes I have to go get a new one now, but so much better then the bashing of my head thats been going on....cheers everyone.

One quick one, when I insert the new cd that I will have to get, will it automatically format the partly loaded XP ?

cheers again

really useless

[bailey]

not automatically, there will be a repaire menu come up, and you want to do a delete partition and do a full complete install

[useless]

thanks bailey

[bailey]

ok, but keep this one thing in mind when you do this,
you can install xp from your new cd to only one machine, you must not try to install it on other computers.

xp must be activated in order for it to work.
it will run for a short time with out the activation, but beyound that time period it will cece to run,
you can only activate one cd on one machine.
it must be activated to be able to do any of the updates too

[useless]

thanks understand all that now, just living up to my name....

[sdkfz]

No problem,

of course in actuality Mirosoft says that you should be able to take the copy of xp you have on a restore disk, uninstall it from the PC it came with and then install it on your new machine (the key being that the install is on one machine at a time) BUT and its a bigun, the computer manufactuer's want you to buy another computer from them, not go galavanting off and building your own, where's the profit in that? (at least for them) so they take the program and make it so it will not work on another machine.

And they wonder why the percentage of home builds and local builds keeps rising....

[useless]

All done everyone, went and purchased my original XP disc, very expensive in UK £179 sterling. But all the same stuck it in and it worked first time.......now all i have to do is configure EVERTHING THING ELSE......NOW IT REALLY BEGINS...

anyone now why my hard drive which is 200gig is only showing as 125 ?

[bailey]

now that just wounderful, glad that you got it all installed.
hope you also pick up a good book on xp, there is so much in this O/S to learn about, it is the best O/S yet

[rambler]

Originally posted by useless All done everyone, went and purchased my original XP disc, very expensive in UK £179 sterling. But all the same stuck it in and it worked first time.......now all i have to do is configure EVERTHING THING ELSE......NOW IT REALLY BEGINS... anyone now why my hard drive which is 200gig is only showing as 125 ?

See The ATA Interface Limit (128 GiB / 137 GB) Barrier (near the bottom of the page).