Win XP install problems

[Antares 531]

At the suggestion of some who have responded, I'm starting a new
thread on this set of problems. I will try to summarize the situation
as well as I can.

I built a new desktop computer, using an ASUS P7P55D Deluxe
motherboard with an Intel Core i7 2.8 GHz LGA1156 CPU. I installed 4
GB (2 X 2GB modules - matched pair) of Corsair SMA3 DXH Dual Path DDR3
RAM, installed in the DIMM A1 and DIMM B1 sockets. This computer has
one Western Digital Caviar Green 500 GB/Go 7200/1600/SATA-3G hard
drive that was factory formatted but has no files on it other than
those Windows XP install CD may have written to the hard drive.

This computer has a new Ultra USB LSP 650 Watt Power Supply, so power
provisions should not be an issue.

I initially set this computer up with a Radeon HD 4650 PCI Express 2.0
bus Graphics Card in one of the PCI Express 2.0x16 slots, but I later
removed this and installed an older GeForce 5200 NVIDIA graphics card
that uses a conventional PCI slot. I did this to see if the PCI
Express slot requirements were what was bogging Windows XP (without
any SPs) down. It made no difference.

With either graphics card installed, I can put the Windows XP CD in
the drive then power up. The computer goes through the initialize
phase in good order with the ASUS screens showing and the Press Del to
enter setup message across the bottom.

I can press the Del key and it will enter the BIOS setup. Everything
looks fine here. The memory, hard drive, CD ROM, etc., are all shown
as expected. I have set the boot sequence for CD ROM first then Hard
Drive second.

Keep in mind that this is a new hard drive that was factory formatted
but not partitioned nor has it been assigned a drive letter, yet. No
files have been copied onto this hard drive until the Windows XP setup
process started copying some.

After reviewing the BIOS setup I can press the Escape or the F10 key
and move on. This starts the Windows setup from the Windows XP CD that
I had earlier placed in the CD ROM drive. At the beginning of the
Windows setup I get a message to the effect, "Checking hardware
consistency." then it moves on as if everything is okay.

This setup procedure seems to go along very well through the loading
of many programs or files, then everything halts and an error message
is presented on the screen. The only way out of this is to re-boot,
but this just repeats, over and over again.

The error message reads:

A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent
damage to your computer.

Check to be sure you have adequate disk space. (The BIOS shows the
full 500 GB hard drive space is "present and accounted for," as my old
Army field first sergeant used to say.)

If a driver is identified in the stop message, disable the driver or
check with the manufacturer for updates.

Try changing the video adapters.

Check with your hardware vendors for any BIOS updates.

Disable caching or shadowing memory.

If you need to use safe mode to remove or disable components restart
your computer and press F8 to select advanced startup options then
select safe mode.

Technical information:

*** STOP: 0x0000007E, (0xC0000005, 0xF78DA208, 0xF78D9F08, 0xE9E83F08)

*** pci.sys - Address F748EOBF base at F7487000, date stamp 3b7d855c


I have tried starting in safe mode, but since I do not yet have an OS
installed this doesn't work.

Some information I've gotten on-line suggests that Windows XP, as
installed from my CD, without any SPs installed, cannot handle the PCI
Express motherboard attributes, and this is causing the install
failure.

So, if I cannot install my retail box copy of Windows XP on this
computer it seems that I will not be able to use the upgrade version
of Windows 7, but instead must buy the full version. But, I'm
concerned that even a full version of Windows 7 may not install any
more successfully7 than my old Windows XP.

Is the problem(s) being caused by a bad build of my computer or maybe
from some flawed parts, or is it a universal problem experienced by
all who try to install Windows XP without the SPs onto a newer
computer that has PCI Express?

I'm at the brain burn-out stage. Any help or suggestions will be
greatly appreciated.

Oh, one more point...the CD ROM will not read any other setup CDs
except the Windows XP CD. I can place any of the other setup CDs in
the drive then go through the same boot process and never get any
further action from the CD drive. Why will it work with the Windows XP
CD but not recognize any other setup CDs???

Gordon

 

[peter]

Win 7 will install with an upgrade version and will ask you to install the
XP CD to verify that you are eligible for upgrade.
XP does not need to be installed for this to happen.

Seeing as you have the old computer I suggest you download SP1 and SP3 and
using your
version of XP slipstream first SP1 into it.This creates a new bootable
version of XP SP1.
Then slipstream SP3 into that..this again will create a new bootable version
of SP3.
If you do a Google on slipstream you will find its fairly painless.I used
"Autostreamer.
Unfortunately I don't remember the MS website for the SP downloads but I am
sure a search or maybe someone
here will post the site.
I suggest you format the HD that you tried the installation on before trying
again so as to get rid of the old install files
I installed XP SP1 onto a new system with PCI-E video card without problems
last year using a slipstreamed version.

good luck
peter

 

[Antares 531]

Win 7 will install with an upgrade version and will ask you to install the
XP CD to verify that you are eligible for upgrade.
XP does not need to be installed for this to happen.

Seeing as you have the old computer I suggest you download SP1 and SP3 and
using your
version of XP slipstream first SP1 into it.This creates a new bootable
version of XP SP1.
Then slipstream SP3 into that..this again will create a new bootable version
of SP3.
If you do a Google on slipstream you will find its fairly painless.I used
"Autostreamer.
Unfortunately I don't remember the MS website for the SP downloads but I am
sure a search or maybe someone
here will post the site.
I suggest you format the HD that you tried the installation on before trying
again so as to get rid of the old install files
I installed XP SP1 onto a new system with PCI-E video card without problems
last year using a slipstreamed version.

good luck
peter

Thanks, Peter. I got the computer going, at last. I couldn't do a
slipstream for my Windows XP because I don't have the right kind of CD
burner but a friend of mine did it for me and this solved all the
problems. The slipstreamed Windows XP CD with SP 3 was all it took.

I still have to get this new computer on-line so I can get the Windows
XP license process finished, but that should not be any problem.

Then, I'll have a week or so to play around with it and make sure all
the hardware is working as it should before I buy an upgrade version
of Windows 7 and install it.

Thanks, very much, to all who have chipped in and offered information.
I really appreciate all the help I received.

Gordon

 

[Daave]

Win 7 will install with an upgrade version and will ask you to
install the XP CD to verify that you are eligible for upgrade.
XP does not need to be installed for this to happen.

Actually, Peter, that is incorrect (that is how it used to be done, of
course). Please see these pages:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7

http://community.winsupersite.com:8...upgrade-media-how-does-that-work-exactly.aspx

We're still waiting to see if the method that worked for Vista mentioned
here will also work for Windows 7:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp

If it does, then your statement can be correct.

 

[Daave]

The slipstreamed Windows XP CD with SP 3 was all it took.

Good news!

Which method worked for you, Gordon?

 

[Antares 531]

Good news!

Which method worked for you, Gordon?

I don't know which method my friend used. I didn't watch over his
shoulder and he didn't provide any specifics. All I know is that it
worked, and this resolved all the problems with installing Windows XP
Pro on my new computer. I did have to show it my old Windows 2000 CD
during the install process but that was to be expected since my copy
of Windows XP Pro is an upgrade copy.

Now, if I can just get the new computer to talk to the LAN Router
Firewall and get on through to the Internet so I can go on-line and
get this installation's license cleared, all will be well.

Gordon

 

[smlunatick]

Thanks, Peter. I got the computer going, at last. I couldn't do a
slipstream for my Windows XP because I don't have the right kind of CD
burner but a friend of mine did it for me and this solved all the
problems. The slipstreamed Windows XP CD with SP 3 was all it took.

I still have to get this new computer on-line so I can get the Windows
XP license process finished, but that should not be any problem.

Then, I'll have a week or so to play around with it and make sure all
the hardware is working as it should before I buy an upgrade version
of Windows 7 and install it.

Thanks, very much, to all who have chipped in and offered information.
I really appreciate all the help I received.

Gordon

This seems to indicate that your XP install CD had troubles accessing
the "large" 500GB hard drive correctly. It also means that you may
have had the original XP version which was limited to 128GB hard drive
size. Microsoft had fixed this issue with SP1 which is automatically
included in SP3,

 

[Antares 531]

Actually, Peter, that is incorrect (that is how it used to be done, of
course). Please see these pages:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7

http://community.winsupersite.com:8...upgrade-media-how-does-that-work-exactly.aspx

We're still waiting to see if the method that worked for Vista mentioned
here will also work for Windows 7:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp

If it does, then your statement can be correct.

Daave, I see what you're saying, but I am still a bit confused, here.
I checked the BIOS and the 500 GB hard drive was correctly shown
there. Maybe doesn't extend to the Windows XP ability to recognize
this same hard drive.

Gordon

 

[Daave]

Daave, I see what you're saying, but I am still a bit confused, here.
I checked the BIOS and the 500 GB hard drive was correctly shown
there. Maybe doesn't extend to the Windows XP ability to recognize
this same hard drive.

I assume you were intending to reply to smlunatick instead of me,
Gordon! This is what he posted:

This seems to indicate that your XP install CD had troubles accessing
the "large" 500GB hard drive correctly. It also means that you may
have had the original XP version which was limited to 128GB hard drive
size. Microsoft had fixed this issue with SP1 which is automatically
included in SP3,

If you installed with a slipstreamed CD at the SP3 level, the 128GB
limit shouldn't be in effect. However, if you were to install with XP
"Gold" (no SP), there would be trouble, yes.

 

[Antares 531]

Daave, I see what you're saying, but I am still a bit confused, here.
I checked the BIOS and the 500 GB hard drive was correctly shown
there. Maybe doesn't extend to the Windows XP ability to recognize
this same hard drive.

I assume you were intending to reply to smlunatick instead of me,
Gordon! This is what he posted:

This seems to indicate that your XP install CD had troubles accessing
the "large" 500GB hard drive correctly. It also means that you may
have had the original XP version which was limited to 128GB hard drive
size. Microsoft had fixed this issue with SP1 which is automatically
included in SP3,

If you installed with a slipstreamed CD at the SP3 level, the 128GB
limit shouldn't be in effect. However, if you were to install with XP
"Gold" (no SP), there would be trouble, yes.

Yes, I had the original CD that did not have any SPs. I guess this
would be what you are calling XP "Gold."

I did the second install with a slipstreamed CD at the SP3 level and
this corrected all the problems.

I guess where I was misunderstanding you was that the BIOS could read
the 500 GB drive and show it as being in good working order but
Windows could not, until the slipstreamed version was installed. But,
the error message I kept getting seemed to indicate that the problem
was a PCI related incongruence in that the stop information showed the
PCI.SYS address was the problem.

I'm still not out in the clear. I can't get the new computer to
communicate through our home Wi-Fi setup. It connects and shows a
strong signal, but I.E. or the mail client software can not make
connection with the Internet for some reason. I really need to get
this resolved so I can go on-line and get this Windows XP installation
validated.

Gordon

 

[Daave]

peter wrote:
Win 7 will install with an upgrade version and will ask you to
install the XP CD to verify that you are eligible for upgrade.
XP does not need to be installed for this to happen.

Actually, Peter, that is incorrect (that is how it used to be done,
of course). Please see these pages:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7

http://community.winsupersite.com:8...upgrade-media-how-does-that-work-exactly.aspx

We're still waiting to see if the method that worked for Vista
mentioned here will also work for Windows 7:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp

If it does, then your statement can be correct.

Daave, I see what you're saying, but I am still a bit confused,
here. I checked the BIOS and the 500 GB hard drive was correctly
shown there. Maybe doesn't extend to the Windows XP ability to
recognize this same hard drive.

I assume you were intending to reply to smlunatick instead of me,
Gordon! This is what he posted:

This seems to indicate that your XP install CD had troubles accessing
the "large" 500GB hard drive correctly. It also means that you may
have had the original XP version which was limited to 128GB hard
drive size. Microsoft had fixed this issue with SP1 which is
automatically included in SP3,

If you installed with a slipstreamed CD at the SP3 level, the 128GB
limit shouldn't be in effect. However, if you were to install with XP
"Gold" (no SP), there would be trouble, yes.

Yes, I had the original CD that did not have any SPs. I guess this
would be what you are calling XP "Gold."

I did the second install with a slipstreamed CD at the SP3 level and
this corrected all the problems.

I guess where I was misunderstanding you was that the BIOS could read
the 500 GB drive and show it as being in good working order but
Windows could not, until the slipstreamed version was installed. But,
the error message I kept getting seemed to indicate that the problem
was a PCI related incongruence in that the stop information showed the
PCI.SYS address was the problem.

I'm still not out in the clear. I can't get the new computer to
communicate through our home Wi-Fi setup. It connects and shows a
strong signal, but I.E. or the mail client software can not make
connection with the Internet for some reason. I really need to get
this resolved so I can go on-line and get this Windows XP installation
validated.

First of all, although it is certainly convenient, online activation
isn't the only game in town. You will also be able to activate via the
telephone; the call should be no longer than five minutes. Just follow
the prompts on the screen.

You can also temporarily connect your PC to your router (or modem) --
that is, a wired, not wireless connection -- and activate over the
Internet that way.

Did you install all the necessary drivers? If so, there are some
wireless network settings that might need to made.

Actually, are there XP drivers available for all your hardware
components? As time goes on, these are being harder to come by!

 

[Antares 531]

Antares 531 wrote: Snip


First of all, although it is certainly convenient, online activation
isn't the only game in town. You will also be able to activate via the
telephone; the call should be no longer than five minutes. Just follow
the prompts on the screen.

The problem with this is that my wife and I are both severely hearing
impaired and can not use a voice phone very effectively. We use our
phone for our Internet services and my wife uses it for some TTY
communications.

You can also temporarily connect your PC to your router (or modem) --
that is, a wired, not wireless connection -- and activate over the
Internet that way.

This is where I am, presently. I hooked it to the router, using a Cat
5 cable, like my other desktop computer uses. It connects and shows a
very good signal strength but that is as far as I can get it to go.

Did you install all the necessary drivers? If so, there are some
wireless network settings that might need to made.

I did run the ASUS motherboard install CD and installed the drivers.
When I open My Computer > Manage and look at the entries, everything
looks fine. That is, there are no yellow question marks or red X
marks.

Actually, are there XP drivers available for all your hardware
components? As time goes on, these are being harder to come by!

My ActionTEC GT704-WG Wi-Fi setup works very well for my other
desktop, my laptop and my wife's desktop. My other desktop is set as
the manager and connects by means of a Cat 5 LAN cable. My laptop and
my wife's desktop computers connect by their Wi-Fi cards. The system
works very well for all except my new computer.

The new computer does connect and the icon at the bottom right of the
screen indicates a very strong high capacity connection. But, that
icon shows only one tiny image of a computer screen whereas the other
computers show a double image of a tiny computer screen, one tucked
almost behind the other, and both blinking when data is being
transferred.

The reading in the balloon I get when I put my mouse pointer over the
new computer's connection icon is:

Local Area Connection
Speed: 400.0 Mbps
Status: Connected

But, when I open I.E. and try to visit an Internet site I get an error
message saying that this site is not available...check Internet
connection, etc. Also, when I open my mail client software and try to
so a send/receive I get a similar message indicating that there is no
connection to my e-mail service provider.

Gordon

 

[Daave]

The problem with this is that my wife and I are both severely hearing
impaired and can not use a voice phone very effectively. We use our
phone for our Internet services and my wife uses it for some TTY
communications.
This is where I am, presently. I hooked it to the router, using a Cat
5 cable, like my other desktop computer uses. It connects and shows a
very good signal strength but that is as far as I can get it to go.

Good signal strength? I don't follow. Wouldn't that apply to a wireless
connection?

I did run the ASUS motherboard install CD and installed the drivers.
When I open My Computer > Manage and look at the entries, everything
looks fine. That is, there are no yellow question marks or red X
marks.

You needed to install the drivers for your network card. Open Device
Manager and expand "Network adapters." What do you see? For reference,
what I see is:

1394 Net Adapter
Realtek RTL8169/8110 Family Gigabit Ethernet NIC

The bottom entry is for my network card.

My ActionTEC GT704-WG Wi-Fi setup works very well for my other
desktop, my laptop and my wife's desktop.

That wasn't my point.

What I am saying is that as time goes on, there will be fewer and fewer
XP drivers available for PC hardware components (because XP is slowly
but surely being phased out). Your laptop and your wife's desktop are
older PCs, so of course the Wi-Fi setup works fine -- the XP drivers for
your wireless cards obviously exist!. I'm talking about the newer PCs
(it's a mixed bag) and future PCs (again, as time goes on, fewer and
fewer of the PCs will be able to run XP because XP-specific drivers for
the PC's hardware components will simply not exist).

My other desktop is set as
the manager and connects by means of a Cat 5 LAN cable. My laptop and
my wife's desktop computers connect by their Wi-Fi cards. The system
works very well for all except my new computer.

That is why I asked about drivers. And if the XP drivers do exist and if
they are all installed, it's just a matter of settings. Perhaps the PC
needs to be rebooted. Perhaps the wireless router needs to be rebooted.
Perhaps you need to use your Web browser to access the settings of your
router and alter them. Perhaps you need to use XP to enter specific
information. This would entail a different thread if you can't figure it
out on your own.

The new computer does connect and the icon at the bottom right of the
screen indicates a very strong high capacity connection.

Please define. What is the icon? What exactly do you see on the screen?

But, that
icon shows only one tiny image of a computer screen whereas the other
computers show a double image of a tiny computer screen, one tucked
almost behind the other, and both blinking when data is being
transferred.

That second icon (the one with two screens) is for your regular wired
connection (unless you see radio waves to its right). Please clarify
what you see.

If it is indeed the wired connection, you should be able click it to
bring up Status. In this new window, you can click Properties. Then
scroll down to the last item: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and
double-click it. If you're using your router's settings, "Obtain an IP
address automatically" should be selected. But if you are using XP to
manually obtain an IP address, you need to configure these values with
the information your ISP gave you.

But if you note the settings on your PC that is normally hard-wired to
your router, those same settings should work for this new PC, provided
you have installed the XP driver for the network card and provided you
are using the wired, not wireless, connection.

The reading in the balloon I get when I put my mouse pointer over the
new computer's connection icon is:

Local Area Connection
Speed: 400.0 Mbps
Status: Connected

But, when I open I.E. and try to visit an Internet site I get an error
message saying that this site is not available...check Internet
connection, etc. Also, when I open my mail client software and try to
so a send/receive I get a similar message indicating that there is no
connection to my e-mail service provider.

See above. Also bring up a command prompt and see if you can ping
google.com.

Finally, what do you see when you open up Network Connections in Control
Panel?

 

[Antares 531]

Good signal strength? I don't follow. Wouldn't that apply to a wireless
connection?

I just checked again and this kind of information shows up on all the
computers...the wireless and the LAN connected ones.

You needed to install the drivers for your network card. Open Device
Manager and expand "Network adapters." What do you see? For reference,
what I see is:

1394 Net Adapter
Realtek RTL8169/8110 Family Gigabit Ethernet NIC

I see the same items plus a third one that reads:
Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller

The bottom entry is for my network card.

I don't have a network card installed. This ASUS motherboard has an
onboard network adapter with two CAT 5 connection sockets.

That wasn't my point.

What I am saying is that as time goes on, there will be fewer and fewer
XP drivers available for PC hardware components (because XP is slowly
but surely being phased out). Your laptop and your wife's desktop are
older PCs, so of course the Wi-Fi setup works fine -- the XP drivers for
your wireless cards obviously exist!. I'm talking about the newer PCs
(it's a mixed bag) and future PCs (again, as time goes on, fewer and
fewer of the PCs will be able to run XP because XP-specific drivers for
the PC's hardware components will simply not exist).

I was thinking that since all our household computers run XP and
connect to the same Wi-Fi system the drivers would be the same, but I
suppose the individual computers' wireless cards would be different.

I would think that the AZUS motherboard setup CD that provided the
drivers for its onboard components would be up to date and would have
provided the necessary driver(s) for the onboard LAN Wi-Fi connection.

That is why I asked about drivers. And if the XP drivers do exist and if
they are all installed, it's just a matter of settings. Perhaps the PC
needs to be rebooted. Perhaps the wireless router needs to be rebooted.
Perhaps you need to use your Web browser to access the settings of your
router and alter them. Perhaps you need to use XP to enter specific
information. This would entail a different thread if you can't figure it
out on your own.

I think you are right in that it is a matter of settings, but I
haven't been able to figure out what settings need changed or
adjusted.

When I double click the sys tray icon I get the normal Local Area
Connection Status window and it shows:

Connection
Status: Connected
Duration: 00:28:43
Speed: 400.0 Mbps

Activity
Sent: 0 Packets
Received: 0 Packets

This indicates to me that the connection to the Wi-Fi access point is
okay but for some reason the computer can not get beyond the access
point, to the router then to the Internet. But, what has it balked???

Please define. What is the icon? What exactly do you see on the screen?

I'm talking about the little double image of a computer monitor in the
sys tray that normally flashes on and off when signals are being sent
or received.

That second icon (the one with two screens) is for your regular wired
connection (unless you see radio waves to its right). Please clarify
what you see.

This is in agreement with the icon I see on my other desktop. It is a
double image of a computer screen and it does not have the radio
waves.

The same icon on my new computer is also a double image of a computer
screen, now. It was a single image at first, but has changed for some
reason. There are no radio waves. This is a LAN wired connection to
the router.

If it is indeed the wired connection, you should be able click it to
bring up Status. In this new window, you can click Properties. Then
scroll down to the last item: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and
double-click it. If you're using your router's settings, "Obtain an IP
address automatically" should be selected. But if you are using XP to
manually obtain an IP address, you need to configure these values with
the information your ISP gave you.

We may be getting close to the core of the problem, here. My other
desktop, the one that manages the Wi-Fi setup shows "Obtain an IP
address automatically"

My new computer shows these readings:

IP Address: 192.169.0.5
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

The other slots are all blank

I think I keyed these values in as shown on the other computers that
do use wireless connections. I tried selecting the "Obtain an IP
address automatically" but this killed the connection and I had to go
back to the above values before it would re-connect.

But if you note the settings on your PC that is normally hard-wired to
your router, those same settings should work for this new PC, provided
you have installed the XP driver for the network card and provided you
are using the wired, not wireless, connection.


See above. Also bring up a command prompt and see if you can ping
google.com.

Finally, what do you see when you open up Network Connections in Control
Panel?

I see three entries here;

Connected:

Local Area Connection LAN or High Speed Internet Connected 1394
Net adapter System

Local Area Connection 2 LAN or High Speed Internet Connected
Realtek PCI GBE family Controller System




Network Cable Unplugged:

Local Area Connection 3 LAN or High Speed Internet Network Cable
Unplugged Realtek RTL 8169/8110 Family Gigabit Ethernet NIC System

 

[Daave]

I just checked again and this kind of information shows up on all the
computers...the wireless and the LAN connected ones.

Yes, I know.

I see the same items plus a third one that reads:
Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller
I don't have a network card installed. This ASUS motherboard has an
onboard network adapter with two CAT 5 connection sockets.
I was thinking that since all our household computers run XP and
connect to the same Wi-Fi system the drivers would be the same, but I
suppose the individual computers' wireless cards would be different.

I would think that the AZUS motherboard setup CD that provided the
drivers for its onboard components would be up to date and would have
provided the necessary driver(s) for the onboard LAN Wi-Fi connection.
I think you are right in that it is a matter of settings, but I
haven't been able to figure out what settings need changed or
adjusted.

When I double click the sys tray icon I get the normal Local Area
Connection Status window and it shows:

Connection
Status: Connected
Duration: 00:28:43
Speed: 400.0 Mbps

Activity
Sent: 0 Packets
Received: 0 Packets

This indicates to me that the connection to the Wi-Fi access point is
okay but for some reason the computer can not get beyond the access
point, to the router then to the Internet. But, what has it balked???
I'm talking about the little double image of a computer monitor in the
sys tray that normally flashes on and off when signals are being sent
or received.
This is in agreement with the icon I see on my other desktop. It is a
double image of a computer screen and it does not have the radio
waves.

The same icon on my new computer is also a double image of a computer
screen, now. It was a single image at first, but has changed for some
reason. There are no radio waves. This is a LAN wired connection to
the router.
We may be getting close to the core of the problem, here. My other
desktop, the one that manages the Wi-Fi setup shows "Obtain an IP
address automatically"

My new computer shows these readings:

IP Address: 192.169.0.5
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

The other slots are all blank

I think I keyed these values in as shown on the other computers that
do use wireless connections. I tried selecting the "Obtain an IP
address automatically" but this killed the connection and I had to go
back to the above values before it would re-connect.

As far as your wireless connection goes (and wired, too, if you choose
to use that), you need to make sure your settings are correct. That
depends on the information your ISP gave you as well as the information
from your router's User Guide. You have a choice of assigning specific
IP addresses to your networked PCs or you can have the router assign
these addresses automatically.

Again, if you still need help with that, I urge you to start a new
thread. Feel free to include a link to this one for reference.

I see three entries here;

Connected:

Local Area Connection LAN or High Speed Internet Connected 1394
Net adapter System

Local Area Connection 2 LAN or High Speed Internet Connected
Realtek PCI GBE family Controller System

PCI or PCIe?

Network Cable Unplugged:

Local Area Connection 3 LAN or High Speed Internet Network Cable
Unplugged Realtek RTL 8169/8110 Family Gigabit Ethernet NIC System

Is the network cable actually unplugged? If so, there's your problem.


I think it's important to do one thing at a time. If activating over the
telephone is too difficult because of your hearing impairments, I can
understand wanting to activate over the Net.

And if there are some settings for your WiFi that you haven't worked out
yet, put that project on the back burner and instead concentrate on
using a wired connection for the time being. So, don't worry about
things like signal strength! In fact, you can even temporarily disable
your WiFi connection if you wish.

Compare the settings above with the settings of the PC that *is* working
when it is connected to the Net via Ethernet cable. And make sure the
cable is plugged in!!! The important part of this puzzle is:

Realtek RTL 8169/8110 Family Gigabit Ethernet NIC System

It needs to be enabled. And there needs to be a physical connection.
And the TCP/IP settings need to be correct.

 

[Antares 531]

I've tried this both ways...keying in the IP Address, Subnet Mask or
selecting Automatic. There doesn't seem to be any difference in the
way things work out.

As far as your wireless connection goes (and wired, too, if you choose
to use that), you need to make sure your settings are correct. That
depends on the information your ISP gave you as well as the information
from your router's User Guide. You have a choice of assigning specific
IP addresses to your networked PCs or you can have the router assign
these addresses automatically.

Again, if you still need help with that, I urge you to start a new
thread. Feel free to include a link to this one for reference.

I will start a new thread but I have one more cluster of questions
that ties tightly to this thread.

My new computer's Control Panel . Network Connections window shows
three connections.

1394 Net Adapter
Realtec PCIe GBE Family Controller
Realtec RTL 8189/8110 Family Gigabit Ethernet NIC

When I try to do something on-line, the Local Area Connection
Properties window shows some send and receive packet activity for the
Realtec PCIe connection, but this isn't the one that seems to be
affiliated with the sys tray icon. When I double click the sys tray
icon I get the same kind of Local Area Connection Properties window
but it always shows 0 packets sent and received.

I must have something cross connected here but I cannot figure out
what it is. It looks like any attempts to communicate with the
Internet are misdirected onto the LAN network provisions for computer
to computer linking, but I never intended to set it up that way.

PCI or PCIe?


Is the network cable actually unplugged? If so, there's your problem.

Yes, there is a Cat 5 network cable plugged between the LAN (RJ-45)
Port 1 on the rear panel connector setup on the rear of the AZUX
motherboard, and one of the Cat 5 sockets on the back of the Actontec
DSL Gateway.

I'm now wondering if these two ports on the AZUS motherboard are only
for LAN computer-to-computer home network setup. Maybe I do need an
add in card to connect from the new computer to the Actiontec DSL
Gateway.

I think it's important to do one thing at a time. If activating over the
telephone is too difficult because of your hearing impairments, I can
understand wanting to activate over the Net.

And if there are some settings for your WiFi that you haven't worked out
yet, put that project on the back burner and instead concentrate on
using a wired connection for the time being. So, don't worry about
things like signal strength! In fact, you can even temporarily disable
your WiFi connection if you wish.

Compare the settings above with the settings of the PC that *is* working
when it is connected to the Net via Ethernet cable. And make sure the
cable is plugged in!!! The important part of this puzzle is:

I've checked and re-checked this and it all seems to be in order.

Realtek RTL 8169/8110 Family Gigabit Ethernet NIC System

It needs to be enabled. And there needs to be a physical connection.
And the TCP/IP settings need to be correct.

It is enabled, but I'm not clear as to which of the Network
Connections shown in the Control Panel > Network Connections window is
for Internet connection via the Actiontec DSL Gateway and which is/are
for home network between local computers. Can you set me straight on
this?

 

[Antares 531]

PCI or PCIe?


Is the network cable actually unplugged? If so, there's your problem.

Found the problem!!!

I powered down then switched the Cat 5 LAN cable from the AZUZ P7P55D
Deluxe Motherboard's LAN (RJ-45) Port 1 to the LAN (RJ-45) Port 2.
When I re-started the computer, kazammmm, it worked. It went on-line
immediately and started downloading updates.

I don't know what had me thinking that Port 1 should be used first,
then if another connection was needed, use Port 2. I somehow had the
idea that Port 2 would serve as a local computer to computer LAN
setup. Wrong again!!!

Anyway, the whole system is working very well and I was successful in
getting this installation of Windows XP Pro with the slipstreamed SP3
successfully registered and activated. All out in the clear now, and
ready to install Windows 7 when it is available.

Thanks very much, Daave, and all others who helped me through this.
Most of the problems were my own fault because I just made assumptions
instead of reading and verifying the critical things.

All's well that ends well, I guess. Gordon

 

[Daave]

I've tried this both ways...keying in the IP Address, Subnet Mask or
selecting Automatic. There doesn't seem to be any difference in the
way things work out.

That's why I mentioned to:

1. Note *all* the settings of the PC that works when connected via
Ethernet cable.

2. Obtain information from ISP.

and

3. Obtain information from router's User Guide with regard to assigning
IP addresses, etc. manually via Windows or having the router itself
assign them automatically to the PCs on your network.

It's difficult to tell from here, but it looks like you're mixing and
matching. If you're not obtaining an IP address automatically, then in
addition to the Subnet Mask, I would imagine you need to enter values
for the Default Gateway and the two DNS servers. Again, the more people
who see this new thread, the better.

I will start a new thread but I have one more cluster of questions
that ties tightly to this thread.

My new computer's Control Panel . Network Connections window shows
three connections.

1394 Net Adapter
Realtec PCIe GBE Family Controller
Realtec RTL 8189/8110 Family Gigabit Ethernet NIC

When I try to do something on-line, the Local Area Connection
Properties window shows some send and receive packet activity for the
Realtec PCIe connection, but this isn't the one that seems to be
affiliated with the sys tray icon. When I double click the sys tray
icon I get the same kind of Local Area Connection Properties window
but it always shows 0 packets sent and received.

Instead of working backwards from the System Tray, try this:

Open Network Connections in Control Panel. Right-click each Realtek
connection and choose Properties. Then note the two boxes at the bottom.
That should give you your answer. Or at least, it should start you on
your way. Again, new thread!

I must have something cross connected here but I cannot figure out
what it is. It looks like any attempts to communicate with the
Internet are misdirected onto the LAN network provisions for computer
to computer linking, but I never intended to set it up that way.
Yes, there is a Cat 5 network cable plugged between the LAN (RJ-45)
Port 1 on the rear panel connector setup on the rear of the AZUX
motherboard, and one of the Cat 5 sockets on the back of the Actontec
DSL Gateway.

And when this same cable is plugged into your other PC, you do have a
connection?

I'm now wondering if these two ports on the AZUS motherboard are only
for LAN computer-to-computer home network setup. Maybe I do need an
add in card to connect from the new computer to the Actiontec DSL
Gateway.


I've checked and re-checked this and it all seems to be in order.
It is enabled, but I'm not clear as to which of the Network
Connections shown in the Control Panel > Network Connections window is
for Internet connection via the Actiontec DSL Gateway and which is/are
for home network between local computers. Can you set me straight on
this?

New thread. And I would suggest cross-posting to
microsoft.public.windowsxp.general.

 

[Daave]

Found the problem!!!

I powered down then switched the Cat 5 LAN cable from the AZUZ P7P55D
Deluxe Motherboard's LAN (RJ-45) Port 1 to the LAN (RJ-45) Port 2.
When I re-started the computer, kazammmm, it worked. It went on-line
immediately and started downloading updates.

I don't know what had me thinking that Port 1 should be used first,
then if another connection was needed, use Port 2. I somehow had the
idea that Port 2 would serve as a local computer to computer LAN
setup. Wrong again!!!

Anyway, the whole system is working very well and I was successful in
getting this installation of Windows XP Pro with the slipstreamed SP3
successfully registered and activated. All out in the clear now, and
ready to install Windows 7 when it is available.

Thanks very much, Daave, and all others who helped me through this.
Most of the problems were my own fault because I just made assumptions
instead of reading and verifying the critical things.

All's well that ends well, I guess. Gordon

Congrats! Thanks for letting us know.

 

[Antares 531]

That's why I mentioned to:

1. Note *all* the settings of the PC that works when connected via
Ethernet cable.

2. Obtain information from ISP.

and

3. Obtain information from router's User Guide with regard to assigning
IP addresses, etc. manually via Windows or having the router itself
assign them automatically to the PCs on your network.

It's difficult to tell from here, but it looks like you're mixing and
matching. If you're not obtaining an IP address automatically, then in
addition to the Subnet Mask, I would imagine you need to enter values
for the Default Gateway and the two DNS servers. Again, the more people
who see this new thread, the better.

This may be true. I somehow had the impression that the wireless
connected computers had to have their IP Address info manually set but
the Cat 5 LAN connected computers need the Auto Select item checked.The main reason I want the Cat 5 LAN hookup for this new computer is
that this gives a 400 Mbps connection whereas the wireless is usually
only about 50 Mbps. Since I won't be moving the new desktop computer
around, there is no benefit from a wireless connection, and the extra
speed is a benefit when sending/receiving things like large image
files or AutoCAD drawings.

Instead of working backwards from the System Tray, try this:

Open Network Connections in Control Panel. Right-click each Realtek
connection and choose Properties. Then note the two boxes at the bottom.
That should give you your answer. Or at least, it should start you on
your way. Again, new thread!

I've done this, but I still could not get the Realtec RTL 8169/8110
Family Gigabit Ethernet NIC to talk to the Internet...until I switched
the Cat 5 LAN cable to Port 2 on the back of the motherboard...then it
all started working right.

And when this same cable is plugged into your other PC, you do have a
connection?

I've not yet tried anything in the computer-to-computer LAN setup.