XP Pro 2000 SET-UP QUESTION

  • Thread starter Thread starter infnet
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infnet

When we attempt to re-install our Windows XP Pro 2000 Edition,
we put in the OS CD and it pops up a menu.....either for set-up
installation or for REPAIR...

We've tried using BOTH - just get the ball rolling, but it
seems stuck in the "Finding Previous Versions of Windows" mode, and we
don't know why...is this normal after -say, AN HOUR+?

Also when it's running in this mode, we can take the CD OUT of the
computer while it's still searching.........is THIS normal?

We need specific replies to this specific question here -
NO 'run-around' links that lead us astray from this pls..

Thanks!
Infnet
 
We need specific replies to this specific question here -
NO 'run-around' links that lead us astray from this pls..
Click to expand...

Ummm...what is really the **first** question? Re-installing
what? Windows XP or Windows 2000?
 
Excuse..it's an "XP PRO 2002" CD...
Click to expand...

The behavior you describe is not normal. Most often problems installing
operating systems are caused by faulty hardware, starting with the RAM
as being the first suspect. So do hardware diagnostics. Here are
general hardware troubleshooting steps:

1) Open the computer and run it open, cleaning out all dust bunnies and
observing all fans (overheating will cause system freezing). Obviously
you can't do this with a laptop, but you can hear if the fan is running
and feel if the laptop is getting too hot.

2) Test the RAM - I like Memtest86+ from www.memtest.org. Obviously, you
have to get the program from a working machine. You will either
download the precompiled Windows binary to make a bootable floppy or
the .iso to make a bootable cd. If you want to use the latter, you'll
need to have third-party burning software on the machine where you
download the file - XP's built-in burning capability won't do the job.
In either case, boot with the media you made. The test will run
immediately. Let the test run for an hour or two - unless errors are
seen immediately. If you get any errors, replace the RAM.

3) Test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility from the mftr. Download
the file and make a bootable floppy or cd with it. Boot with the media
and do a thorough test. If the drive has physical errors, replace it.

4) The power supply may be going bad or be inadequate for the devices
you have in the system. The adequacy issue doesn't really apply to a
laptop, although of course the power supply can be faulty.

5) Test the motherboard with something like TuffTest from
www.tufftest.com. Sometimes this is useful, and sometimes it isn't.

Testing hardware failures often involves swapping out suspected parts
with known-good parts. If you can't do the testing yourself and/or are
uncomfortable opening your computer, take the machine to a professional
computer repair shop (not your local equivalent of BigStoreUSA).

Malke
 
OK..Guess we'll HAVE to use the laptop's recovery disks then...
FORTUNATELY, I backed up all data beforehand...
 
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