OS problems on new computer

[garroadran]

Ok, I've recently purchased a new system, which I'm using with drives from my old system, so first, I'll sum up what I have:

socket a mainboard k7som+ motherboard (new)
integrated AMD duron 1800
300w power supply (new)
256MB DDRAM (new)
4.5gb HD (old)
2gb HD (old)
floppy, CDRW (old)

btw, when I say old, I mean it's not bought brand new, everything that is "old" is in good condition, since it was working fine yesterday on the old system.

Now, here is my issue: the computer boots up fine, detects all the drives, counts the memory fine, and seemingly has no issues. I need to install windows XP, so I boot from the xp CD, and begin the installation. I format in FAT32, and it begins to copy files. However, some 3% into the installation it tells me that a file cannot be copied. I skip or retry, whatever, from that point on, no more files can be copied, and a short while later the computer freezes and gives me an error message, telling me I have to restart and retry. (if this turns out to not be enough info, I'll copy down the message and post it).

Well, seeing as installing xp is futile, I boot from the win98 CD and install. The installation goes fine, but when 98 tries to boot the computer says "windows protection error, you must restart your computer."
On a restart, the system goes to the 98 boot menu, I select Safe Mode, but as it is starting up it tells me that HIMEM.sys detected some problem (once again, I can post this if anyone thinks it is useful). I hit enter to continue loading, but then it says Himem.sys is not present in the c:\windows directory (not true, it's there), and tells me to restart my computer.

So, I am at a loss, nice new system worth a couple hundred bucks, but no OS. I'm guessing it's a memory problem, I'm gonna call the store on monday, but before then, anyone have any ideas???

 

[franklin97355]

Go here:

http://www.memtest86.com/

get the file and test your memory. This is a great utility to have in your toolbox if you are working on systems.

 

[xomcat]

Did you fdisk & reformat the drive before trying to install Win 98 ?

 

[BadBigBen]

Hi, go into BIOS and load system defaults... uncheck the VIRUS option...

then try to reinstall W98, if 98 installs ok then you should be able to install XP...

and do check your mem like franklin suggested... also double check if your mem is compatible to the mobo... if it is generic ram replace with a namebrand (some mobo's don't like the generics at all)...

Ben

 

[paparazi]

Probably bad memory, even though it is new.
Is this an original copy of XP? is the disk clean? and are you sure your old cdrw drive is reading properly?
Seems a shame that you are going to bottle neck your new system with an old hard drive like this, I'm guessing but that 4.5gig at best is going to be ATA66 5,400, it may even be a very slow ATA33 device, either way it's going to slow the system down quite a bit.
Martin


Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[garroadran]

Hmm, thanks for all the input guys, but it turned out to be the memory after all. I took out the 256mb DDR and put in some old SDRAM... running winxp at 96mb SDRAM is soooo slow. Oh well, I just have to wait until tuesday and go and bitch until they give me a new ram chip. thx again.