Strange file corruption problem

[Z3]

I am looking for suggestions on my 2nd PC. It's running XPPro for about a year now. Before when it was running w2kpro it had similar problems. I frequently found that I could not unzip or install certain files or softwares, and error always was "file corruption" or "file xxx not found -retry/cancel/ignore" or similar, but the same zip file or CD load to other PC and unzip and installs fine, and this is reproducable. Recently I am having problem installing XP sp1, it will reboot in the middle -- windows shutting down -- not bsod. I also having trouble install certain windows updates, it restart itself also. I recall having similar problem when I had W2K -- it would complain about a file missing when I could search and find it right there on the CD rom. The PC is otherwise stable without any problems - the OS never crashes, but occasionally applications would crash and ask me to report bug to MS. Any suggestions?

My Config is:
--XPPro
--Fat32
--AMD Athlon-XP 2000 running at 133 Mhz (run at 140 Mhz before, but now run at 133 and see no difference)
--WDC 60 GB 7.2K
--ECS VIA KT333 MB with Raid - but It's no difference using Raid controller or IDE one
--Micron PC 2700 256 MB - switch Memory didn't help
--ATI Radeon ??? 64 MB
--Generic 400 W PS - Switch PS had made no difference.

PS - sometime chkdsk would find some "found.000" but WDC software shows HD had no health problem. No virus on the system or even spyware.

Thanks!

 

[danomac]

Are you running beta IDE drivers? I had a bizarre problem with beta drivers (though not exactly like the problem you describe.) I would get fresh IDE drivers first. Also, try using a different HD if one is available. This can isolate a disk controller problem if a known good disk has the same problem.

In my case, my hard drive started corrupting files shortly before it burned out. Fortunately for me, I noticed it and recovered 60% off the drive that had not been corrupted yet.

D

 

[Z3]

No - they are not beta IDE drivers. I have tried Microsoft one, or the VIA one, both give me same bad results. But I have not try replacing the HD. Maybe the WDC is lying to me. Thanks I will try that.

 

[BadBigBen]

I would also suggest to replace the IDE cables...

which ZIP proggy are you using? WinZIP, QZip, etc. or the built in zipper of XP?

Ben

 

[Z3]

I am using the Winzip 8.0. But the install CAB files give me trouble too. Ya I have not try replacing the cables. That's an easy one I will try it tonight. Thanks