Unable to install XP or w2k

[mwahid]

I am trying to install XP or w2k onto a dell Inspiron 7000 laptop.Half way through the install, normally just after the 'Installing devices' part the screen goes blank.

This is happening in both XP and w2k. I suspect it's the video driver.

Is there a way of installing just in vga mode ? is there such a thing ?

Many thanks.

 

[leckey]

TRY INSTALLING A NEW GRAPHICS CARD AND INSTALLING - IT COULD BE GONE

 

[mwahid]

The video card works fine under win98, plus this is a laptop so the vido is integrated on the systemboard. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[Bobg1]

Just a thought, but have you tried toggling the video function key, the one to switch between local and external video? I had a loptop that would change mode when it when to screen save and toggling it would bring it back. Another thought would be to try it with an external monitor hooked up.

 

[bcastner]

How long have you let it sit with the blank screen? I would give it at least an hour if not more to see if the install completes.

At that point turn the machine off and then back on and see if the installation will complete. It often does.

 

[mwahid]

Thanks, i have tried leaving the machine for several hours and also rebooted, the setup restarts after rebooting the machine and the same thing happens again and again.

 

[bcastner]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310064&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[mwahid]

Good old bios update did the trick. Thanks to all for your comments/suggestions.