Win 2k Setup errors

[clubleo]

I'm installing win2k pro. I get the error that says

"setup failed to install the product catalogs. This is a fatal error. The setup logs should contain more information"

WHAT IS CAUSING THIS AND HOW DO I GET RID OF IT? MS Knowledgebase doesn't have ANYTHING on this.

HELP!!

 

[wolluf]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;321801&Product=win2000

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;290790&Product=win2000

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;243068&Product=win2000

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=307153

also mentions this message - upgrading from 98/ME to XP though.

 

[clubleo]

This doesn't help.

 

[wolluf]

Well can you give more information then.

Eg, Is this a new install of 2k on a new machine? An upgrade? A reinstall (because of problems - what were they). A clean install on old machine previously running something else?

If its new install on new machine, I'd suggest you have a hardware problem of some sort.

Can you read the setup logs on hard drive (use fat32 filestore & then win98 boot floppy will get you access)?

 

[clubleo]

Previously, this system, a dell optiplex with 256 ram, was running windows 98 The hard drive has beeen formatted, re-formatted and re-formatted again. Whatever WAS on the drive is long gone. I tried to install xp on it as well and I'm getting the same error.

 

[wolluf]

Then I'd suggest either a hardware compatibility issue or 'bad' hardware. Does the Dell site give info about this machines compatibility with 2k or XP? Might be a bios upgrade available to facilitate this?

Things you can try:-

If more than one stick of RAM - try each on it own, or use another known good stick.

Remove 'unnecessary' hardware while installing (eg, modem, sound, network cards - or disable in bios if onboard, CD writer, zip drive..).

PS. If there's bios anti-virus - make sure its disabled.