XP keeps crashing during install

[avatar8481]

On now 7 successive installation attempts with Windows XP pro each attempt has crashed, each at a different time, some with a blue screen stop error and other times with a dialog box reporting what appears to be the same error. The code for the stop error 0x0000008e. What is causing this and how do I fix it, the suggestion was to turn off memory shadowing, which I did and it seemed to help, and the other was to upgrade my mobo BIOS, which I'm hesitant do since I can't replace it if I break it. Thanks for any help.

Michael Pokorny

 

[avatar8481]

I found in the MS KB that the cause was a bad memory module and that I should keep removing memory until I get it to work. I'm doing that now but else could I try? My system is a:

Athlon 1400
MSI K7 Master motherboard
2 sticks of 256mb 266mhz ddr ram
cdrw drive
dvd drive
geforce 3
default BIOS

would upgrading my bios help compatability with XP?

Michael Pokorny

 

[linney]

This might be relevant to you.

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=...7%240c618660%2439ef2ecf%40TKMSFTNGXA08&rnum=4

Once you locate the updated bios, if your not confident of doing it yourself, I'm sure a friendly technician would do it for a small fee.

You are right to be wary of the procedure, but many bios's get flashed by user's all the time with out too many problems. Just make sure you have a printout of the instructions to follow.

 

[RSA]

I had trouble installing XP on an Athlon based system with memory tweaks activated in the BIOS. Re-setting the BIOS to safe defaults cured the problem. Once XP is installed, all the tweaks can be re-activated, it's just the installer thats fussy.

 

[pharcyder]

Got the same problem, or still have it (my PC crashes from
time to time, but I know why now..)

My CPU was just too hot. If XP crashes randomly or if you
have problems installing it, there may be a problem with
your hardware (or BIOS-settings..)

I put cooling paste between my CPU and Cooler, this now
keeps the system stable for over 3 hours (not using
heavy-CPU-load applications..)

Well, give it a try and check if lower values in both CPU and memory settings keeps the system more stable, perhaps even change the power supply...

Greetings (buying a stronger cooler now),
Jens

 

[avatar8481]

I removed one of my memory modules and not only did the installer work fine, but the system is also a lot more stable now, I was having an extreme number of blue screens and since I installed, I've had none, I suspect a bad memory chip was to blame, fortunately memory is cheap enough for me to replace easily, Thanks for all your help.

 

[christheprogrammer]

Now, try and put the memory back in, I had the exact same problem you did, and after XP was installed I put the other 256mb ram back in, and it worked fine... Just trying to save you a hundred bucks Chris says: "It's time for a beer."