Very strange problem with Windows (XP and Vista)

Paul_Canning

Paul_Canning

Paul_Canning

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21 Sep 2007
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Ok, I am currently having major issues with my PC and I'm beginning to lose the plot.

It started the other day, with Vista 32bit, I couldn't install Firefox 3.6, or for that matter anything else I downloaded from the web. Installation files would give errors such as file corrupt etc. Even after downloaded from various mirrors/sources, files still would not install.

So, I tried Vista 64bit. Same problem. Could not install DivX web player, Java JRE, Firefox 3.6 or anything of the like.

Last attempt, I did yet another format, and installed XP 32bit. Installation went fine. Just came to install Firefox 3.6 and, file corrupt. Same for DivX web player installation.

I have taken out my RAM and reseated it in the 3d and 4th slots (just on a whim) but it made no difference.

It can't be a virus as I have formatted 3 times (or could it be?!)

Does anyone know why this would be happening? I am at the end of my tether now and just want to have a working PC where I am free to install programs.

Thanks in advance!
 
first guess would be to check the stability of your internet connection. If it's only installation files from the web that cause problems, then that would be the first port of call..
 
pretty sure viruses cant survive formats, but try surface re-initialisation in hd-tune. basically it resets every sector on the drive to 00, so absolutely nothing will be left and your drive will be (theoretically) factory fresh. depending on hd size, this may take some time though (500gig 7200.12 took about 12 hours)

theres the usual try memtest, reset any overclocks.

im wondering if it a connector problem. what motherboard are you using? try plugging drive into different sata port? try finding an old IDE drive?
 
The connection is fine (to my knowledge and the other people who use it)

The fact that I have tried the same file, several times from several locations using different download managers, suggests to me its my OS or possibly some hardware issue. But I havent a clue what I am looking for/how to fix it - trying 2 different OS's didnt seem to work...
 
I will try moving the HDD to a different SATA port now.

Failing that, I will do a memtest.

I can't think of anything that I did a couple of days back when this first started happening on the Vista installation. and the fact it is still happening on XP now, is bugging the heck out of me!
 
My CPU is unlock to quad core (its a Phenom Dual core) but other then that, I dont think its overclocker speed wise.

The Vista installation was stable and working with the quad unlock for several months.
 
I would venture it is hardwar related to networking - so your Ethernet ports and/or the controller itself. If it was purely a HDD issue it is awfully selective. How does a HDD issue explain being able to install 3 operating systems without a hitch but can't run Firefox?

A good way to tell maybe to download the file to your computer, then try to run it on someone elses machine.
 
I am updating my network controller drivers now to see if that helps.

I did managed to get a couple of programs to install, one being ImgBurn. I think there are issues with certain types of installers. Java JRE was giving me issues as well, similar to the FF installation. Opera v10 installation also crapped out, complaining of not being able to extract the temp files needed.

DivX said "Installer integrity check has failed. Common causes include incomplete download and damaged media. etc etc"

Is there a way to make sure downloads are verified for integrity? (CRC checksum is it?)
 
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Yes, for hours. Mainly googling the errors I encountered from the Java JRE and the DivX installer.

Most posts mention doing a memtest at some point, but nothing conclusive about having issues with corrupted installations due to network controller problems.
 
ah well,
worth asking i spose...

thats me outta ideas :/
ill suscribe to see how this turns out ... might still have an epiphany...
 
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I moved the HDD to a differetn SATA port on the motherboard - no help

Removed a stick of RAM - no help

Updated onboard network controller drivers - no help

This is beyond ridiculous. I can't even use the PC as is to make a bootable USB to check my RAM! No spare RAM to use either.

No spare HDD to test. I'm at a complete loss. There is no indication as to what is wrong and I need to get this sorted!!
 
things like my motherboard drivers and graphics card drivers, both on cd, installed fine.

just downloaded the Steam installer, and that failed.

I managed to get Firefox and DivX to install, but no idea how. The only thing i did was a disk scan.

Looks like the problem is still there but is more sporadic.

p.s. how do i stop XP from "blocking" files that i download? I have to keep clicking the unblock button in the file properties and its annoying as heck!

EDIT - just cleared my cache/temp files in Firefox, re-downloaded the Steam installer, and now it works! So, there seems to be a clear issue with my computer not downloading files correctly. any ideas on this?
 
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try different browser?
check modem/router/firewall settings?
see what your ISP has to say about it? (if you can tolerate the "is the power cable plugged in? is it switched on? is the Lan cable plugged in? etc. before getting anywhere)
 
The error happened with both Firefox and IE.

Will look into tinkering with the router, but with 3 other people using it, why am I the one getting the issues? I still think its an issue solely with my soft/hardware
 
last ditch effort, installed windows 7 64bit. downloaded Firefox installation.

File corrupt. It seemed to download at about 2mb/s. what the heck is going on!?

EDIT - tried again. downloaded, went to folder, unblocked, ran as admin, worked. tried the same with divx web player, corrupt installer. WTF is going on???

EDIT+1 - so i turned off windows firewall, and i was able to install the divx web player. this is getting weirder by the second!
 
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