Windows Install / HDD Corruption?

GhettoChild · 18 Nov 2006 at 19:49

All,

I've recently aquired a PC from family and it seems when I run a clear install of Win XP SP2 Pro it cant get to the actual windows setup part.

I can complete all the formatting of the drive and the initial setup with NTFS but after reboot from this I get several errors.

I've tried the HDD in my other comp and it seems to run ok, but maybe I should run an error checking software for the HDD or maybe something to determine whether a sector is corrupt.

Can you please suggest something that may intentify the problem, before splashing out on a new HDD!!!!

Andy

RichieUK · 18 Nov 2006 at 19:57

What exactly does the error say?

GhettoChild · 18 Nov 2006 at 20:31

Well the first error occured saying that it could not find a DLL file (sorry can't remember the exact name but might be able to recreate it) and the 2nd error said "Error cannot start windows" or something like that.

This was after formatting the drive in my own comp and then allowing the WinXP to format it.

I'm not sure if it is the HDD, although not sure what else it could be!

Andy

marmalade · 19 Nov 2006 at 14:38

could be your copy of windoz in dirty/corrupt

GhettoChild · 19 Nov 2006 at 14:44

Nope, the copy is original software.

Plus it was also tried with the recovery CD from the company the PC was bought from. Its out of the warranty before anyone asks!

Andy

cavemanoc · 25 Nov 2006 at 12:44

Have you tried running scandisk to identify and mark any bad sectors? Would be a first step. Then go to the manufacturer's site (Hard drive maker) and download their diagnostic tools - will give you an accurate picture of how your drive is doing and whether it needs replacing

MAllen · 25 Nov 2006 at 14:27

Goto hard disk manufacturer's site and download their diagnostic utility. This will tell you the state of the hard disk. (Test didk on CD or floppy)

ALSO: Download memtest and burn this to a CD or floppy. This will let you test your memory is good.

ALSO: the dirty CD comment can equally apply to the dirty CD player. Try borrowing a different CD player to install with.

All of the above have caused file errors for me during install. As well as other components failing like PSUs. The install phase of XP is often the toughest job of file transfers most PCs ever do.