XP Home OEM installation problems

Tachyon · 21 Jan 2006 at 21:59

Just doing my first new build & everything seems to be working until I get to installing windows. I formatted the hard drive and then files start getting copied over. I get to 52% then I get the following message.

<cant remember name> file was not copied correctly.

File setup placed on your hard drive is not a valid windows xp image. If you are installing from a cd there may be a problem with the cd.

Then it gives me options to Retry, Skip or Quit.

I have retried, it didn't work. When I skip it reads a few more files then appears again. It would do this consistently up to 100%.

After that is done I get this message.

I posted here as I'm assuming its a Windoes problem, if its not maybe it could be moved to the appropriate forum. Any help would be apprecited, first build etc.. & worried somethings gone wrong. Any ideas?

norbie · 21 Jan 2006 at 22:06

If you can, use another CD - this error is usually because the CD isn't working properly (check for scratches, and rub it a little).

Tachyon · 21 Jan 2006 at 22:09

It's the only CD I have norbie, straight out of the packet today. Looked at it, it's spotless and not a mark on it. :confused:

tom_e · 21 Jan 2006 at 22:11

try running memtest this error can be caused by faulty memory

Tachyon · 21 Jan 2006 at 22:15

blitz2163 said:
try running memtest this error can be caused by faulty memory

I'll check out memtest although I don't know what it is or how to use so I'll have a read up on that. Just came across someone with a similar problem on anothe forum & they were able to get it going with 1 stick of memory plugged in. I'll try that as well after I look at memtest. Thanks.

Edit: Just read that memtest is software that needs Windows to work. I can't put my new memory in my old machine to try it as I don't think it would support 1gb sticks.

Tachyon · 21 Jan 2006 at 23:28

Well folks, up & running here on my new build. I took one stick of memory out & it installed Windows without a hitch.
I'll run memtest when I get other bits & pieces installed and see what the outcome is. Many thanks guys, never thought I'd see the day I'd put my first PC together.

Sputnik II · 21 Jan 2006 at 23:30

Download and burn yourself a copy of the Universal Boot CD. It has memtest on there. You don't need any operating system installed to run memtest.

Tachyon · 22 Jan 2006 at 11:26

Ok, just an update. I have ran memtest on both sticks seperately. One stick comes up with no errors and the other comes up with a load of errors.
I assume then this stick wont work properly at all and it's a case of returning it, or both of them rather as they came in the same pack?

dirtydog · 22 Jan 2006 at 11:50

If it fails memtest then it's faulty and needs to be RMA'd or binned, yes.

Sometimes flaky RAM can run stable at a slower speed or timings, but if you can get a free replacement then I'd do that.

Tachyon · 22 Jan 2006 at 11:56

Thanks dirtydog for the reply. It's only brand new so I should have no problems returning it.