xp pro install problem

[cyclopopcicle]

been trying to install windows for a few days now on my dads pc but im up againts it and cant figure out the problem

whilst installing i get errors like *setup cannot copy the file : MDWMDMSP.DLL (just an example as this is random dll that it wont load)
i have tried differnet hard disks, cd/dvd drive to install with i have also tried different media (my copy of windows differnet keys tho) with no difference
i think its his motherboard thats not working?
any other suggestions?
his spec
xp1700
512mb
gigabyte ga7-vaxp
mx440 nvidia grpahics card

 

[cyclopopcicle]

it has 2 sticks of ram in i tried memtest with both in and then separatley
and it does produce errers but it makes no difference as to how i install the ram (together or separate) its produced an errer at 0.6mb on whichever configuration i use
still ram errer or is it more serious?
i have no other ram i could use (dont want to use any of mine incase the real problem does something to my ram

 

[cyclopopcicle]

Both sticks show errors at exactly the same time and place? Even one at a time?

I'd say this was a problem with dodgy ram too tbh.

yup just that

deffo ram and not something else?

 

[cyclopopcicle]

only whats in my machine but am reluctant to test just incase
would it likely damage my memory?

 

[cyclopopcicle]

update

i have tried a stick of my memory in it (1024 in size)
and still it fails at the same point 0.6mb in 2 addresses ( 0000009a008 and 0000009a00c )

so im assuming now its something else
any ideas where to next?

(mods would this be better somewhere else?)

 

[cyclopopcicle]

cpu is running quite cool (36 in bios)
ram slots are clean
reset bios twice
all is pluged in
tried 2 different drives 1 a cd-r/w and a new dvd-+r/w
only thing i havnt done yet is throw it at a wall/door, do you think this might help as im seriously concidering this (jus hope the wife doesnt see the hole it might leave in the wall/door)