XP install nightmare

[eggrock]

I'm installing XP to a second HDD and running into problems. I have both a Home and Pro upgrade CD and both stop during the install telling me that files cannot be installed from the image. Both CDs are in good shape; a couple of tiny scratches on the Pro disc but nothing major. Both stop in the same place each time.

I ran chkdsk on the drive and found problems (go WD! :mad: ) that were supposedly fixed. I'm not sure what options I have at this point, run chkdsk again? Can I get the XP CDs replaced somewhere?

[djnes]

If you think the CDs are bad, Microsoft will replace them. However, if both fail at the same spot, it is probably something else. Talk to WD about replacing the drive, and test the memory out. Check the HDD cables and make sure all drive cables are connected properly, and aren't loose.

[Steel Chicken]

However, if both fail at the same spot, it is probably something else

+1
The possiblity of two seperate CD's failing in the same place are remote, at best.

[eggrock]

They fail in the same place on each CD, not in the same place during the install (if that makes sense).

My first thought after trying Home and seeing it stop too was HDD problems. This will make 4 of 6 bad WD drives if that's the case.

One more thing. Before installing the event log was showing ntfs errors on that drive (which was entirely empty except for the boot/NT loader files.

Would running chkdsk several times help or not?

[mrmagoo_83]

Whip out a WD install disk and flash those puppies back to the stoneage. Then once everything is at 0, try again. If they fail at the same place, its either the HDD is a POS, or your CD Drive could be going on the fritz.

[eggrock]

That's an idea. I'll give that a shot.

[darknite]

are you doing an upgrade within windows?
or did you format and do a clean inst
and upgrade can cause problems

[eggrock]

Doing an install on a freshly formatted HDD (only thing on it are the boot files, ntdetect.com, ntldr and boot.ini). These are both upgrade CDs which require me to pop in a 98SE CD to verify I have a full install.

Drive checked out okay with WD's software and chkdsk (the long tests on each). Tried a different CD drive.... No dice.

I suppose there's an outside chance that both CD happen to be corrupt but that's tough to swallow. I've used the XP Home CD twice and the Pro CD maybe six times. I keep them in jewel cases and always handle CD/DVD media with care.

Last time I installed everything went okay (the Pro CD) which was only 3-4 weeks ago. I'm thoroughly confused now. Even went so far as to reflash the BIOS.

[edit] Haven't had time to run memtest yet. Cables are all sound.

Full specs:

DFI Lanparty SLI-DR (UT) - 3/10/2005 BIOS<br>
Plextor something-or-another DVD/CD burner (latest model as of 6 months ago)
1 Maxtor SATA HDD (already has XP Pro on it)
1 WD 200GB HDD (trying to install XP here)

That's the relevant stuff.

[TECHKnight]

I'd say RAM or optical drive at this point. I have seen both seize up an install

[eggrock]

Bad memory. Nice call guys. Thanks.