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MCE 2K5 oem install problem?

pet rock

n00b
Joined
Jul 6, 2004
Messages
16
I'm trying to do a fresh install of mce on my "cable box" machine. Just after windows setup finishes loading all of its files, and before it actually "starts windows," I get the following message :
There is a syntax error in the .SIF file that Setup uses at line: 1851. Setup cannot continue.
Shut down or restart your computer.

I've tried everything I can think of to no avail. Also, I am unable to find any forum posts regarding this type of installation error here, at htpcnews or at thegreenbutton. Please help me. System specs are below.

mobo: ABIT KN8-ultra
cpu: Athlon 64x2 3800+
mem: Corsair XMS 2gb
os drive: seagate 80gb sata
storage drive(s): 3x seagate 200gb ide
optical: sony dl dvd burner
video: nvidia 7600gs

i've even tried loading sata drivers from a floppy, but the only drive in the house doesn't seem to be working.

thanks for any help y'all can come up with. you are appreciated!

cranky joe.
 
quick update, got the same copy to install easily on another machine (specs below). Is this problem related to loading the OS on a sata drive? anybody know how to get around this without a floppy? thanks again, joe.

other maching specs:
mobo : abit va-20
cpu: barton 3000+ (400 fsb)
mem: 512mb pc3200
hd: seagate 120gb ide
optical: samsung dvd / cd rw

grr.
 
I don't think it's SATA-related. I'd say it's likelier an incompatibility somewhere, maybe with the chipset; VIA used to be a nightmare to deal with. Have you tried the onboard video, or swapping any other hardware? Also, any other RAM you can test with?
 
No onboard video or substitute video hardware available, although, I've tried a different optical drive, I've removed the tv tuners, and I removed one stick of ram. Also tried loading to an ide drive in the same box. Removing the tuners and the memory got me further than before, but when it starts loading files, something like 25% of them won't load. ("setup cannot load the file: ") Thought maybe it was the disc, but I promise it's not. My expensive paper weight beckons for your assistance!
 
overclocking at all? I have installed it on 4 pcs myself and one is running a sata hdd. Hell have the Dells you get now run mce2005 and are on sata drives. Its has to be either a bad cd or some hardware it doesnt like. Does xp home or pro work on this pc?
 
Not sure about your problem, but for the previous posters note about the Dells and MCE.
I got (2) E521 in on Friday, both came with OS CD's
Each PC was exactly the same, but the OS CD's had different part numbers, but said the same "MCE DVD" text on them.
One CD wouldnt install on either machine, kept getting a BSOD about 0x7 and to check my hard drives for corruption, while the other CD installed fine on both.
Havent contacted Dell about it yet
 
no overclocking on this box, I actually RMA'd the first copy thinking the disc was somehow bad, this is the second copy doing exactly the same thing... what I really don't understand is that this isn't a new build. this is a reinstall because the previous installation went all wanky on me. Wouldn't load the media center front end and such. Obviously something is not well, but how do I even go about isolating the cause? Much thanks for all the input!
 
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