Forum Home
Press F1
 
Thread ID: 100195 2009-05-29 11:18:00 Windows won't install raydan42 (13837) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
778040 2009-05-29 11:18:00 I am trying to load Microsoft XP Pro on to an old PC, which has had it on a couple of times . There are always critical problems, that need an entire Windows reinstall, and so, I have done this about 5 times .

Now, I bought and built a new PC, and the old one was put in storage, because there was no place for it . A month later, I pulled it out finding that the OS started up, and said "Critical Error: blah blah blah . . . ", and it reboot itself . I tried to reinstall Windows, only to find that some files (always different, random ones) were not able to be found . When the install did actually complete properly, it reboot, and went to the next install screen . It would load until a random point, at which it would randomly decide to freeze the install . The time would not move, but the mouse was fine .

This was tried over and over, and installed to the finish once . But there were "Files missing", or "Corrupt Files", etc . , and then it wouldn't install any programs . I tried to install the normal drivers I usually install without any hassle, but Windows blocked me, because of the "Potential threat posed by the file" . I soon got fed up, and tried a reinstall .

It didn't work .

I have now given up, hoping that the internet might help, but have only found similar questions, and no answers .

The old PC runs on:

1 . 6 MHz CPU
634MB RAM
DVD RW Drive
Used to be Windows XP (dual-booted with Linux Ubuntu at one stage)
40GB hard drive

If nobody can :help: , I fear I might go :badpc: to my first computer!:dogeye:
raydan42 (13837)
778041 2009-05-29 11:39:00 Sounds like it has a hardware problem.

I'm betting it has a horrible PSU like a Hyena or something, which may be the cause of all your problems...
Agent_24 (57)
778042 2009-05-29 11:44:00 Yes, it is a Hyena, 350W, but has been working magnifecently. What brand should I get? raydan42 (13837)
778043 2009-05-29 12:17:00 Well the brands generally regarded as good include Enermax (what I use) Antec, Silverstone, Seasonic, Corsair, Zalman, Thermaltake, Zippy

But most of these are high power PSU and would be overkill for your PC

High Power or AcBel might be a good choice


A Hyena of that age would no doubt have failing/failed capacitors (and is what usually causes the instability problems because the voltages are out of whack/full of ripple noise)

However the same could also be said for the capacitors on your mainboard so checking these is a good idea www.badcaps.net will give you a good idea of what to look for and more information

If they all look in good order, try the PC with a different PSU. Maybe the one from your good PC. If it works fine then get a new PSU

If not it may be RAM or HDD

But the last time I saw an old Hyena was in a P4 system. It would turn on but would not POST. Just sit there with blank screen. The capacitors in the PSU were leaking. Replaced the PSU and the PC worked perfectly.
Agent_24 (57)
778044 2009-05-29 12:32:00 Considering the age and the specs I would recommend the cheapest new PSU you can find, you should be able to get something for around $60.

If you are planning to use this computer for a work you may want to spend a little more to get an Enermax brand.

Sounds like your HD is on its way out too.
Rob99 (151)
778045 2009-05-29 20:36:00 Enermax Antec, Silverstone, Corsair,

.

And nothing else.
pctek (84)
778046 2009-05-29 20:55:00 Thanks guys, I will definitely have a look at that. raydan42 (13837)
1