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Can't setup Windows XP after reinstalling it

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4 replies

by framder

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I just ran a recovery disk on my pc. When I reboot it I am required to complete the initial Windows XP setup. The problem is when I get to ?What?s your computer?s name?? I enter it, click next and nothing happens for a long time. So I decided to let it over night to see if it just need more time. Nothing! I replaced the hard drive presuming that the original HDD was damaged but got stuck in the same spot. Could my recovery disks be bad? I think I have done this procedure once a while back and it worked fine.
Any idea as to what is going on?

4 replies

by oh smeg

A Successful OKP install of XP.

It's far more likely to be a Hardware issue so get yourself a copy of the Ultimate Boot CD from here

http://tinyurl.com/3jnpy

Make yourself a Boot Disc and test your Hardware. As you have successfully installed Windows use the HDD Testing Utility First and if that passes move on to the various other tests available on the Ultimate Boot CD till you find the Problem. CPU and RAM shouldn't be a problem but test them anyway just in case.

Col

by Former member

That the "MBR" (master boot record) is corrupted, so if possible download a Linux disk and install this (or buy a Linux mag from your newsagent) on your system, once this is has installed ok then re-boot and install your Windows disk. A bit of a pain yes but it does work. I have had the same problems many a times and the Linux disk install does the job. I hope all works out for you.

Please post back if you have anymore problems or questions.

by oh smeg

And not create the 3 Partitions that Every Linux Distribution does by Default.

Something like Boot & Nuke is available here free to write Zeros to Every Sector of the HDD.

http://tinyurl.com/4rfur

Though Wiping a HDD correctly and deeply isn't a fast procedure. But the Wiped HDD looks like a New HDD to the Windows Installer so there should be no issues with anything that was previously on the Drive.

Col

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