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Windows won't do reinstall

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5 replies

by valdoltra

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Ok I have a serious problem... I recieved a computer froma one of our clients and all I should do is install SP2 for XP. However the computer stopped responding in the middle of the installation and all I could do is reset the computer. But now it won't boot to windows. Instead it keeps resetting itself. I tried Repairing the installation and the text portion of the setup goes fine but when it reboots insted of continuing to second phase of setup it wants to boot to windows again and it still keeps resetting. Neither safe mode or Last known good configuration helps. Any ideas?

Regards,
Vlado

5 replies

by thechas

A common cause of both failed updates and constant rebooting is RAM errors.

Start by reseating all RAM modules and plug-in cards. Even check drive and power connectors.

If that does not help, try different RAM modules.

Also, take a close look at the hardware and make sure that there are no older devices that are not supported by SP2. I'm thinking mainly of out of date video cards.

Chas

by valdoltra

I'm trying to do a Repair of installation with client's CD with XP SP1 so basically there shouldn't be problem with out of date isuue. Besides the computer is about year old so that makes it almost up to date (almost ;)) the strangest part is that the first portion of setup completes but when system should boot into second phase of setup it boots normally like nothing happened. Any clues?

regards,
V

by hal 9000

The Windows installer has been so messed up by the corrupted install of SP2 that it's incapable of reinstalling the OS because of the changes that have been made to the basic install. What you need do is wipe the HDD with a Low Level Formatting utility and reinstall from there.

Also if you are using a SP2 Disc to do the Repair install I would guess that there is a hardware incompatibility occurring. This happened quite a lot with repaired new systems where the M'Board had been replaced with an older unit and had On Board Video. You could try flashing the BIOS but I would be trying some diagnostic tools first while using a different HDD in the unit to install SP2 to and recovering any data that needs to be recovered off the HDD fitted to the unit.

Col

by valdoltra

That doesn't sound very encouraging :) I was using client's original disc with SP1 to repair installation. I used SP2 only after firt one failed. I guess there really isn't much I can do... Thanks guys!

Regards,
Vlado

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