installing xp- when it starts to write to hd, it turns off

[wfbtr]

i was handed a build-it-yourself pc and i can't figure out exactly what is wrong. i'm booting off an xp cd to install it and when it hits the point of writing to the hd (hit "enter" to install xp, then it looks for another copy of xp on the hd...) the power shuts off. i've tried different ide cables, different jumper settings etc.
when i boot with just the hd it comes up with a factory install of xp home. so i think my devices are good, just some kind of power issue, it seems like.
anyone have any ideas?
thanks

 

[jimp56]

just a pure guess, but it probably is a failing power supply. it also wouldnt hurt to look in event viewer to see if there are any disk-related entries in the system view. this would rule out corruption on the HD. (or run chkdsk)

 

[wfbtr]

yeah, i think it's power supply as well. when it does shut off after trying to write to the disk, i can't turn it back on for about 15 minutes.
and i can't get into event viewer, as it stops at windows registration. (don't have proper key)

 

[Wishdiak]

wfbtr,

Power supplies are cheap enough these days, and even if this isn't the problem (unlikely as that may be), you'll have a spare.

I'd caution you against buying a $10 power supply though. It's worth it to spend $40 and get a good name-brand power supply, rather than spending less and having to replace it again (and again) in the furure.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[mainegeek]

wfbtr,
What is the senario when you boot normally with out the XP CD in but with the CD-Rom still attached?

"i was handed a build-it-yourself pc"

Are you saying you built this yourself or it is a Clone built by someone else and was once functioning correctly?

How about listing some specs.

Your problem could be caused by several different things
from a failed CD-Rom drive, over-heated video card,bad pci card, bad or out-of-spec Ram, hot cpu...............

 

[wfbtr]

it was the power supply.
thanks.

 

[Wishdiak]

wfbtr,

I take it from your message that you've replaced the power supply and resolved the problem.

I hope that you invested in a good power supply, rather than taking the cheap way out. I've been burned by this myself.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com