Reinstall XP 1

[phart]

I have a Toshiba Qosimio. I need to reinstall windows XP. When I boot to the CD I get the message "inspecting computer hardware..." screen goes blank and then nothing. The Cd works fine on other computers. And I am still able to boot from the HD.

 

[G0AOZ]

If you're still able to boot from the hard disk, it begs the question as to why you need to reinstall Windows XP...

If the hard drive is SATA, then maybe you need to invoke <F6> and give it the SATA drivers. Or perhaps there's an underlying hardware problem with mobo, hard drive or memory. What's the history behind this? Has the current installation got a problem?

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[phart]

Current install is ridden with "anti-virus/spyware scanners", if you want to call them that. I can not get rid of them totally. I cannot invoke <F6> it never gets that far. All I get is the first "inspecting computer hardware..." and then a blank screen.

 

[linney]

Anything helpful here?

Windows Setup Hangs When "Setup Is Starting Windows" Screen Appears

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=217073#kb1

Setup stops responding or displays an unrecoverable error message

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;811267&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

How to force a Hardware Abstraction Layer during an upgrade or an installation of Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299340/EN-US/

310064 - HOW TO: Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During Installation When You Upgrade

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310064&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Upgrade the Computer BIOS.

Before you start the install process, obtain and install the latest basic input output system (BIOS) upgrade for your computer from the computer manufacturer. If no Bios update is available set bios to original defaults. Make sure any Bios anti virus scanner is disabled.

If you've got USB devices (and other easily detachable devices, unplug them until you're done with the initial install, then plug them in and install them once the system is up and running.

Check your RAM for faults.

http://www.memtest86.com/

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

The hard drive manufacturer will have free diagnostic software (also floppy bootable) to check the condition of the drive.

If Setup is able to get some way into the install you can also review the Setupapi.log file, the Setupact.log file, and the Setuperr.log file (in the %windir% folder) to try to determine any problems.

 

[phart]

Thanks linney. Most of the link did not apply because I was not getting that far. But upgrading BIOS did the trick, even though Toshiba daid that the upgrade was for larger HD's.