New HD format

[Jase]

Is it the Data Lifegaurd Diagnostics for DOS (CD) or Windows? I downloaded the DOS (CD) version and tried it but 'Error loading operating system' appeared on the DMI pool screen after Boot from CD message.

[Tootech]

It's the right one. Either should boot.

 

Can you check that you have set the first boot device to CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM whichever you have, and second boot device is Hard Drive.

 

If you have any other drives connected, can you remove them for the moment.

 

Also, your memory, is it a single stick or two sticks.

[Jase]

First boot drive is CD & second is HD. I have 2 sticks of 1GB RAM (2GB total). Just tried again & still get 'Boot from CD/DVD' then 'Error loading operating system'

 

Just some more info on the Win XP disc. Its mainly a lilac colour and has written on 'The software is already installed on your computer. Only use this CD to reinstall the operating system on a Dell computer' & 'This CD is not for reinstallation or programs or drivers'.

Edited October 25, 2008 by Jase

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Well there we go Jase, if you don't have a Dell box you ain't going nowhere unfortunately.

[Jase]

Although the disc has installed further, when a restart occured, the PC froze on the Motherboard screen. The actual product key supplied with the disc is only 20 letters/numbers where a standard Windows product key is 25. I think you may be right, the disc is the problem. Thanks for all your advice.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Your welcome Jase, let us know how you go on mate. :)

[Jase]

I have tried the XP installation disc again (several times). At one point it copied all the windows files and rebooted, but stupid me pressed a key when asked if I wanted to boot from CD when I was supposed to leave it and boot from HD :mad:

 

Anyway, on most occasions the set up stopped at driver.cab and on 1 or 2 other files on the other occasions. Do you still think this is a disk problem? :confused:

[Guest Wolfeymole]

You've bought a pup (trash) Jase, get a proper version of XP mate.

[Jase]

Ok, I have bought an OEM WinXP Service Pack3 edition from local PC shop. The furthest I got with this installation is Installing Devices where it froze with 32mins install time remaining.I have replaced the CD/DVD player and fitted my old HD which I tried to NFTS format (not quick) but that froze at 53%. I used quick format on my new HD when I got to Installing Devices part of the set up (as mentioned before).

 

So I have eliminated the CD drive, HD & WinXP disk as the problems. Any further ideas?

[Guest Wolfeymole]

You did delete all previous versions of XP on the drive yes?

[Jase]

You did delete all previous versions of XP on the drive yes?

 

Yes both HD's are clear.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Get the old drive out completely and reformat via an install on the new, don't use quick format and get back to us.

[Jase]

Formatted ok (for the first time) on normal NTFS. No HD activity at 'Set up is copying files 9%' & 'Copying driver.cab'

[Guest Wolfeymole]

The driver cab does take a while just leave it Jase.

[Jase]

The driver cab does take a while just leave it Jase.

 

It usually pauses on driver.cab for about 30secs then carries on.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

It doesn't pause Jase, it's loading files, give it a few more minutes.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Hows it doing Jase if it's still on cab then either the disk is scratched or the cdrom's goosed.

 

It would have checked the hdd for install suitability in the beginning when it formatted it.

[Jase]

Still on driver.cab :(

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Read above.

[Jase]

I'll try another CD/DVD drive (3rd one).Disc is fine, brand new with no scratches. Had a quick scout on the web and some people think its a ram problem. I did take 1 out. Might put that 1 back and take the other 1 out. I'll try the ram before I change the drive.

[Tootech]

Try the other stick of RAM Jase, there isn't much left to check.

 

Are the RAM timings set to Auto?

 

Now and then I've seen systems crash after a memory upgrade, when the memory speed is on Auto. On slowing the timings down a little in the BIOS they have run spot on.

[Jase]

I swapped the ram and Set up is copying files reached 60% - copying d3d8.dll

[Jase]

Changed the Ram timings from 5-5-5-15 to 4-4-4-12 and put my original CD/DVD back in. Set up is copying files reached 100% but the PC did not reboot :mad: Happened 3 times now (no reboot). There are a red, amber & 2 green lights on the MOBO when the PC is supposed to restart Edited October 27, 2008 by Jase

[Tootech]

Jase, go back your BIOS and slow down the memory - you have changed it to

allow it to run faster.

 

Try to boot it again.

 

Just looking at the spec for your board - there are different versions, each with a different memory speed requirement.

 

Look here for info

 

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/MemorySupport/motherboard_memory_ga-ep43-ds3l.pdf

 

Do you have branded memory or just plain old memory with no name on it? Can you post it's part number.

[Jase]

The RAM is OCZ 1GB DDR2 800MHz/PC26400 CL 4-4-4-15 Platinum XTC (I have 2 of these). Part no. OCZ2P800R22GK

The MOBO is EP43-DS3L DDR2 1200