Dimension 8100 having serious Win XP install problems.

Question

Hey guys - I have not been on here in a while however, I need your assistance again. I have a Dimension 8100 Powerleaped to 2.6 and I have some of the latest upgraded hardware. Recently I had a crash while playing Call of Duty and my PC completely froze sending all types of errors. I wiped off my harddrive completely (I was running Windows XP2), and now I can not reinstall windows for the life of me. Everytime I try to reinstall windows, when windows tries to copy drivers/files I have to skip at least 10 files (.dll's). Even after a skipping files for the installation, I get a "Blue-Screen of Death" giving me error of Memory_Management. When I reboot the machine, on the Black screen after the Dell Logo, my computer decides to reduce my memory from 1024 gigs down to 512 or 256. When I reboot again then my computer increases the memory back to the 1024. I can't understand what is going on.

I have a fresh retail copy of windows xp and I still have problems with install (missing files/drivers). I am so fustrated right now. Do I need to revert back to ME and then reinstall XP??? Please help me before I call Geek-on-Call or have to take a plunge and buy an Dell XPS system. I have already invested about $1500 in upgrades on my 8100 and I would hate to have to buy a new system. :smileysad: What could be the problem?? IS my memory bad?? Is it my sound card or graphics card or IDE controllers?

Message Edited by dredboy on 11-04-2005 10:59 AM

Message Edited by dredboy on 11-04-2005 11:10 AM

dredboy · Answer

I also forgot to mention that I have done a clean install of windows XP.  Trust me, I am computer literate.  I have even installed the Western digital data lifeguard tools and reformatted the drive in both windows and from WD software.  I am still having problems with the installing.

Denny Denham · Answer

@SitelTech wrote:
There is possibly something wrong with your windows XP CD. If your machine is still under warrenty, call Dell to get that CD Replaced.

dredboy wrote, "I have a fresh retail copy of windows xp..."

SitelTech · Answer

Yes, Its also my experience that with Dell Windows XP CDs just opened right out of the package can contain errors like the errors mentioned. It usually happens to be one of the 2 cases...either the CD is defective or there is something wrong with his HArdware (Harddrive,etc)...

In either case, I would phone Dell Hardware support (1-800-624-9896) get them to check your hardware if everything is fine, then they should send you out another CD.

SitelTech · Answer

There is possibly something wrong with your windows XP CD. If your machine is still under warrenty, call Dell to get that CD Replaced.

SitelTech · Answer

I would make sure you have your printer disconnected and ethernet cable during the install.

I would try another harddrive, but if your computer is under warrenty, then you wouldnt have to cover the cost of this.

Denny Denham · Answer

dredboy, Because of the odd behavior of Windows with your memory it might be worthwhile to run diagnostics on the memory. See this.

dredboy · Answer

I have already tried to three different retail versions of Windows XP.  When I orginally bought my pc, it was configured for windows ME  and the bios of A04 (I think).  I even tried to install another copy of windows that my friend lent me just to see if it was my retail CD.  His cd also failed to copy files but, it works for him.   I don't think the cd is the problem.  I think something on my machine is prohibiting the software from installing correctly.  I might buy another hard drive and try that out first, and if it doesn't work just return it.  I am really getting fed up with this machine.  I can't believe I haven't played COD in three weeks, let alone there is a Call of Duty 2 out.  **Insert cry smilie***   any other suggestions???  Should i just remove all of my hardware components including the Cd drives???  Is there a new xp cd that has the latest drivers out??    My other question is, Should i remove my sound card + netgear adapter + Network Card + USB 2.0 hub while installing windows, and just reinstall them when i get the OS to work?

dredboy · Answer

My computer is out of warranty.  Dell will only cover hardware components that were installed by DELL during original purchase or upgrades thru them.  LOL I think the only thing that is still 'original' on my pc is the motherboard and case LOL.

Windows General

Dimension 8100 having serious Win XP install problems.

Was this post helpful?