Using XP reinstallation CD leads to endless reboot

Question

Hi all,   I’m having problems trying to reformat my computer. I’m using the Windows XP reinstallation CD SP1 that came with the computer, a Dell Dimension 2400. Upon loading the CD, at the blue screen, I deleted the partition labeled 'C,' and then attempted to reinstall Windows XP, which seemed to work at first: it took me through the normal set up process (you have 39 minutes remaining, etc.) But when I got down to 35 minutes remaining, the blue screen of doom came up and I had to reboot.   Now when attempting to boot directly from the reinstallation CD, I am stuck in a continuous cycle where I get: Dell boot-up screen --> Microsoft Windows XP home edition start up screen > blue 'Setup is being restarted' screen, as if the CD is going to load, then the mouse pointer comes on for about ten seconds, and it goes back to the Dell boot-up screen.   I’ve unplugged everything from the computer except for the monitor, power, mouse and keyboard.   Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mary G · Answer

Did you set up another partition after deleting C? You are not finished reformatting yet. You need to go over these complete directions: Here

alozada83 · Answer

[deleted] Message Edited by alozada83 on 08-20-2008 03:13 PM

ignor.ant · Answer

First try disabling all unnecessary devices in BIOS (network, sound, usb support). If it works then, just enable them one after another booting each time to make sure they install and work properly.

And check the event logs, just boot up laptop from CD and browse your Windows folders looking for these files:

setupact.log-This log file contains a list of actions in chronological order that occurred during the graphical installation phase, such as file copies and registry changes. The OS also stores setup error log entries in this file. XP writes the setupact.log file to the %systemroot% folder (e.g., c:\windows).

setuperr.log-This log file contains a list of errors that occurred during installation and their severity (this log file should be 0 bytes in size if no errors occurred during installation). XP writes the setuperr.log file tothe %systemroot% folder.

comsetup.log-This log file contains installation information about Optional Component Manager and COM+ components. XP writes the comsetup.log file to the %systemroot% folder.

Windows General

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