Reinstalling XP Stall

Question

I am trying to do a clean reinstall of XP on a Dimension 2350. (All important data is backed up) Formatting the HD is no problem. However, after the computer reboots and returns with the graphical interface, XP stalls. 5 radio buttons to the right say: 'collecting information', 'dynamic update', 'preparing installation', 'installing windows', and 'finishing installation'. The first 3 steps/buttons are fine. However, when in the process of 'installing windows', XP install hangs and stalls. There is a message giving an approximation to how much time is left to complete installation. At around 34 minutes, it takes actually 5 minutes to reach the 33 remaining minutes message. And it stops right there. The status bar under the time remaining message stops as well. Underneath the status bar it says 'installing devices' and again, just hangs. I have left it running for over 6 hours. And no change. I finally force quit the computer and began the process all over again with the same results. Any suggestions?

pskelley · Answer

Hi CKay, This sounds like a question for the Windows Xp Board. Here is a link to that board:

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board?board.id=sw_winxp

We are dealing with virus/trojan/hijacker/malware/etc., location and removal at this forum. If you wish this service follow these directions:

Hi, We need to make you aware that many, many logs are being posted. Because we are few, all volunteers with families and real jobs, we will have to ask you to be patient. We work the logs in the order they come in, if you would like us to look at your computer, please follow the instructions below. One of the experts (trained at SpywareInfo & Tom Coyote) will assist with your log as soon as possible. They may ask for a fresh log as rebooting can mutate the newest infections.

We need you to download and install an analysis and repair tool called Hijackthis.

Download the zipped file from here: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html. Please see the following link for information about downloading and other FAQ's. There is also a link there to an .exe version of HijackThis if there is anyone who absolutely can not open a .zip file. Please use this for that purpose only due to limited bandwidth, thank you. http://russelltexas.com/malware/faqhijackthis.htm

Please unzip Hijackthis.zip or move the hijackthis.exe file into a new folder you create in the root (first) level of the C: drive. Name this folder HJT for best and safest results. Don't place it on the Wallpaper, in a temp folder, or in the root level of the C: drive or the My Documents folder. It will create many backup files and they need to be stored in a unique Hijackthis folder. If it is properly placed it will look like this: C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe.

Hijackthis FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) at: http://russelltexas.com/malware/faqhijackthis.htm

After downloading, and unzipping the hijackthis file into a safe folder you create (preferably a folder named HJT in the first level of the C: drive)...run Hijackthis, click on the 'scan' button and then 'save log' button.

Copy and paste the contents of the text file you save into a reply to this message. A lot of posters make mistakes here in copying and pasting so reread the left info sidebar called Copy and Paste at http://www.tomcoyote.com/hjt

Special Notice! Hijackthis is a powerful tool that edits the brains of Windows (the Registry). DO NOT FIX anything in the Hijackthis log screen without assistance from the experts! Most of the line items in the scanned log are normal for Windows operation. Hijackthis should identify the vast majority of your problems and enable us to help you clean them off your system.

Stay in this thread for continuity. Reply to this message.

Thanks,

pskelley
In Training at TomCoyote.com and Spywareinfo.com

Please be aware only the following DellForum members were trained at TomCoyote.com and SpywareInfo.com to help with malware like viruses, worms, adware, scumware, foistware and crudware in general. They are also the only experts specifically trained to analyze and advise on Hijackthis logs: Texruss, Baskar1234, Grinler, ChrisRLG, SpotCheckBilly, and pskelley. (If you are one of our classmates and not on this list email me for an addition to this list...we need all the help we can get *;-)

CKay · Answer

Sorry about posting to the wrong board. I thought I was in the XP board. Since my original post, I have solved the problem. The 2350 had integrated audio and network adapter. I had to disable these in the bios and then continue with the XP reinstall. This worked perfectly. No more hang-ups. Of course I had to go back and enable those devices and manually install the drivers/controllers. This is what a Dell technician told me to do and it worked. Thanks for your response.

Virus & Spyware

Reinstalling XP Stall

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