error messages reinstalling windows xp

Question

For the last couple days, I have been unable to boot my Dimension 8300 without a blue error screen interrupting at some stage.  I have run the 90/90 diagnostics and the hard drive passed.  I am attempting to do a complete re-install of Windows XP now, and cannot get through the installation process without being interrupted by any number of Stop:error blue screens.    The BIOS is set to boot from the XP reinstall CD in the CD drive.  Upon startup, it asks to press any key to boot from disk, which I do.  Then it goes to a Windows Setup screen for a while and then to a Welcome to Setup screen.  It says: To set up Windows XP now, press ENTER.  So I press ENTER and receive a blue error screen with the following message:   A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.   PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA   If this is the first time you’ve seen this stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screen appears again, follow these steps:   Check to make sure any new hardware or software is properly installed.  If this is a new installation, ask your hardware or software manufacturer for any windows updates you might need.   If problems continue, disable or remove any newly installed hardware or software.  Disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing.  If you need to use Safe Mode to remove or disable components, restart your computer, press F8 to select Advanced Startup Options, and then select Safe Mode.    Technical information:   ***STOP: 0x00000050 (0x86c00000, 0x00000000, 0x8080B20D, 0x00000000)     I have re-set the ram, video card, modem, and battery.  I know it is not a faulty reinstall disk- I have 2.  I have gotten further in the reinstall process earlier, and have formatted the drive, but have always been interrupted by an error message at some point.  3 Dell techs have been unable to help me.

bobwest · Answer

Check your BIOS and disable all BIOS caching and speed-up options.  Some PC BIOS have a OpSys install mode, if so use it.  Disable power management.  If you have more than one module (or pairs, if required) of RAM, check for bad modules by removing one module or pair at a time.

dt777 · Answer

I disabled 'Fast Boot' at the Setup screen, but I don't know where to find cacheing or shadowing.  I am still getting an error message at the same point during setup.  This time the error message is:   A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.   DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL   If this is the first time you've seen this Stop error screen, restart your computer.  If this screen appears again, follow these steps:   Check to make sure any new hardware or software is properly installed.  If this is a new installation, ask your hardware or software manufacturer for any windows updates you might need.    If problems continue, disable or remove any newly installed hardware or software.  Disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing.  If you need to us Safe Mode to remove or disable components, restart your computer, press F8 to select Advanced Startup Options, and then select Safe Mode.   I don't know if I have OpSys install mode- how do I find out?  I don't know how to disable caching or power management.  There are 2 modules of ram, I removed one at a time with no change.

simpswr · Answer

Have you disconnect all external peripherals except the monitor, keyboard and mouse, and be sure those are not USB, or wireless.  Any internal USB card should also be removed.

dt777 · Answer

I disconnected all peripherals, except it does have wireless and I don't know how to disconnect that.

dt777 · Answer

Ok, I've been searching this site and reading and I found out it is impossible to disable caching/shadowing on a Dimension 8300.  I also cleared the NVRAM as suggested, but unfortunately that hasn't helped.  I am looking at the PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA error screen right now.

maxd · Answer

Check this page out.

http://kadaitcha.cx/0x50_error.html

With multiple errors I might start by running this command from the Recovery Console:

chkdsk /r (note: space after the k)

If you're unsure of how to do this let me know and I'll dig up a link for it.

dt777 · Answer

When I go to the Windows Setup screen and type R, I get an error message.

dt777 · Answer

I have tried Safe Mode and Last Know Good Configuration, but the installation was interrupted by error screens in both cases.

The error message I'm getting now (after typing R) is DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

maxd · Answer

From the 'Advanced Setup' Menu have you tried Safe Mode\System Restore or Last Known Good Configuration ? Do so. Might clear up a driver problem. What's the error message you're getting ?

maxd · Answer

Saw mention of Black Ice which I'm sure doesn't apply to you, does it ? Did you run a test on your memory with a floppy-based sw utility ? Probably be better to just try running with one ram module. If you still get errors, try another/the other.

Could you put your hard disk in another computer and test it ?

The best advice I dug up (from 2 highly-respected sites is to use this sw if you have no luck trying anything else.

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

bobwest · Answer

This problem still sounds like bad RAM or a bad HDD.  Thought you said that you formated the HDD earlier, is that correct?  If so, you should not be getting the Windows boot process.  If you are, then the HDD was not reformated.  Try getting a DOS or other boot disk and get the HDD reformated (maybe even repartition the drive).  I believe an earlier post suggested an utility that you can DL.  Once you have the drive repartitioned/reformated try the OS install again.

dt777 · Answer

I've tested the RAM already and it is not that.  I think I have done all that a novice like me can realistically do.  I'm in over my head.  Thanks everyone for the help, but I've accepted that I am going to have to pay to have this fixed

maxd · Answer

Whhat was the problem and what was the cost to get it fixed ?

Windows General

Was this post helpful?