File copy error when installing XP Pro

Question

I am trying to install a full copy of Windows XP Pro on my Dimension 8100. I ran the upgrade compatability manager from both Microsoft and Dell. I upgraded my Bios sucessfully as sugested. I am trying to do a 'clean' install using NTFS. When the CD begins copying files to the hard drive, every once in a while i get a message that 'A file being copied did not copy correctly... press enter to try again. I get this message on random files at each install try. When I finally get into the windows program, several items or components do not work. I cannot access Windows update, Can someone please help me figure out what is going on? Thanks

Oceana Jones · Answer

Thank you Derf for you quick response! On my initial install, I deleted, then recreated the C:Partition. I then proceeded to Format the newly created C: Partition to NTFS. I am assuming once I did this, there would be nothing on C: to install from. After the format, The Install CD began copying files to the hard drive. A little way into this proceedure, before the first reboot, I begin to get the error messages of different files that are not copying correctly... hit enter to try again". It does this to 3, 4, 6, 10 random (different) files on each install retry.

Now, I am using a memory checker and have dicovered I have some bad memory! Maybe this could be the problem? Thanks again! JJ

Dave Lyle · Answer

You *MUST* set the bios to boot directly from the CD. What you are discribing sounds like you are trying to run the CD from within an active operating system.

Boot into setup and set the CD drive as the first boot device.

levipatrick · Answer

Hello,

I've seen 'bad' memory sticks cause random installation errors and random BSDs on running systems. The memory passes the BIOS memory check and other utilities we had had. I started swapping memory sticks and found 'bad' ones. I sxent them to Compaq and they could find nothing wrong until they sent an engineer to witness it.

Try installing with various memory sticks taken out and see if that helps. Another issue could be the CD or the CD hardware. I would copy the CD to a formatted partition and THEN install from the hard drive.

This also as the benefit of the OS not asking for the 'install CD' when doing various procedures.

Levi Patrick II

The I.T. Doctor

www.TheITDoctor.com

Oceana Jones · Answer

Thanks everyone for the advice. I went to http://www.memtest86.com and downloaded the free memory checker software that loads from dos (from a floppy drive) This software does an indepth examination of all your system memory. Not just a cursory check that windows performs while loading. As it turned out I did have a bad memory module that was causing the installation problems. Oceana Jones Message Edited by Oceana Jones on 05-23-2004 12:48 PM

Windows General

File copy error when installing XP Pro

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