Problems Installing Windows XP SP2

Question

I have a Dell Dimension 4700 that I bought back in 2004. Unfortunately over the last few weeeks there have been problems with it crashing and I have spent hours trying to sort it out.

It appeared that the problem was caused Vario Virus which appeared on a Spybot report. With the help of the Spybot forum I ran various reports and managed to remove it however depite this the PC kept crashing and cycling through CHKDSK. Windows would then open up but quickly the Blue Screen appeared and CHKDSK kicked in.

Yesterday, in desperation, I decided to try to repair the OS Windows XP SP2 using for the first time the Dell Installation Disc. This did not work as there were files that it did not like. Yet in more desperation I attempted a clean re-install.

The Hard Drive had a C: with XP in it and so I deleted and recreated it. Apart from that there is a smallish partition F containing what I think may be Dell Diagnotics. All started off ok with formatting but when installing files and drivers it would not copy about 40 .dll's and other files.

The system and Windows boots up OK but I am now beginning to find a lack of functionality like when I try to use sound and a file that did not load is mentioned in an error message.

I have done a trawl of various forums but I cannot find an answer.

I could try to re-install XP again using a different DVD drive just in case that is the problem. As far as I know it was working OK previously though. I suppose it might be the Dell re-installation disc that is faulty?? Other possible causes are related to incorrect memory being installed but with it having worked for the last 4 years I doubt it.

My daughter's boyfriend who know a bit about pc's is in Bristol and I am now getting out of my depth. I don't really want to take it to a shop as that would be admitting defeat!!

I am wondering what the problem is - any ideas?? I will start pulling my hair out soon and I have precious little already.

DELL-Jesse L · Answer

AndrewB1953,

Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.

After installing Windows did you first install the chipset drivers? This driver will need to be the first driver to install right after you install Windows. You can dowload the chipset driver below or get it off the Dell Driver Disc that was sent with your computer.

Dimension 4700 Chipset Driver

AndrewB1953 · Answer

Hi, thanks for coming back to me. I followed the Dell Solution Network Knowledge Database Article "Preparing for a clean installation of Microsoft XP" and I was not aware that I had to install the chipset diver.

The clean install of Windows was going well until it come across a batch of files that it would not copy so I had to Skip them. There are approx 40 files and dll's that would not copy.

I am using the Re-installation Disc provided by Dell at the time of buying the pc. This is the first time that I have broken the seal to get use it and I am wondering if the disc might be faulty?? If so how would I go about getting a replacement? The irritaing thing is that I had purchased a 3 year warranty in 2005 that ran out in mid Oct ago - but that's life I suppose??

Otherwise could there be a CD/DVD drive issue. I have two drives so would it be worth re-installing again using the other drive??

I haven't had to do anything like this for about 5 years because all the Dell pc's in the past have been very reliable. I have two Dells running at the moment the Dimension 4700 which is my family pc and another Precision 350 that I acquired from a friend who was upgrading to another Dell. I have both pc's with me in my flat so that I have internet access so that I can try to fix the Dimension that is used by my wife and Daughetr who live elsewhere and rely on me for pc support.

Thanks for your guidance so far.

AndrewB1953 · Answer

Hi,

I have run the Diagnostic disc tonight and when running the memory test a message came up:
Msg Sysyem Memory Failure Read 0000002h, expected 0000000h at address 185D 4260h, suspected memory component loacted on system board at label Channel A DIMM 0

there were a number of these showing diffent number sequences on Channel A DIMM 0

also

Msg Sysyem Memory Failure Read FFFFFFFh, expected FFFFFFFh at address 185D 5D 60h, suspected memory component loacted on system board at label Channel A DIMM 1

Are there further tests I should run??

Does this mean that both memory modules are suspect and should be replaced??

I look forward to your response.

Andrew

Windows General

Problems Installing Windows XP SP2

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