Re-formating Dimension 4100 unsolvable problem, HELP!!

Question

Hello this is my 1st post, i hope someone can help me...   I have recently tried to reformat my Dell Dimension 4100 (about 3 years old i think).   I have formatted several different PC's and MAC's in the past with various OS's and not encountered any problems. However when i when through the usual procedures, booting from Win2k CD going through the usual setup process, at 99% of the way through i suddenly recieved error messages saying setup couldnt continue please shutdown.   I then tried repeating the whole process and as the setup begins loadin the files needed it gets to a point before being about to choose any options, where a message comes on screen saying:   THERE IS A SYNTAX ERROR IN THE .SIF FILE THAT SETUP USES AT LINE 678 (different numbers each time)   I also have tried using another copy of Win2k not supplied with the pc which i know works fine on other pc's and get the same message, i also tried a Win XP Cd. Obviously the pc wont boot now from the IDE HDD.   I also tried using an alternative hard drive which i know is fine and receieved the same message.   I have searched the net with this problem and still cannot find a solution.   If there;s anyone out there with any ideas or suggestions i would be very gratefull   Thanks

Tflyingsolo · Answer

Sounds like you could have a bad memory stick. I have encountered a similar problem before with my 4100. Run the memory diagnostics.

Dimension 4100 Bought January 2001
Windows XP Home SP2 Slipstreamed
866 Pentium 3
512 Ram
Western Digital 60 gig Hard Drive
Western Digital 120 gig Hard Drive
Sony 19" LCD Flat Panel Monitor
GeForce 5200
Creative SB Live
Digital Research DVD RW
RCA Cable Modem
HP Deskjet 932
HP K-60 all in one
Canon Scanner

EZI_PZI · Answer

Thanks for you reply, I'll give that a try later. I also found this on another forum....

http://www.driverzone.com/obb/read.php?TID=781

I've downloaded the BIOS upgrade so will also try that. Do you think its also worth trying to install Win 98 1st?

Tflyingsolo · Answer

Not in my opinion. I am a firm believer in clean installs of the OS. Upgrades tend to be a problem at some point. The fact that you have tried to install a couple different OS's with the same result points to a memory problem. Run the diagnostics and check it out.

Dimension 4100 Bought January 2001
Windows XP Home SP2 Slipstreamed
866 Pentium 3
512 Ram
Western Digital 60 gig Hard Drive
Western Digital 120 gig Hard Drive
Sony 19" LCD Flat Panel Monitor
GeForce 5200
Creative SB Live
Digital Research DVD RW
RCA Cable Modem
HP Deskjet 932
HP K-60 all in one
Canon Scanner

SloMoShun · Answer

FWIW, I installed the A11 BIOS in my 4100 before a clean install of a retail W2K operating system; went smooth as silk.

EZI_PZI · Answer

I'm completely stuck with this now. I have tried windows 98 which installs ok. I then tried a clean install of Win2k and got the same problem. Then re-installed 98 and tried an upgrade to win2k and got the same problem the tried the same procedure using Win XP. I got different problems, to do with it not being able to copy a lot of the files setup needed. I have now reinstalled 98 again. i couldnt run the diagnostics disk supplied with the pc to check the memory in win 98, but it appears to be ok in the BIOS menu. Also i wasnt able to install the A11 BIOS after several different attempts.

After working on it till 1.00am Ive had enough, unfortunately the pc is out of warranty. Also i have tried speaking to dell's hardware technical advice with no solution.

Anyone have any suggestions or shall i call it a day and buy a one of these

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?BB-P430BUB

and use the dell for parts??

Windows General

Re-formating Dimension 4100 unsolvable problem, HELP!!

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