check your power supply with a PSU tester or voltmeter. It's probably dead.
Test ram with memtest 86+

 

What version of Windows are you trying to install? This could be caused by a failing power supply

 

I've tried to install both XP and ME...... Im running XP on it right now.... I have it sitting next to the comp im using to post here..... What about the powersource goes bad but allowed the computer to still turn on but just run REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY SLOW? Im trying to get memtest 86+ but im not sure which version to d/load.... so im just trying a few different d/ls of it. Im pretty sure its not the RAM tho.... I have 3 different chips and ive tried them all everyway I could, even each one by it self, in all 3 slots i have even. Could it be the processor? If so, how can I fix it? It started making a little noise that I hadn't heard b4 and when I opened my tower it even sounded like it was coming from the processor.

 

You said that the computer is a "few" years old. What make and model is the motherboard. Have you tried cleaning all the dust out of the case and you might even remove the CPU's heatsink and fan assembly, and clean off the old thermal paste and apply some fresh paste. If you don't know how to do this just ask

 

Wow, um okay. I cant say I really know how to do remove the heatsink and all that. I can say that with proper instruction I think I can do it. The computer is about 4 or 5 years old, so im sure all that stuff needs to be cleaned. I prolly havent vac'd it out as much as I should but in the past few months I've been keeping up on it. How do I find out what the make and model of my motherboard are?

 

Ok George&AJ,

Your motherboard model number should be located between 2 PCI sockets nearest the edge of the motherboard... or on a sticker near the printer connector. The model number will tell us who made the board.

A small to medium flat-blade screwdriver is used to release the Fan and Heatsink from the CPU socket. You can use rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean the old thermal paste from the CPU and from the heatsink. Remember, you will have to buy some new paste.

Good luck

 

Asus A7v133

 

should i update bios?

 

A friend of mine came over and helped me figure out that the smaller fan isint working either..... could that be a problem?

 

This is site may help you with the cleaning:

http://www.all-about-pc.de/english/Hardware/Motherboards/asus_a7v133/ASUSa7v133_candidate.asp

http://www.all-about-pc.de/english/buildpc/buildpc/buildpc1_intro.asp

Remove the smaller (chipset) fan altogether. The motherboard will run ok without it... Clean that CPU fan/heatsink like I explained applying just a very small amount of paste on the clean surface of the CPU and the heatsink