New build BSoD with XP 32-bit

[darkpie]

Unfortunately I don't have a spare... and I've already deleted the partitions with the HDD in another PC.

Would it be worth a try to create an XP disk like Mark suggested but with all of the drivers on it?

I then install XP on it in my PC (as I'm building this for a friend) and then put the HDD back?

Would the new PC detect this, or would it require the drivers installing when the HDD is in the new PC?

 

[Mark56]

What you really need to solve this problem is to borrow a floppy drive from someone, then it will be fairly straightforward.

The driver package contains drivers for 32bit & 64bit systems and also installation packages that have to be run from windows on a previously installed system. It also includes XP drivers but they are in a format only suitable for putting onto a floppy disc. These are also in 32bit and 64bit formats. If you integrate the whole package into XP I am fairly sure it will not work. There is also a component in there that automatically creates the floppy disc. To further complicate things the package also contains three alternatives for different storage controllers.

You could just try, on a RW CD, the process I suggested in post 21. But, if that fails I would find another solution.

One other solution is to persuade your friend that he will have a much better system if he uses Windows 7. But, buying a new or second hand floppy drive would be cheaper if he insists on sticking with XP. This will also solve any future problems when the time comes around to do a clean install. I am sure a floppy drive can be picked up fairly cheap. Having a quick look on Ebay they are around €10.

 

[Archean]

I think Mark's suggestion with regard to slip-streaming XP with you ACHI/SATA drivers for your motherboard is a very appropriate one, and probably have best chance of succeeding IMO.

Even better solution as recommended by Mark will be Win7. I am unsure why your friend is interested in having XP on such a modern computer in the first place ? XP is a dead end with no further updates and generally it is the worst with regard to security issues.

@Mark
Also I noticed that he have XP with SP2, wouldn't it be better to have SP3 slip-streamed along with the SATA drivers as well?

 

[Mark56]

@Mark
Also I noticed that he have XP with SP2, wouldn't it be better to have SP3 slip-streamed along with the SATA drivers as well?

Absolutely, here are a couple of sets of instructions, you'll have to see which one looks the easiest to follow.

http://www.howtohaven.com/system/slipstream-xp-service-pack-3.shtml

http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/Slipstreaming_Windows_XP_Service_Pack_3.html

I would point out though that despite the time saving advantage of having SP3 slipstreamed onto a copy of the OS disc you cannot use this to do a Repair Install, you will have to uninstall SP3 and use the genuine windows disc with SP2.

XP SP3 is still supported and receiving security updates unlike earlier SP versions. Support will end completely in a few years time. Windows 7 is by far a superior OS.

Darkpie, is there any particular reason why your friend wants to stick with XP?

 

[darkpie]

He's happy with it... he know's the interface and is used to using it.

That and I had a spare key, so he didn't have to buy a copy of 7.

I'll have a chat with him later and get his views on upgrading the OS to 7... if you guys think that it'll sort it all out, that would be great (apart from trying to get him to part with more money of course)

 

[Archean]

OEM media will cost you approximately 100$, which isn't bad at all, but obviously the decision lies with your friend.

I would however, also suggest that just for trial you may 'loan' a copy of Win7 (if it is possible) and install it on this PC, in case your friend agrees to make this purchase.

 

[Mark56]

One (of many) of the big advantages of Windows 7 is that it is stuffed with drivers for virtually all hardware. There should not be any problems installing this on that SATA drive unless there is some other problem we have not uncovered yet.

I would have a go at installing Win7 on it and see what happens, there is always a possibility that something else is causing the problem, you won't know this until you try a Windows 7 install.

If your friend is reluctant to make the change then suggest buying a floppy drive. Point out to him that support for Windows XP will end in a few years, after that XP is going to become obsolete and those still using it are going to become prime targets for Malware writers.

 

[darkpie]

Ok... managed to get Win7 on fine... but it keeps crashing when trying to install anything from the DVD drive...

Just copying the GPU / Audio etc drivers onto a USB to see if that works.

Any ideas as to the cause?

 

[Archean]

If you are getting proper BSODs please attach at least five of them (after zipping them in a single file) with your next post, and we will try to come up with some answers.

 

[darkpie]

Nevermind.... Just had to update the DVD drive firmware after installing the LAN drivers... everything else is installing fine now.

Guys, I cannot thank you both enough for your help, it has been greatly (and humbly) appreciated!

Many, many thanks!

 

[Mark56]

This is interesting, I was thinking there may be some other problem causing this issue. Seems odd though that Windows 7 installed ok but drivers from a CD won't but, this does suggest a problem with the CD/DVD drive. Windows 7 is on a DVD but I suspect the drivers you are trying to install are on a CD and so would be XP. CD/DVD drives have two lasers, one for CD's and one for DVD's, maybe the CD laser has a fault.

Have you another DVD/CD drive you could try out?

Just incase you don't know where to look the minidump files are in C:\Windows\minidump.

EDIT
Your last post was not there when I was writing this one, so glad to here its ok now and your welcome.

 

[darkpie]

Guess who spoke too soon...

The system has again had a complete failure during installation of a game update... (no dll files involved).

It was a COMPLETE power drop, with no BSoD... the PC then restarted after 20 seconds or so with the "windows has recovered from a serious error" message.

As it appeared to be a power issue, I turned the PC off, removed the mains lead, re opened the case and reseated all of the connectors on the motherboard, GPU and drives.

I restarted the PC and again, it cut out, this time just as it loaded the serious error warning.

I restarted it again, and entered the BIOS to check the settings... all were ok, but it powered down before I could save and exit...

Now it will only power up for 5-10 seconds before failing, and the power light on the front is flashing on and off during this...

I don't have a voltmeter at home at this time in order to check the PSU rails, but it does seem rather coincidental that the earlier failures were during software installs.

I'm going to leave it switched off overnight to see if the issue resolves itself, and I'll remove the CMOS battery in the morning to reset that too.

Thoughts please anyone? I'm starting to lose my mind over this

 

[Mark56]

I would think the first place to start is checking the PSU with a voltmeter and if that checks out disconnect everything that is not needed for it to boot.

Start with the bare minimum and then gradually add hardware back on as you test at each step. When I say everything, I'm including keyboard, mouse, all but one of the RAM sticks, any cards, extra hard drives, CD drives, speakers, etc.

 

[darkpie]

It was a loose pin on the 24pin connector that wouldn't seat properly when pushing it down...

A little wiggle and being gentle, and it's all OK now.

Guys, thanks again for all of your help

 

[Mark56]

Well done and your welcome.