I am having a recurring problem trying to re-install Win XP Pro onto an older PC where it was running before. I got through the product key entry, but it keeps hanging up at the "Preparing installation" point where it is "installing devices" and says "Setup wll complete in 34 minutes". There are no scratches on the original install CD. It is an October 2001 issue. I've tried to reformat the hard disk several times during the install operation, but no improvement. It keeps stopping at 34 minutes remaining each time. Any thoughts & suggestions?
Windows XP Pro Re-Install Problem
- Thread starter gjwimmer
- Start date
- Status
B00kWyrm
Posts: 992 +39
Hello gjwimmer,
Again... welcome to TechSpot.
Questions...
1. Why is the reinstall needed initially? (What happened to cause you to begin the process?)
2. Have you run chkdsk on the drive?
3. Other drive utilities may catch problems that chkdsk may miss. For other utilities, see https://www.techspot.com/vb/topic7602.html
4. Depending on why the reinstall is needed you might want to check other things as well..
a) Check memory for errors... using memtest. https://www.techspot.com/vb/topic62524.html
b) Check for virus and malware... using the 8 steps. https://www.techspot.com/community/...lware-removal-preliminary-instructions.58138/
Another possibility is that your cd drive may need to be replaced.
I had a disk once that one drive would read while another would not.
Also, sometimes a dvd reader will read a cd when the cd drive won't.
HTH
Again... welcome to TechSpot.
Questions...
1. Why is the reinstall needed initially? (What happened to cause you to begin the process?)
2. Have you run chkdsk on the drive?
3. Other drive utilities may catch problems that chkdsk may miss. For other utilities, see https://www.techspot.com/vb/topic7602.html
4. Depending on why the reinstall is needed you might want to check other things as well..
a) Check memory for errors... using memtest. https://www.techspot.com/vb/topic62524.html
b) Check for virus and malware... using the 8 steps. https://www.techspot.com/community/...lware-removal-preliminary-instructions.58138/
Another possibility is that your cd drive may need to be replaced.
I had a disk once that one drive would read while another would not.
Also, sometimes a dvd reader will read a cd when the cd drive won't.
HTH
What you describe, gjwimmer, sounds an awful lot like a failed or failing hard drive... or that your optical drive is out of alignment... meaning bad.
First, test the disk in another computer optical drive... if that works... temporarily move that drive to the problem computer until you complete the install... then run down to your friendly neighborhood CD replacement store, if this borrowed one works properly...
Or order one at www.directron.com, www.zipzoomfly.com, www.newegg.com, www.pcmall.com, www.tigerdirect.com, or www.frys.com... etc... for about $22 and throw the old one far, far away.
First, test the disk in another computer optical drive... if that works... temporarily move that drive to the problem computer until you complete the install... then run down to your friendly neighborhood CD replacement store, if this borrowed one works properly...
Or order one at www.directron.com, www.zipzoomfly.com, www.newegg.com, www.pcmall.com, www.tigerdirect.com, or www.frys.com... etc... for about $22 and throw the old one far, far away.
- Status
