Can't install XP over corrupted 98SE

[macx]

HELP!

We're trying to resurrect my old PC that got corrupted
so that Windows wouldn't open - even an MS technician
said he couldn't do anything after an hour's effort over
the phone.

Anyway, my wife needs a dedicated PC to do some work
at home stuff, so we're trying to resurrect it. It's adequate
for the requirements.

We got a new XP disc, I put it in and powered up, but it
won't auto install (isn't it supposed to?)

It keeps trying to open 98SE which is corrupted so
it won't open.

Possible to load XP somehow, or do I need a new drive?

Appreciate any help!

 

[Rik]

You need to go into the computers bios and instruct it to boot from cd first and hard drive second!!!!

 

[macx]

I figured something like that - been awhile (over a year) since I
built my new pc and installed everything.

Does that mean I put it into "setup" when it starts up?
If I remember right, that's where I can do that?

If not, then what?

Thx!!

 

[Rik]

If you have the boot order correct in the bios then it will first come up with "press any key to boot from cd" so you just press any key then follow the onscreen instructions!!!!

My only concern is, if the pc had win98 on it, does it meet the minimum requirements for xp????

 

[Rick]

The Windows XP install disc is bootable. You'll insert the CDROM, turn the computer on and it should prompt you to "Press any key to continue setup". Do as it instructs. During the setup, make sure you repartition your drive and format it (this will delete all of your data, but it will ensure there's no issues). Do the full format to help reveal any possible drive issues.

If you do not get prompted to "Press any key to continue", you'll need to change the boot order of your computer so the CDROM is first. You can do this via the BIOS setup. Many computers also have an option called a 'boot menu' which let you select a drive to boot from without changing any settings. You can usually bring up the boot menu by hitting the F8 key during the BIOS POST screen.

 

[macx]

That's what I thought should happen but it didn't come up with
anything other than trying to startup in 98SE, which of course it
can't do cuz it's corrupted.

I'll go into setup and see if I can do something there.

The thought of the XP minimum requirements did cross my mind,
just what are they again?

 

[Rik]

You will have to check the bios settings to make sure the cd rom is the boot drive!!!

If its not possible to set the cd rom then the mobo is probably too old for xp!!!

Have a look at this - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/sysreqs.mspx

 

[macx]

By 233 mhz system do they mean i.e. fsb?

I've got a 750 (or is it 850? can't remember, been awhile since I used
this old thing) P3 coppermine, 256mb of RAM (another 256 coming),
a 20g 7200 rpm drive, but only a 133 fsb (uses PC133 RAM).

Anyway, went into Setup, switched to boot from CD, it booted,
it loaded, now it's in the process of installing Win XP.
(I seem to remember that it DID say "hit any key to boot from CD"
but it wouldn't - before I changed the BIOS in Setup)

So, so far, so good. Just hope that the 133 board doesn't prevent it
from working.

 

[Rick]

No, it means CPU.

Your system is well more than enough to install XP. It should run reasonably well, too.

 

[macx]

Absolutely right!

Loaded, installed, configured, whole BUNCH of protection installed,
seems to be doing just fine!

Thanks all!

 

[Rik]

We are here to help!!!! I'm glad you got the pc sorted!!!!