Windows problem on custom PC

[DeltaPhoenix]

I build my PC by parts from these developers:

IBM
Compaq
Microsoft
MSI
*some others i don't remember*

All these parts were taken from 3 different computers.
But now i have a problem. Everything runs fine, but....
I can't install any version of Windows. (or any other OS)

I get the "stop error" 0x000000DE (ERROR_BAD_FILE_TYPE)

I know it's not the CD, i used the same disc(s) to install it on other computer(s).
I've tried Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
They all give me the same error. And i've used them to install before.
Does anybody know why this happens?

(Note: I made 2 computers out these parts.... The other one works fine.)

 

[gbhall]

Could be the primary drive controller on the motherboard. I.e. faulty motherboard. Could also be RAM. You can test the ram - memtest86, but motherboard faulty.....deary me. You might try a reflash with the latest bios from the m/b maker.

Afraid that unless you are very careful, it is easy to get a motherboard destroyed by static when you are stripping out of one PC and putting it into another. My guess is a total loss, but do test the memory first.

One other thing I found - get at the motherboard's BIOS and change the setting that declares the OS is Plug & Play from "No" to "Yes". On older PC's this was often set 'no' and prevents things working properly.

 

[DeltaPhoenix]

The problem was the RAM. I've got it working now
The motherboard is fine.

 

[raybay]

Thanks for the update. How did you figger it out?