XP Install Problem

I completely removed my old hard drive and I am trying install on this new HD from scratch. So I cannot run memtest as I do not have an active operating system.

System was put together by Dell.
XPS 400 using a 3.0 GHx Pentium D.
3 GB of RAM (1GB + 1GB + 512 +512).
Originally 160 HD, now upgrading.
What other specs are helpful?

 

Maybe I have my RAM seated incorrectly?
I have 4 bays, in two pairs.

Is it better to pair it:

slot 1: 1 GB
slot 3: 512 MB
space
slot 2: 1 GB
slot 4: 512GB

or pair them physically:
slot 1: 1GB
slot 3: 1GB
space
slot 2: 512MB
slot 4: 512MB

 

WOW, You really dragged up an old thread here. You really should have started your own thread with this. Maybe an Admin could split it.

The RAM slots are usually two different colors if they support Dual Channel in which case the RAM modules need to be in exactly matched pairs. Usually the colors are blue and black. One matched pair would go in the blue slots and the other matched pair would go in the black slots

 

If that doesn't work, try doing the install with just one RAM module installed in the slot closest to the processor.

 

thanks, I will try that. I was searching for my original post today about XP install problem and clicked into that one by mistake. Maybe admin can combine my two posts?

If they are seated incorrectly would that explain my install issue (see other thread) - can this thread be closed to new responses and everything directed to the other recent thread?

 

Quick question do you get to the screen where you choose partition size or do you have the problem before that? If you get to partition size screen try making a 100gb partition for the install.

 

I was making a 250gb partition. I tried reducing my RAM to the original factory install of 1gb (unless something is wrong with the RAM itself)? How will the smaller partition help? I wanted a large enough space for XP and all applications.

It seems to go through most of the install, and then change over to a garbled black and color-speckled screen.

 

I was just thinking that some older XP disks don't like a partition over 137gb. Now, that I see your HD is SATA it probably wouldn't make any difference since your discs are most likely SP2.

So yours isn't shutting down it just goes to a garbled screen? Then it just waits there for you to input the time zone or whatever (which you can't do) and hangs indefinitely?

Do you have another monitor to try?

 

I got to all of those input screens successfully, it occurs when Windows is going through the finalization steps of the install. I suspect my video card is no good and I plan to replace it once the install is done. Is there a way I can physically remove the card but still have something visible on screen to finish the install and then add the new card and drivers?

 

So the strange thing is if I reach the blank blue screen or garbled black screen at the end of the install process, i did a hard reset with the power button and I can now startup my PC into XP.

I have been using this guide as my install:
http://www.tweakhound.com/xp/installxp/installXP1.htm

The problem is I never got to the screens where I enter my Product Key, add Users, can decide about Automatic Updates. So should I consider this a valid install or start from scratch?

 

Right-click My Computer and select Properties. Does is say your Windows is activated/genuine? (If you used Dell discs the key would have been automatically entered so that enter your key screen wouldn't show up.)

Click Start and see which username appears at the top of the Start menu.

 

It says registered to "me" but does not say activated. I was never given that option as part of the install as pictured in that link I posted.

It is Administrator

 

My guess is that Windows was installed fine. It didn't like the video driver that was originally installed causing the garbled screen. It fixed that on the reboot.

I think I would probably just go with this install but it is up to you. (Anyone else please give your opinions!) Did you try more than once to install and both times get the garbled screen?

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Since you are Administrator I would create a new account with Administrator privileges to use for yourself before doing much more. You should keep the Administrator account you are on now only for emergencies.

I am not using XP right now but you should have an Action Center icon in the taskbar notification area that will give you a link to Activate. If it isn't there we can try to find instructions.
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If you installed from a Dell disk on a Dell computer, it installs with a default COA Key and is already activated. It should be a totally legitimate installation.