Why can't I install Windows XP?

I have just built this computer and I am attempting to install Windows XP on it but I am having problems. I've built other computers in the past, so I do have some experience and I am still lost. The first time I tried to install WIndows XP it almost finished loading and then I received an error message that a fatal error had occured because of a page fault and it mentioned something about physical memory being dumped. The blue screen said to restart the computer so I did. I tried to install Windows again but the computer system hangs while trying to load the files. I thought the cd-rom might be bad or dirty so I swaped it with another and it still does the same thing. My question to you is when you get those kind of error messages alot does it mean that perphaps the memory, processor or hard drive is going bad or already is bad. How would you know?

This question was answered on January 16, 2003. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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When I get those types of errors, I assume nothing, and carefully check everything.

This is a new PC, so I would check the type of the memory, read the manual from cover to cover, scan the hard drive, and be certain the motherboard, processor, heat sink, and fan are all properly installed I would hold-off on insertion of any nonessential expansion boards for last I might even try to install another OS and run the PC for a while to see if any errors occur It doesn't take that long to toss in a copy of Windows 98, then do a clean install of XP if everything seems OK.

If the PC seems OK, I would look askance at the Windows XP install disk, then consult Microsoft concerning the matter Microsoft seems to want to breathe down the neck of every XP installation Maybe they need somebody to talk to.

There are a lot of variables here Go slowly, read all pertinent information, and call help where it is available.

RG

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Posted by Robert of Mesa Community College on January 16, 2003

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