XP upgrade problem

[docbk]

I tried to upgrade my wife's computer from Win 2000 to XP pro. Now it hangs in the middle of the install process and won't go any further. I have tried to reinstall several times and even told it to format the partition with no luck.
It finishes loading files gives a screen that says remove any disks from Drive A: then reboots. If I take out the XP setup CD, it goes to the opening XP screen witht he blue dots progressing across the "loading bar" below the logo. Those little balls go part of the way across and then they stop and it hangs. If I tell it to boot from the CD, it starts the setup process again.
Any suggestions will help!
Is there a partition program (preferably free) that I can burn to a CD and boot from that to make sure the drive is clean?

[BipolarBill]

Sure. Search Google for Partition Manager. Easeus makes it. You can also search for "boot and nuke". Another is Partition Logic.

I assume that critical data is either absent or already backed up?

[Chuckiechan]

I sounds like you might have a memory problem. Try swapping out your ram.

[docbk]

I have tried to format the C drive using the command line and yet it seems to not completely clean the drive because when I try to reinstall, it never asks for my product key.
The data is on the same drive different partition.
Anymore thoughts?
Thanks to all.

[Martoch]

Are you saying that you've tried to format the C drive from a command prompt while in the OS installed on that same C drive?


You can completely wipe your drive with Killdisk (free version)...you boot to a disc just as you requested.
Active@ Kill Disk. Hard Drives Eraser. Free Download.

[BipolarBill]

If the version of XP that you have is a special version like Student or OEM like Dell, it may not require a key.

Also, look for hidden partitions like the Dell diagnostic partition. That may permit installation without a key too.

[Cmptr-Gy-Dv]

don't just format the partition, delete the partition and make a new one,

than do a fresh install,