Weird Problems at beggining of clean winxp install

NetPorn916 · July 16th, 2005, 07:19 PM

Hi guys and gals,

I'm new here to the forum but i'm in desperate need of assistance.

I'm trying to do a format and clean install of win xp pro on my bro's computer because it's at the point where it can't even get into desktop no more. This is not the first time I had to do this and most of the time, it's due his computer being infected with viruses, trojans, spywares, etc. The issue this time was an error occured and it's asking for you to either log in "safe mode", "previous known working configuration" and a couple of other options. But, no matter which one you chooses, it just freeze up and then shuts itself down.

So, I decided to do a clean install of win xp pro but here's the problem. Boot from cd with my win xp pro cd.....click any key to boot.....then the blue setup screen appears, but right after it appears and is trying to load/detect hardware/settings at the bottom.....it shuts itself down. It won't even get far enough for you to choose whether you want to "repair", do a "clean install" etc. I've tried unpluggin everything/devices that's not neccessary....but it's still shutting itself down. Even with no "hard drives" plugged in", it's still doing it. So, I'm at lost here. Could it be a faulty MOBO? I'm still rather new to all these techie stuff...so any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Intel P4 2.8 Ghz cpu
ECS 848P-A MOBO
512 MB Ram
Maxtor 60 GB HD
Toshiba SD-R5272 CD-RW/DVD-RW

bailey · July 16th, 2005, 07:23 PM

I would run a memtest peogram or swap out some ram, ot pull the ram except one stick if you have more than one, then seel if it will load, most problems will be due to a bad ram stick.
or power supply
xp is very fussy on the ram

NetPorn916 · July 16th, 2005, 08:18 PM

Okay, I've just swapped the old ram with a new "working" one....and it's still doing the same thing. Could it be the power supply....? The PSU seems to be working fine and it's 350W. I'm beggining to think....the MOBO....might be screwed up a litte bit. Any other ideas? or anyone ever had this kind of issues before?

sr71000 · July 16th, 2005, 08:32 PM

look for leaking or bulging capacitors on the mobo and yes it could be the psu, however what happens when you try to run memtest www.memtest86.com

/edit it sounds like bad memory or heat issues...

pyssdogg · July 16th, 2005, 08:34 PM

do a low level format try wiping the drive completely, use the diagnostic tools/software that the manufacturer has on their website (like maxblast(maxtor) ) then restart and boot with the xp cd

sr71000 · July 16th, 2005, 08:47 PM

i think it's a little early for that...... we aren't even sure if it's the harddrive!

NetPorn916 · July 17th, 2005, 04:05 PM

I'm certain it's not the Memory cuz I've got a couple of new ram and even after swapping them in.....it's still doing the same thing. I know for sure it's not the Hard drives....cuz I have a couple of clean hard drives and it still won't work...plus....even when i try to run installation without any hard drives just to test if it'll work....NOPE!

I got an extra PSU...so I'll try switching that to see if there's any luck.

If it's a heat issue......are you guys saying it's the CPU heat temp that's causing it to keep shutting down? If it is...how would I fix/improve it.....by adding more thermal paste? cleaning the cpu fan and heatsink?

It could still be a mobo issue right? Man, I wish I had an extra mobo to test with right now.