Stopping in the middle of loading Windows XP to the hard drive I just installed.

[shecouldbme]

Sorry I hate starting a new topic, but couldn't find one that fit this.

Last year I tried to reload Windows XP Operating System on my hard drive, and it would only go halfway through the download and stop. 

So...someone told me I needed another Hard Drive. So I got another one, used off Ebay and put it in. all by myself I might add 

I tried to load Windows XP on it and it would get halfway through it and stop...and not finish. Just like the last one that was in there that worked for over a year before I tried to reload windows.

Now I am completely confused...and ready to just pitch it out the window...

Obviously the hard drive wasn't even the issue...? Since this one is stopping halfway through the loading process also?

Can you send me in the right direction please and tell me if this is fixable?

Thanks for any help you can send my way!

[patio]

I believe LostCoast nailed it identifying it as a bad optical drive....

[Allan]

Have you tried a different XP cd?

[shecouldbme]

Have you tried a different XP cd?

No I only have the one CD...

But I just took the CD Rom out and noticed it's a IDE ...and my hard drive is a sata...does that make a difference?

[shecouldbme]

I believe LostCoast nailed it identifying it as a bad optical drive....

It makes sense for sure...so going to try that!

[patio]

You can replace the optical drive with SATA ...or IDE...doesn't matter.
Personally i'd get a SATA simply cause they're newer and you can get rid of that fat wide ribbon cable...
Helps on airflow/cooling....

[shecouldbme]

You can replace the optical drive with SATA ...or IDE...doesn't matter.
Personally i'd get a SATA simply cause they're newer and you can get rid of that fat wide ribbon cable...
Helps on airflow/cooling....

I would have no clue how to hook up a sata unless it came with instructions and a new cable...lol

[Allan]

Here are instructions on installing a SATA optical drive:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-install-a-SATA-CD-ROM-drive/

[patio]

I would have no clue how to hook up a sata unless it came with instructions and a new cable...lol

It's easier than you can imagine...as long as you take your time...7 minutes...start to finish.

[shecouldbme]

Here are instructions on installing a SATA optical drive:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-install-a-SATA-CD-ROM-drive/

Thanks Allan!

[Geek-9pm]

You can replace the optical drive with SATA ...or IDE...doesn't matter.
Personally i'd get a SATA simply cause they're newer and you can get rid of that fat wide ribbon cable...
Helps on airflow/cooling....

I prefer the nice flat ribbon cables with the large surface are.
- Helps dust collection.

[shecouldbme]

It's easier than you can imagine...as long as you take your time...7 minutes...start to finish.

Thanks Patio !

[shecouldbme]

I prefer the nice flat ribbon cables with the large surface are.
- Helps dust collection.

Hmmm...do I detect sarcasm here?...

[patio]

Thanks Patio !

Anytime...

[patio]

Hmmm...do I detect sarcasm here?...

He tends to post non-productive replies from time time for self-amusement...no worry...