Problems loading XP Pro

[redfishman]

     I have a HP/Compaq nx9030 laptop that am I trying to reload the operating system.  I have formatted the hard drive numerous times but when XP starts loading the setup files I get an error that says: File cannot load/copy.  It usually starts with Kodak.dll then there are several more errors before it finishes with the setup.  I have to hit the escape key to let it proceed to the next file and finish the setup.  I even tried a quick format but to no avail.
    If I let the install proceed I eventually get the Blue screen of death before it finishes.  Yes, I have tried several operating disk's and even changed the hard drive.Any ideas?
Note:  This laptop had a nasty virus when I started.

[patio]

This actually sounds like it may be an issue with the optical drive itself...how old is this machine ? ?

[redfishman]

Its a 2002 laptop

[Geek-9pm]

Try an external CD Drive.
Does the floppy work?

[redfishman]

I used a CD to clean the drive and after a couple tries was able to load XP.  I'm not sure that this is the best way to clean the drive but it did allow me to load the XP.  Thanks for the suggestions.

[patio]

Unfortunately a replacement optical drive for that is probably worth more than the machine itself...
Baby it as long as you can and Best of Luck...