Can't get Winows to install

[daddyzaring]

 I bought a Dell 4550 2.8ghz P4, 256mb RAM, 30gig HD, and added 40gig HD. It came with no OS, or OS recovery CD. I also bought a Dell Windows XP Home System Recovery CD.

The problem I am having, basically it doesn't want to finish installing. It boots from The CD, and starts okay. Goes through the setup for formatting, and setting up files, but as soon as it tries to go into Windows mode, and finish setup, and installing it restarts my computer. That is pretty much all it does it continously restart over and over.

[jim_me2]

IMHO, if it's new from Dell and was supposed to have an OS onboard, it is their problem. They should be sending you an XP CD post haste.

Canada 1-800-999-3355  or http://www1.ca.dell.com/content/topics/reftopic.aspx/dhs/en/contact?c=ca&l=en&s=gen&~tab=3

U.S. 1-800-624-9897
To make a purchase or for pricing information: Option 2
Technical support or for software & technical questions: Option 3
For all other issues related to a purchase already made: Option 4
OR
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/contact_us?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

Good luck.
jim

[Jeffery D Zaring]

No, it is supposed to be a refurbished.  I bought it off of Ubid.com.  I already bought a System recovery disk separately somewhere else.  Dell won't help because they say the warrantee is void, and Ubid gave me a number to someone who won't help either.  That's why I am on here, hoping someone might be able to help me.

[Computer_Commando]

Are you trying to install the OS to the 30GB or the 40GB?  Just trying to rule out a hard drive problem.

[Jeffery D Zaring]

The 30gig(master), it is the one that came with the computer.  I also have the second (40gig, slave) disconected at this time.

[dudemanguy]

i have an emachine computer and it worked fine and all sumone stole the RAM so i got new ram...worked fine for a while bsod came up with a message like "pfn list corrupt"
restarted explorer didnt work...installed xp pro it messed up so i installed xp media center edition and it worked...decided to reformat then reinstall media center thats when the s*** hit the fan....when it gets to the yellow bar where windows copies all of the files it kept coming up saying it couldnt copy the files...changed cd-roms and samestuff...i changed the hardrive straps and the cdrom straps and seemed to work better....messed up again....step dad thought it was the motherboard...bought a new one...installed then same problems...unplegged the dvd rom and didnt get as many errors but still got stuck on the yellow bar...so...i finally get xp pro installed....cd rw and dvd dont even show up in my comp. finally got just the cd rw to work all was gravy....then i tried to upgrade to media center got all the way to where it says "finalizing installation" bsod pops up(I HATE THAT THING!) pfn list corrupt...or sumtimes it says bad pool header...and many others....most common is the pfn list corrupt....i have two hdrives 1)28gig that i reformatted many times trying to get it to install and 2)200 gig slave that i only use for storage...tested everything and were sure its not the hardrives...not the mother board...not the straps....but sumthing keeps happening and the freakin bsod comes up....im here all day ill be checking the board for any help....if you need more details ill be more than happy to go step by step through the reformatting and installation with anyone who knows what they're doing....i appreciate anything that you can help me with....later

[pcdoc4christ]

Daddy:

This is a shot in the dark, but did you not click "I agree" to the EULA?

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=282296

Another longshot: Are you keeping your hands off the keyboard when setup restarts (or is one of the keys on the keyboard stuck)?

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;826976

And this likely does not even come close, but setup usually restarts three times:

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/Default.asp?url=/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/reskit/en-us/prbd_std_fgts.asp

Regards,
Doc

[minimullen]

i clicked i agree...im actually across the roomwhen its installing...i dont feel like staring at the blue screen forever so i watch tv...and im pretty sure its not supposed to stop like that..but i did try again just now and i wrote down the bsod error thing this time it said

"cdfs_file_system" followed by

0x00000026 (0x000401f4, 0xf80c4e94, 0xf80c4b94, 0x80829f42)

[minimullen]

and this time i used the windows xp pro disk...not media center...so i know its not a software issue...because both disks do it...it said it couldnt copy files a few times press enter to retry or esc to skip...i clicked enter and it retried and worked several times...on several different files...then after that bsod came up with that error.....

[minimullen]

oh sorry...this is dudemanguy...these are my most commn screenames i use everywhere....when i tried to log on as dude it said username doesnt exist so...idk

[pcdoc4christ]

No prob. minidude!  

It looks like your CD-ROM drive has a problem:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/w2kmsgs/1153.asp

Check to see if it is listed in the Windows XP HCL:

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/Default.asp?url=/resources/documentation/Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/prba_dwp_iwpy.asp

More info. on troubleshooting CD-ROM drives:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314096

Hope that helps,
Doc

[minimullen]

thnx for your help...nuthin works...it got all the way back to finalizing and then bsod with pfn list error....my step-dad came home with a new hp pavillion with this awesome double later dyd burner that can print covers onto the cd!!!!so cool...thnx tho...

[pcdoc4christ]

Daddy:

See my post here:

http://www.computerhope.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=1;action=display;num=1115931925

Might i also suggest you leave the rest of your replies at this discussion thread to make it easier for us to help you?  No biggy, it just keeps things less confusing if you use just one thread.

Regards,
Doc

[Jaeden09]

Might it be a problem with his BIOS? Trying to run off the CD rom first instead of the hard-drive? Just a suggestion... cause when I have to reinstall Windows without formating my hard-drive first I just set the boot order to boot from the CD before it boots from the Hard-drive. So then I can format it through the windows xp cd... Just an idea.

[daddyzaring]

I am not sure what these other post have to do with my problem, but I am still in need of help.  This is the latest:

Okay, I got the maxtor program to check the hard drive, and the Hard drive tested okay.
I tried to do a clean install three times, and got the following:

In windows during setup, I got a Fatal Error:

Fatal Error

An error has been encountered that prevents setup from continuing.
The security subsystem could not be initialized.
Pess OK to view the setup log file.

I press OK,

SystemSetupLog-(C:\Windows\setuperr.log)

Error:

Setup was unable to set the account domain SID because of the following error: LsaOpenPolicy returned status c0020017.

***

Fatal Error:

The security subsystem could not be initialized.

***

Second attempt at installing, I got the following blue screen message:

A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.
If this is the first time you've seen this Stop erroe message screen, restart your computer.  If this screen appears again, follow these Steps.


Check to be sure you have adaquate disk space.  If a driver is identified in the Stop message, disable the driver or check with the manufacturer for driver updates.  Try changing Video adapters.

Check with your hardware vendor for any BIOS updates.  Disable Bios memory options such as caching or shadowing.  If you need to use Safe Mode to remove or disable components, restart your computer, Press F8 to select Advanced startup options, and then select Safe Mode.

Technical Information:

***STOP: 0x0000008E (0xc0000005, 0xBF872AOF, 0x00000000)

***        win32.sys-Address BF872AOF base at BF800000, DateStamp 3d6de5e5


Begginning dump of physical memory
Physical memory dump complete.
Contact your system administrator or technical support group for further assistance.


Third attempt at installing, I got the following blue screen message:

A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.

PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA

If this is the first time you have seen this Stop error page, restart your computer.  If this screen appears again, follow these steps:

Check to make sure any new hardware or software is properly installed.
If this is a new installation, ask your hardware or software manufacturer for any windows updates you may need.

If problem continues, Disable Bios memory options such as caching or shadowing.  If you need to use Safe Mode to remove or disable components, restart your computer, Press F8 to select Advanced startup options, and then select Safe Mode.

Technical Information:

***STOP: 0x000000 (0xE9ABF090, 0x00000001, 0x808297BD, 0x00000002)

[Computer_Commando]

I am not sure what these other post have to do with my problem, but I am still in need of help....

Your thread was "hijacked".  Very poor "net etiquette".
You may have purchased a defective computer; it's mostly likely defective RAM, the previous owner probably had the same problem, which is why such a new machine was "for sale-refurbished".

<<Check with your hardware vendor for any BIOS updates. >>

Downloads-Dimension 4550

Latest BIOS version is A08.

[daddyzaring]

One quick question.  This couldn't be caused by changing the bus cables, from regular ones, to round ones?  
Also Is there a program to test the whole system?  Like the programs for hard drives.

[daddyzaring]

I have put in new RAM, and a hard drive, and having the same problem, Windows XP still keeps rebooting during setup.  What else can I do?

Another question again.  This couldn't be caused by changing the bus cables, from regular ones, to round ones?  
Also Is there a program to test the whole system?  Like the programs for hard drives.

[Mac]

Hmm, I read somewhere that DELL recovery CDs are linked to the BIOS. But this is what I found on the other question of CD file corruption:

Bug Check 0x26: CDFS_FILE_SYSTEM

The usual remledy is to first of all gently wash the CD in luke-warm water with two drops of mild soap solution and a soft sponge then dry gently with a fresh clean linen cloth.

I find that this will remove surface film and dirt which improves the read ability.

If the CD still gives read errors then copying it using NERO, not directly but to the HDD first and then to the new CDR using data verification might give you an operable CD.

There are also a couple of tips at the bottom of the page which you should follow up.

Find out what the motherboard is like and how much RAM it will accept and then you can price it at Crucial.

RAM Knowledge Base
RAM And What it Does
RAM Virtual Memory Paging
RAM Reseating & Fitting PDF File

Processor Temperatures
Service Pack Slipstreamer
Power Supply Wattage Calculator
Everest Home Edition Computer Diagnostic Program

[Mac]

Some poor quality round cables can give cross-talk problems leading to data corruption.

[Mac]

Check the cables first of all then use MemTest to check the RAM even though it is new. If in doubt then re-seat the RAM modules and see if that improves things. It might break any glaze on the contacts and give you a better contact.

[daddyzaring]

this computer only has two memory slots, could I have installed it in the wrong slot, or maybe put it in backwards?
will get right on checking other sugestions today.

[Raptor]

RAM sticks are keyed, they can not be installed backwards.

Also, it does not quite matter in what slot you install RAM. However, slot #1 is preferred if using only one RAM stick.

[daddyzaring]

question, the round cables I put on this computer looked similar to the number 2 example, the original cables looked like exaple 1.  Do these only work on specific plugs on drives and motherboards?  I ask because I put the old cables back on and windows is installing fine now.
(the x = the pattern of the holes on the cables, not the actual number of holes)


example 1.

        xxxxxxxxxxx
        xxxxx xxxxx

example 2.

        xxxxxxxxxxx
        xxxxxxxxxxx

[daddyzaring]

Also, I finally got windows installed, but there are no icons on the desktop.  evrything else appears to be there?

[Fed]

I haven't read this whole thread, just the last few posts but I'd do a re-install at this early stage.

[Raptor]

Also, I finally got windows installed, but there are no icons on the desktop.  evrything else appears to be there?

You have correctly installed Windows XP. It automatically hides the icons on a fresh install.

To enable the icons, go to Start -> settings -> Task and Menu Start. Once there, I believe that you have to change Windows XP back to the Windows 98 look before the icons reappear. However, that is most likely one of many resolutions.

[Fed]

It automatically hides the icons on a fresh install.

Really Raptor  

Sorry Daddy, I'm a W2k user but I have installed xp a few times and don't remember getting no icons.  

[Raptor]

I recently installed an OEM installation of Windows XP Home (SP1, I believe) on a factory formatted HDD and it hid the icons. They would not appear unless I (re)configured Taskbar and Menu Start.

[daddyzaring]

I  reinstall windows, and it has started rebooting again every time it tries to go into windows during setup.
Also just a little note, I did a thourogh self diagnostic and everything checked out good, it took a little over 48 hours to run so I hpoe it was right.

[merlin_2]

Hold down the f8 key on boot and do this>Control Panel/System/Advanced/Settings (Startup & Recovery)/System Failure/Uncheck-Automatically Restart

If this fails....you may have the wrong ram.

[daddyzaring]

Okay, Windows is insalled, and I started getting things set up, icons, printer, and internet, but the dang thing started rebooting again.  It runs in windows for maybe 30 seconds, and then just reboots, over and over.

I tried that F8 but it didn't give me any option like that.  I was able to look at that in windows mode, and it was not checked.

[merlin_2]

shut the pc down.......now on boot up hold down the f8 key and do this>Control Panel/System/Advanced/Settings (Startup & Recovery)/System Failure/Uncheck-Automatically Restart

[daddyzaring]

As I said before I tried that and it did not give any options like that.  I did look at that in windows mode and it was not checked.

[merlin_2]

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=817197

[daddyzaring]

I don't think I have, USB Universal Reader from Lexar Media, Inc  installed in my computer, so that link would not apply to me.

[merlin_2]

your pc thinks it has?......do you have a win98 cd install disk.......?

[daddyzaring]

No, just an upgrade.  What exactly is, USB Universal Reader from Lexar Media, Inc?

[merlin_2]

http://store.h1photo.com/rw007001.html

[daddyzaring]

So, It isn't Just a USB Port (I have 6-8 USB Ports).  Why would it think I had this?  I started with a clean install, my hard drive where formatted.

[merlin_2]

did you have them plugged in?......unplug all devices?.....go back to basics....one keyboard ps2 and mouse..and a monitor.....now load winxp...

[daddyzaring]

All I had plugged in was mouse keyboard, and monitor, until after Windows was installed.  Then I plugged in my printer and installed it, and was trying to hook up my cable modem to get my internet connection.

[merlin_2]

The only thing i can say is buy a winxp full version disk....the image on the dell hard drive maybe damaged or the hard disk damaged.......sectors blocks platters....the image which is pre-loaded onto the hard drive by the makers.......cheepo.....firms like dell issue their  customers with a restore disk....and not the full version another con......which is wrong after paying out loads of dosh......for a system and  msoft love it....to stop piratcy or use>http://www.freeos.com/download.php?PHPSESSID=c02c8b53513e5e719f6de194aae3c3cc