You aren't stupid, Adam; you just didn't know. It's not an uncommon scenario.
Here's a troubleshooting page on this kind of error message:
<A HREF="http://www.microsoft.com/WINDOWS2000/techinfo/reskit/en/ProRK/prhd_exe_bddb.htm" target="_new">http://www.microsoft.com/WINDOWS2000/techinfo/reskit/en/ProRK/prhd_exe_bddb.htm</A>
You should look in the Event Viewer and see if a file is associated with the error message, in case the problem is due to a driver.
You should also check and make sure that your hardware is compatible with Win2K and WinXP:
<A HREF="http://www.activewin.com/winxp/winxphclx86.txt" target="_new">http://www.activewin.com/winxp/winxphclx86.txt</A>
<A HREF="http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/upgrading/default.asp" target="_new">http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/upgrading/default.asp</A>
What the error message was talking about was a setting in the BIOS for memory <i>caching</i>. Disable this, if you haven't already. You might need to refer to your mainboard manual for an explanation of the different settings in the BIOS. If you don't have one ... you might find it on the manufacturer's website in a downloadable form.
If you still can't figure out what is going on after browsing through these links, I'll need even more information, and this time, on your system specifications. Sorry. I have a pretty good idea of what the error message is about now, and it's likely to be a driver, or a problem with a memory setting in the BIOS. Or an older device that is not compatible with either of the operating systems.
However ... I have no idea what that hardware is; you haven't told me yet.
I'll need to know everything possible, from the processor type/speed to the mainboard type, brand/model number. The hard drive, brand and model number. Sound card. Peripherals. In other words, an accurate list of your entire system configuration ... all the things that I would normally be able to see if the system was right in front of me.
This might sound like an enormous pain-in-the-whatsis, but again, this is a very normal request when doing technical support. Some computers are Buicks, some are Fords ... some are Volvo's. Some are "white box", and may have been built by a local shop, or by your neighbor across the street. For all intents and purposes, they are meant for the same kind of functions, but in many respects, absolutely nothing alike.
Check my signature for an example, if you please.
Toejam31
<font color=red>My Rig:</font color=red> <A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.html?rigid=6847" target="_new">http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.html?rigid=6847</A>
______________________________________________________________
<font color=purple>"Procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part."</font color=purple>
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram