Unable to clean install Windows XP

[gilloz]

Acquired a Dell XPS 400 computer which was free only if I was to remove the original HD and destroy it in front of the widow of the original owner. So, I bought a new WD HD and installed it. I have been unsuccessful in doing a clean install of Windows XP Pro on this new HD. It starts up loading files and when it gets to the part that Windows is Ready to Start, I get the BSOD with a Stop Error of 0x0000007E with PCI system address F748EOBF at base F7487000. According to the widow, the computer was functioning fine prior to her spouse passing on. I tried a spare HD and the same problem occurs. Tried SATA drivers when clicking on F6 during installation, no help. Ran WD's diagnostic CD for their HD's and it was good. Bios setup shows the correct information for the new HD. Cleaned connectors to RAM, Optical drives and video cards. No go. Ran MemTest 86 on RAM for 4 hours and they were fine. I have also cleared CMOS and installed Defaults settings in my Bios setup. Anyone have any suggestions at this point? thanks.

 

[ram1009]

My guess is Dell puts a custom boot sector in their HDDs. If your BIOS doesn't see it then no boot or load. This is one way OEMs capture your future business. You will probably wind up buying a HDD from Dell for an inflated price.

 

[bigpinkdragon286]

A custom boot sector does not sound to be the case. If you receive a BSOD from Windows, obviously you've handed the boot process from BIOS to the operating system.

Perhaps more information will help?

What was he original size and type of hard drive?

Specs on the rest of the computer?

SATA or Parallel-ATA?

Is AHCI activated in BIOS?

 

[gilloz]

I first want to thank you two for your responses. I have solved my problem. My first original problem was solved by switching from my regular Windows XP Pro CD to one I burned by slipstreaming SP-2. I no longer had the BSOD. It created a second problem though of the computer not recognizing or finding a hard drive in the system. After some trials and errors, I fixed that problem by installing the SATA drivers from the Dell Support site for this computer, plus switching my SATA operation in the Bios from AHCI to ATA. After all that, my Windows XP Pro installed without a hitch from there on. You guys gave me hints as to what to look for. I also posted this problem on other forums. I was trying to get as many inputs as I could. Right now I am putting the finishing touches to my installation. Thank you for your help.

 

[ram1009]

I first want to thank you two for your responses. I have solved my problem. My first original problem was solved by switching from my regular Windows XP Pro CD to one I burned by slipstreaming SP-2. I no longer had the BSOD. It created a second problem though of the computer not recognizing or finding a hard drive in the system. After some trials and errors, I fixed that problem by installing the SATA drivers from the Dell Support site for this computer, plus switching my SATA operation in the Bios from AHCI to ATA. After all that, my Windows XP Pro installed without a hitch from there on. You guys gave me hints as to what to look for. I also posted this problem on other forums. I was trying to get as many inputs as I could. Right now I am putting the finishing touches to my installation. Thank you for your help.

You're welcome.

 

[bigpinkdragon286]

To borrow from Ram, you're welcome, and it was you who helped us, by giving us hints on what to give you hints toward. 🙂