Can't Install Windows XP

He has: 286 posts

Joined: Mar 2003

(I hope this isn't getting tiresome to some of you. Smiling ) On my earlier thread, I explained how WMP 10 crashed my PC and I had to reinstall Windows XP.

Well, the installation didn't hold, because the PC kept freezing up, Internet software didn't work, etc. The XP was on a Compaq machine which I had purchased as a "barebones"; i.e., just the motherboard, drives and casing.

I concluded that Windows' licensing procedures probably wouldn't allow me to install XP on more than one PC. (During the registration phase of an XP install, Microsoft records your motherboard serial number, so that you can't install XP on another machine.) This particular copy of XP had previously been on a different PC, so maybe MS figured I was trying to run it on 2 PCs simultaneously.

So, I purchased a new copy of XP, and that, too, wouldn't install! Two files refused to be copied: pro_se5.swf and tourW.exe, so I skipped them.

Eventually, I received these error messages:

Setup had problems registering the following OLE control DLL:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\initpki.dll

The signature for Windows XP Professional Setup is invalid. The error code is 800b0001.

Unknown trust provider.

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

Setup failed to install the product catalogs. The setup log files should contain more information.

I attempted to install the new XP using several different hard drives and CD-ROMs, but got the same results. I will be visiting the Microsoft "Help" database, but frankly I don't trust MS.

mairving's picture

They have: 2,256 posts

Joined: Feb 2001

Being as it is an older Compaq, you will need to see if you can get the BIOS updated. Sometimes Compaq has the updated BIOS, sometimes not.

He has: 286 posts

Joined: Mar 2003

Quote: Sometimes Compaq has the updated BIOS, sometimes not.

That's what MS said, but I wanted to check with other people to be sure.
Thanks Smiling

Abhishek Reddy's picture

He has: 3,348 posts

Joined: Jul 2001

rtroxel wrote: Can't Install Windows XP

I don't see what the problem is ? Laughing out loud

rtroxel wrote: (During the registration phase of an XP install, Microsoft records your motherboard serial number, so that you can't install XP on another machine.)

That's just shocking.

rtroxel wrote: frankly I don't trust MS.

Clearly MS doesn't trust you either. :-/

So does it work with an updated BIOS?

He has: 286 posts

Joined: Mar 2003

Quote: Clearly MS doesn't trust you either. :-/

I have to give Bill some credit here. Obviously, MS products are being copied all over the world, especially in China, so it's only natural that MS would tighten its security.

In any case, I will go to the Compaq site and see if I can upgrade the BIOS.

He has: 270 posts

Joined: Jan 2005

which version of xp are yu trying to use? XP XPSP1 or XPSP2 and is it home or pro?

mairving's picture

They have: 2,256 posts

Joined: Feb 2001

Trust me on the BIOS. I have had to do a couple in the past with similar problems. Funny thing was the Windows 98 worked like a charm but W2K wouldn't install.

Mark Irving
I have a mind like a steel trap; it is rusty and illegal in 47 states

He has: 286 posts

Joined: Mar 2003

Quote: which version of xp are yu trying to use?

Windows XP, SP2, upgrade version.

He has: 286 posts

Joined: Mar 2003

Quote: Trust me on the BIOS.

I'm going to try upgrading the BIOS, but first I need to find the model number! I've almost taken the computer apart, but there's no model number, although it is an EVO.

Okay...I found a tag on the motherboard that says 686Y2 - which conforms to a Compaq BIOS number. So, I'm going to download the latest version (3.06) and see how that works.

He has: 286 posts

Joined: Mar 2003

OK...

The saga has ended. I tested the 512MB memory stick, but found only 107 errors (bad memory addresses)

I downloaded the latest BIOs for Compaq EVO, 3.04.

I installed Windows NT 4.0, with service pak 6.

Then I installed Windows XP upgrade version, with service pack 2.

So far, it all works. Smiling

They have: 1 posts

Joined: Dec 2008

i can copy all windows components but finally installation not run, reamining 39 min.always shows.finally syntax error shows

They have: 1 posts

Joined: Jan 2009

Had pretty much the same problem with same or very similar error messages. Also eventually traced it to a dodgy stick of ram. POST was recognising them but one of the two sticks was faulty. Removed it and XP loaded as normal.

GianaSedeng's picture

They have: 8 posts

Joined: Jan 2009

probably something wrong in your Hardware Smiling

They have: 4 posts

Joined: Apr 2009

I have tried installing XP Pro on my Toshiba Tecra A6 EZ6411. I have a new hard drive that i put in it my self. It runs Ubuntu just fine. When I try to format my hard drive to put xp on it i choose windows NTFS. and it goes to the progess screen. and it sits at 0% or some times gets to 1% but after coming back after a good night’s sleep. IT’S STILL AT 1%! what do i do? I’m quite computer savy. Please help

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