PROBLEM: Win98SE hangs on install at the start of stage 'Copying Files needed for Windows setup'.

Hi -
I have spent DAYS - yes - trying to re-install Win98SE on a 10 gb hard drive - so - sorry if this first post is a bit long - as I'll try to show what I have already done.

I would be so VERY grateful for your help!!

HARDWARE:
Packard Bell Multimedia 6500; 256 ram (2x128 )
Pentium3; 500mhz;
Intel 440ZX AGPset (100mhz)
Disk 10gb, fat32.Quantum Firball CX10A

SYMPTOMS: Variable 'crash'and locking symptoms - first seemed to be virus - failing also in safe mode - scandisk would lock up at about 25% - but after finally giving a complete reformat, surface scan, repartition, even a new MBR (fdisk /MBR) - now any reinstall hangs as soon as it reaches 'Copying files..'. (that's just after scanning the System Registry).

STEPS TAKEN:
(but no improvements made from any)
.
-Try installing with boot disk and cd,
-try installing instead direct from files recopied to HD
-Delete old double partition, reformat (fat32), surface scan.
-try 2 other install cd's... in case of damaged disc
-triy 2nd CD drive
-Remove all PCI cards (sound, modem, ethernet)
-Renew MBR (fdisk /mbr) in case of TRS virus/corruption of boot record.
Tried installing XP instead! - similar troubles. Started up but cannot install beyond initial stages.

New step: scan and deep-level format with Maxtor powerBlast. (The disk passed all tests before the deep reformat.....)

After low-level reformat, there is more activity as win install formats at higher level etc - once it seemed that I was going to be successfull (with the XP) - it got further into installation before hanging. But subsequent install attempts are the same as before. Unhappy
I have tried this process several times now - low-level format with PowerBlast, then install windows.. no success. I have tried it also with partitioning and formatting with Partition Magic.

Well .. I'm completely stuck and exhausted!
I suspect this must be hardware not software after all these attempts. What do you think? Can any expert help??

I can boot up with DOS - is there any DOS-compatible or other based diagnostic software to give relevant tests/get more needed info/or diagnosis?

grayman

Reason for keeping Win98: Legacy! multimedia function eg SW1000XG sound card not supported beyond Win98 (yes, card removed during these struggles...) - Dual boot planned for when finally it will install and boot - Win98/Win2K!

(Ooops - edited)

Hi grayman, and welcome to the forums.

From the description you've given us, it appears to be related to your memory. I used to have this issue when I had bad memory...

you can test your memory here...www.memtest86.com

Thanks for reply and welcome!
Unforunately that 'memory' site seems down at the moment.
Alternative?

Hmmm...it works for me?!?!

Hi - yeah, I got in after - then got a bit confused with the downloads and that I must create teh test diskette...
Anyway, got there now - and test proc. hangs at 14% on Test2 (moving inversions, 1 and 0)
So - what do I do next - and thanks!