Hey,

I am currently running Windows 98 SE on my PC, and last week I decided to spend my hard earned cash on Windows XP. I inserted the disc and clicked on Install, then chose "New Installation". It did some stuff, and then "Copied Installation Files", my PC then restarted, I chose "Windows XP Professional Setup" from the OS list and it went to a text based menu. It flicks through a load of things at the bottom of the screen, and then stops on "Starting Windows Engine" (or something similar to that). It stays there forever.

So, I restarted and went into Windows 98 again. Once again, I inserted the disc, and clicked on install. This time I chose "Upgrade", to see what happened. It did some stuff, and again it "Copied Installation Files" and restarted my PC. This time it goes to the Windows XP bootup screen, with the little grey squares going across the bar. It does it 5 or 6 times, and then that freezes forever....

Does anyone know what is going on or how I can fix it?

Thanks,

Will

Hi gamesmad,

Welcome to PCHF.

What Spec is your PC?

Hi Will!
Welcome to PC Helpforum!

I'd suggest you to do the following.

Go to your BIOS, tapping F2 or Del at start-up. Look for Boot Sequence, and make sure CD-ROM is first.
Insert your XP CD, and reboot your computer.
Then during start-up, it'll probably say: Press any key if you want to boot from CD.
Hit any key. The XP set-up will start then. Next time the computer restarts, don't hit the key when it's asking if you want to boot from CD.

Post back free when you need more info.

Bluefish

Firstly, thanks for giving me such a warm welcome guys Now to answer your questions -

@madmonkey

The spec is -

1.7ghz Celeron
512mb RAM
L4S5MG Mobo
55GB Hard Drive

@bluefish

When I do that, I still get the same problem, it freezes forever.

Thanks,

Will

There are sooo many different things that could cause this.

Most common things to check would be:

- Make sure you update using a fresh copy of Windows 98.
- Make sure the XP cd your using isn't scratched.
- Try disconnecting all USB devices, particularly storage USB devices, CD's e.t.c. < common cause

Also see if you can boot into Safe Mode (Press F8 during startup).

I installed a fresh copy of Windows 98, which went fine, but I still get the same problem with the XP install.

The disc seems ok, any way I can check it over?

I have already unplugged all my PCI cards and other peripherals, as I thought it might be a compatibility problem with one of them.

Any other ideas? I hope you guys can help me sort this out...

Thanks,

Will

Sorry GM, few more questions:

- Is this an e-machine?
- Single HDD right?
- Could you get into Safe Mode after?
- After installation, you could'nt even get into Windows XP once?
- During installation, have you tried formatting the partition?

Also, using your Windows XP installation CD. Try going to your recovery console (Press R when prompted). Type chkdsk /f to make sure there are no problems with the disk.