Hello, I tried to install Windows XP Home on my new hard drive. When I tried to install it, it hangs at 39 minutes and gives me the error:

An error has been encountered that prevents Setup from continuing.

Setup failed to install the product catalogs. This is a fatal error. The setup log files should contain more information.

I kind of left it alone for a while and since then want to install Windows XP Pro. I tried to insert the Pro cd, but it wouldn't continue installation since it prepared installation from the Home cd. I've created boot disks with fdisk and format in order to just wipe the drives. However, the computer will not open the disk. I hear that it reads it but then doesn't load anything. I've used this same kind of disk for another PC and it works fine. I know the floppy drive on this pc works because when I tried to install Raid drivers previously, it read it.

I just want to remove the Win XP Home install so I can use my other Win XP Pro to install. Thanks!

Welcome to PCHF.

How to partition and format a hard disk by using Windows XP Setup program

This should take you through it.
Don't take any of the Quick steps.
Take your time and do it right.

If you get hung up, give us a yell.

Softly, some of us are sleeping.

I tried to use the Windows CD, it just jumps back to resuming the setup, and doesn't give me any options

Check your BIOS to insure that the CD drive is the first boot drive.

You need to be booting off the CD, not the C: drive.

It won't boot from it, even if I select to start up from the CD-ROM first. It just loads the BIOS then Windows loads to the setup screen to the point where it ended last (the preparing installation), and then tries to resume from that point from the CD.

If you have a Desktop computer, try this first

How to Reset Your BIOS - wikiHow

Then, check the BIOS for boot order.
The CD drive needs to be the first boot drive.
Place the Windows Installation disc in the CD drive and reboot.