I was trying to install a fresh copy of Windows XP for my client’s computer. The computer is using ASUS P5NSLI motherboard with 4GB (4 x 1GB) of PC5400 memory installed. The computer booted up fine with the Windows XP installation disc. However, during the installation, when it was copying the setup files to the hard drive (the step after formatting), it always told me that it could not copy a certain file. Initially, I thought the Windows XP disc was bad so I tried a couple other discs, but the problem remained.
So I have started the troubleshooting process. First, I thought it was the RAID problem. There were two identical hard drives configured in RAID 0 mode. I deleted the RAID and recreated it. The problem remained.
I then tried using different versions of the RAID drivers that are required to load by pressing F6 at the startup but still no luck. Then I thought the DVD ROM was at fault so I connected a different DVD ROM to the computer. It still couldn’t copy some files. As a last resort (I thought it was), I decided to update the BIOS and hope it could resolve the problem. However, it didn’t help either. I had to take a rest at this moment as I was exhausted.
After resting, I started to test around the hardware inside the computer and started with the RAM as they are easy to remove. I took out one of the memory sticks and tried the installation again. Right away, the installation process ran smoothly. After Windows finished install, I put the memory stick back in and Windows couldn’t boot up. I didn’t think it was a problem with the RAM because the installation process started up fine. It was only when the setup trying to copy files to the hard drive that failed. As a result, I always thought the problem was related to the DVD ROM, the hard drive, or the disc. This was a lesson to me.
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