Unable to Copy File When Installing Windows XP
- Posted March 17, 2008 at 7:45 pm
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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.
Hello, how are you?
Thank you for the post. I have the same issue with my PC and read somewhere else it might be RAM, but I ran Memtest86 on each chip in each slot one at a time and they all passed. 4 chips of 512 each.
After the RAM passed I tried a different Windows CD, CD-Rom, ATA cables, IDE controller and still the same issue.
I am thinking now should I try to reinstall with 1 chip of Ram and try each chip seperately and see what the outcome is?
I resolved it down to the motherboard and was ready to order a new one with new RAM, but decided to see what was on line first.
Thank you and if you have any input it would be greatly appreciated,
Jerry
I had the same problem with a Sony VAIO notebook. The installer starts up in 16 bit mode, and doesn’t even mess with all of the RAM until it gets to the copy process. A friend’s Dell would go through the install, then hang on boot, but that turned out to be bad capacitors keeping it from switching to 32 bit mode.
Thanks for the reply.
Funny thing you say on boot up, because this all started with the PC not booting up. I wonder if it is a bad capacitor and I am assuming on the motherboard you are saying?
The most recent troubleshooting was me using one chip of memory in each slot and then removing one at a time from different slots. With all four chips installed I received the copy file error, but with any combination of three chips in any slots it worked fine.
So end of story I purchased a new motherboard and memory and I was able to use the same CPU. I have not put it all together yet, but keep your fingers crossed it is not the CPU.
Thanks again!