Can't install Windows

[Logan8252]

My bro's computer is giving me a headache. Background info:

I'm not clear on what the initial problem was (as it's not my comp and my bro wasn't very clear). But it wasn't loading Windows and he was unable to reformat & reinstall Windows.

I recently upgraded my hard drives, so I passed on my old ones to him (a WD 120GB/8MB and a Seagate 120GB/8MB).

Specs:
Antec TruePower 330w
ABIT IS7
Pentium 4 2.0A
2x 512MB generic PC3200
128MB ATI Radeon 9800 Pro
SB Audigy 1
The above hard drives
CDRW and DVD ROM drive

Brought it down to bare minimum (mobo/cpu/1 stick of RAM/1 hdd/1 optical), cleared the CMOS, and tried to install windows. As it is copying files, it BSODs and mentions something about systemdd.sys.

I tried both sticks of RAM (1 at a time) in each slot. Even got a 512MB stick of PC2700 from another computer and tried that in every slot. Tried both hard drives, tried brand new IDE cables and tried the hard drive in both IDE channels on the mobo, tried 2 different XP CDs. Same BSOD every time.

None of the parts are brand new (meaning they were all working at some point), but the computer as a whole hasn't been together long (maybe early late Nov, early Dec). Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[CalvinHobbs]

does the bios of the mobo gives u full 120gigs for one hdd? try with only hdd on..try with the other one..i mean second hdd

 

[DaveSimmons]

Did you try running memtest from a boot floppy or bootable CD? Did you try setting the BIOS back to defaults and check the memory and CPU timing are standard / stock?

It's possible the BIOS settings got trashed even if your brother didn't fool around with them, or he might have tried and failed at overclocking.

If the memory or motherboard are defective, or memory or CPU are running out of spec you may never get Windows to install or run stably.

 

[Logan8252]

Originally posted by: calvinHobbs
does the bios of the mobo gives u full 120gigs for one hdd? try with only hdd on..try with the other one..i mean second hdd

Yes, it shows the full 120GB.

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Did you try running memtest from a boot floppy or bootable CD? Did you try setting the BIOS back to defaults and check the memory and CPU timing are standard / stock?

It's possible the BIOS settings got trashed even if your brother didn't fool around with them, or he might have tried and failed at overclocking.

If the memory or motherboard are defective, or memory or CPU are running out of spec you may never get Windows to install or run stably.

I cleared the CMOS and in the BIOS set it to "load fail safe." I doubt it's the memory because I have tried 3 different sticks. All I can narrow it down to is the motherboard like you mentioned, but it's not that old and it was running fine before, so I'm just confused as to why it would suddenly crap out

 

[Bozo Galora]

http://www.bellinghamlan.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1763

 

[thirdlegstump]

Usually that's a sure sign of bad memory but since you've tested 3 different dimms........hmmm.

Could be one of few things:

CPU overheating
bad CD (scratches etc.)
bad IDE cable
bad CDROM drive
bad hard drive
bad motherboard
bad CPU (very unlikely as the system usually won't boot with a bad CPU)
misalignment of the moon and earth

 

[Logan8252]

Originally posted by: Bozo Galora
http://www.bellinghamlan.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1763

Originally posted by: deathkoba
Usually that's a sure sign of bad memory but since you've tested 3 different dimms........hmmm.

Could be one of few things:

CPU overheating
bad CD (scratches etc.)
bad IDE cable
bad CDROM drive
bad hard drive
bad motherboard
bad CPU (very unlikely as the system usually won't boot with a bad CPU)
misalignment of the moon and earth

I forgot to mention I tried 2 different optical drives as well (DVD-ROM and CDRW). Tried 2 CDs, 2 hard drives, and brand new IDE cables. I doubt it's the CPU since as you mentioned if that was the case it probably wouldn't even post. Motherboard is the only thing I can't eliminate so I guess I have to put the blame there?