Can't install Windows XP

[belthazor]

Just out of curiosity, did you use Partition Magic to partition C&D?

If you did, try reformatting/partitioning with a 98 startup floppy. (just an opinion from someone who can never get pm partitioning right )

Too bad you just can't go with ntfs. You might not have this problem, but if I understand correctly your ghost image is fat32 which makes your dilemma obvious.

[Dreamkatcha]

Yep, I did actually. The C: drive used to be a bit smaller, but the space has since been shifted around to give me a larger primary partition. Starting afresh isn't a bad idea actually, but that's a lot of CDs to burn to try out something which might work. If it made no difference and I still couldn't install Windows then I wouldn't be able to use my old Ghost backup since it's partition size dependent. Then I really would be stranded. You're right btw, my Ghost image is FAT32.

richardc2000 - I've just tried burning the CD again and it made no difference. Thanks for the tip though.

[HotRod]

Been watching this thread to see how things are going.
First welcome
Now some questions for you.
Are you running the 165W P/S or did you get a different one?
Next is there anyway you can use different memory in the system to load with?
Some people having problems with the 333 memory. XP is known to be memory sensative. When memory is weak can load an image and run, but will BSOD eventually. Won't do a clean install at all.
Have returned new memory a couple times until the system would load.
Also P/S can give you problems.
Another thing, have you tried pulling out all the cards and turning off all built on stuff (but the vidoe card) and see if it loads then?
Just some things to consider

HotRod

[Dreamkatcha]

Thanks for the welcome. Yes, I'm using the standard PSU which comes with the system. I don't have any other memory to try unfortunately. I've not tried disabling any onboard stuff yet although there isn't much to disable. Some of these systems come with built-in sound but I don't think mine does. I've been told that some of them just have an audio controller, but no actual soundcard which would explain why I can't get that working. If I'd known this before I probably wouldn't have bought the system - there are only two PCI slots and no AGP slot. I have a modem in one of them so if I want a decent video card I'll have to do without a soundcard and if I want a soundcard I'll have to live with the very low spec onboard graphics.

I'm not too happy with Asus at all to be honest. This is the second Terminator I've had. The first one (a Tualatin version) overheated and had to go back to the shop.

[richardc2000]

Someone on another board had similar problem last week. He was swamped with excellent suggestions-
after ruling out the CD itself, all the hardware ( card-memory-cable)problems and installing with the BIOS defaults and different partitions - it turned out to be the board itself. You might want to get the shop to check out the board and how it is installed - shorting out?

N.B. he couldn't install any OS - looks like that could be your problem, too.

[Dreamkatcha]

Based on my experience with Asus products that wouldn't surprise me at all. This morning I used a memory testing program (memtest86 I think it was called) to check the ram. It ran tests solidly for 4.5 hours and reported three errors so it looks like that's knackered as well.

I've had enough. I'll contact the shop and see what they'll do about it. Thanks again for your help everyone, it's much appreciated.

[jtk]

I have had the same problems as this while changing to a new mother board.
The problem was the ram there were 2 blocks of ram 128mb each one block was older than the other, the older block was not compatible with the new m/b.
Solution was take the old ram block out, then it could install ok.
Also check that ram is seated ok.
hope this is a help.jtk

[alas]

Hi D.K.
I had that problem before,I think you have to change
the motherboard.If you still have the warranty go to
that shop and thats the best thing you can upgrade
your board.