installing XP from scratch (formatting after ignoring warning signs...)

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heidi

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i did a search on this, but didn't find quite what i'm looking for... i hope someone can help!
here's my situation in a nutshell- xp started messing up, giving tons of errors, freezing, then finally wouldn't load. Not even in safe mode (i was able to load it in safe mode a few times).

i'm guessing it was a virus i couldn't detect, even with updates (wouldn't be the first time).:rolleyes:
in the past, it has been easier just to format.
but in the past, i was a win 98 user.
xp setup won't run from dos.
if i format, do i need to load 98, then xp? thanks a million!


here are my system specs for anyone interested:
amd 1.8 ghz
384 megs of ram
80 gig hd, partitoned (30/50 fat32) - set to main
40 gig slave

edit to add: boot order = cd, ide-0, floppy
also, i built this a few years ago... please don't tell me that's why it F*@&ed up :eek:
 
Does the windows xp cd automatically boot when you turn your computer on?

I'm not sure judginb by your post whether you've tried it or not.

If it isn't a bootable xp cd (usually a warez version), then install 98 with minimal options (saves time and hdd space) and then from within windows 98 put xp cd in, and choose the upgrade option.
 
Why does a bootable cd need to be a warez version?

Get a windows 98 boot disk from www.bootdisk.com
Boot off the boot disk, partition, format, install XP, unless you have an upgrade cd, then you need to install windows 98 first.
 
You can also get the winXP boot floppy disk set and use it.without installing win 98
 
the boot disk is working though! and formatting now... thanks a million!!!! =)
 
Does the windows xp cd automatically boot when you turn your computer on?

I'm not sure judginb by your post whether you've tried it or not.

If it isn't a bootable xp cd (usually a warez version), then install 98 with minimal options (saves time and hdd space) and then from within windows 98 put xp cd in, and choose the upgrade option. [/B]
no, the xp cd does not boot... i forgot to mention that, but that's my goal. when i try to run setup from the dos prompt, i get this:

E:\setup
"This program can not run in DOS mode"
when i type dir it lists setup, but it just won't load. there has to be an easy way, right?

i have to install 98 first? :confused: that's what i have done in the past, but was hoping for a direct installation.

It will if you run winnt32 from the I386 folder, you cant use setup.
how? the drive is formatted now. i'm interested in this option...
ugh why did microsoft have to make it ever more difficult to install:mad:

thanks for your help:eek:
 
so i went to install and recieved this error:
"NTLDR is missing
hit ctrl alt del and reboot."

i reboot and reboot and reboot --- nothing!

i haven't even had the chance to install xp yet, but have a nice clean drive.
the disk is in the cd rom, but it will not load because this black screen/error. i made a win xp bootdisk on another system, but that didn't help.

has anyone run into this??
 
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