Computer freezes when installing xp / win2000

[Incognitotj]

I am installing Windows XP on a IBM Netvista (micro-atx). The motherboard is unknown, but uses an Athlon 1ghz processor. It freezes after the first reboot (when it shows 39 minutes left). The hard drive activity light stays on throughout the night.

The person who owns this computer started experiencing problems about a week after installing a nic when it had WIN ME as an operating system. She then bought a retail version of WIN XP (full, not upgrade).

My first thoughts were ram. It had one stick of 256mb pc100. I swapped this out with a known good stick of 128mb pc100. I realize this is lower than most people would go with xp, but it should at least install the OS right?

I then swapped out the 30gb hard drive for a known good 8.4 gb hd and tried to install again. Same freeze. I formatted the hd's both times with NTFS. I then tried to install win2000, same problem.

I cleared the CMOS with the jumper and put the jumper back to the normal setting... no avail.

I've also removed all pci cards, leaving only the agp vid card and tried to install xp - nope still the same freeze.

While the heatsink was hot to the touch, I did put a house fan blowing into the open case which cooled it down. So I believe that overheating is not an issue.

My next attempts will be to replace the cmos battery (she said the comp lost time), try to install win98 (to see if it is a HCL problem), replace the agp vid card with a known working one, if none of those work, I will use the .357 solution. Of course I will be using the appropriate eye and ear protection. Damn thing is loud when you fire it indoors.

Thanks in advance for any ideas,

Incog

[GeorgesPC]

If it's losing time, it is probably the battery. I had a lot of grief with my BIOS recognizing hard drive swaps and additions. Replaced the battery after it tested at .03 volts... A battery is a much better solution than the .357, or the hammer.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally posted by Incognitotj

I will use the .357 solution. Of course I will be using the appropriate eye and ear protection. Damn thing is loud when you fire it indoors.
Thanks in advance for any ideas,
Incog

In this particular case I would suggest a shotgun. Much safer.

[whitebeard21]

try a different cd rom drive I had the same problem, I think it is heat related to how long the cd has run. If you din't have another cd when it goes to the reboot cycle physically shut it down by unpluging it let It cool off, then plug it back in and reboot. Hopefully it will pickup and continue.

[Incognitotj]

Solution: Flashed the bios. There had been two revisions since she bought the computer. Apparently the original bios couldn't recognize NTFS. Oops! Thanks for the suggestions,

Incog