winxp pro cd file corrupt

[iwasinnihon]

I have recently gotten a winxp pro cd. However, when I was installing it I got an error message saying that there was a bad file on the cd. The file is "themedef.ma_". I really would like the file so I could finish installing winxp pro. If anyone has it I would appreciate you sending it to me at: iwasinnihon@wmvideos.com. Thankyou.

[Sixpac_XP]

Have you thought about contacting Microsoft and getting a replacement CD? I am sure there is probably a shipping cost but if you bought it new then you should be able to bring it back to the place you bought it and replace it for a new one.

here's a link to the Microsoft Tech Support phone numbers..

http://support.microsoft.com/default...EN-US;CNTACTMS

[ChrisK2972]

Is the disk scratched? If not, it might be a problem with your system. Corrupt files is classic with XP installs where there is some kind of config. error or faulty ram, ect. XP is really finicky and happens to be the most difficult OS to load that I have ever seen. However, it is usually worth it, it is really stable once you get it set up, IMHO.

If your disk is not scatched that bad, I would look at your system first. Oh, is the disk an offical copy? If it is a copy of a XP cd, then that might be the problem. Next, make sure your ram is ok. An XP install is one of the best ram test there is; XP relies heavily upon system ram and if your ram is borderline or bad it will not install. If you have more than one stick, try a stick at a time. If not, go to staples or somewhere with a liberal return policy and try another module altogether.

XP hates perepherals. So, make sure you have a very basic config. when trying to install. Go into bios an turn off everything that you do not need. Take out all pci cards, unless you have a hdd controller add on card or a pci video. Although it is nice to let XP set up your internet connection during install(especially if you use broadband), I have heard that it is better to leave out your nic when installing. If it is onboard, you might disable it during the install.

If these suggestions do not work, I can send you some links to threads on other forums that deal with other issues. I have had the same problems as you are having. In fact, the machine I am running right now simply would not install XP without a file corruption error. Luckily, it was not a file that was needed to continue and I never had any trouble because of it. I think SP1 actually added the file. So, I know what you are going through. If all else fails, get a copy of WK2 and forget it. It is not worth the hassle.

[Lemon[H]ead]

aw come on, it's obvious the disc is not legit. "I have recently gotten a winxp pro cd" yeh it fell of the back of a lorry didn't it

[ChrisK2972]

Kind of thought the same thing. But..... Lorry? LOL What the heck is a lorry? Speak english for us poor American illiterates

Lorry is an English word for a truck. Fairly common so its surprising you haven't heard it.

I guess the person needs to clarify if it is a legal disk or a burnt one. Also, in any case, I'd suggest making a temp directory on the hard drive and copying the contents of the I386 folder from CD to hard drive and firing setup from there. Sometimes a CD drive may not read the CD accurately though this generally doesn't happen with Microsoft Cds but with pirated ones.

[Siliconjunkie]

I would try burning a copy of it, perhaps try to make an image then burn that. And yes, this is a legit instance of making copies.

[iwasinnihon]

Well I got it to work. The disk was just a bad disk. I ended up borrowing my neighbors disk to finish the install. I have since returned the cd for a new copy. Thank you all for your comments and ideas.

[nukes]

I wish you lot would quit assuming that people are using dodgy copies of XP. The part in question would be no different whether it was nicked or not. XP SP1 is the same, people post saying they have a legal version and the SP won't install. The message it gives when used with a blocked corp key is "Invalid product key" Thus they are clearly suffering from some other program.