Weird Error message

[SIRCOOKS]

I have been trying to install xp/7 on a friends lap top for sometime now. However, i always get these two messages

1. pci.sys - address f76120bf base at f760b000, datestamp 3b7d855c

2. (When i get some where) The file or directory \windows\winsxs is corrupt and unreadable. please ru the chkdsk utility.

I had a bluetooth mouse connected, and i removed it, i have a usb dvd drive on it because it is a toshiba netbook, Toshiba NB205.

What do you guys think? if you need anymore information to proceed, by all means please do state!!

Regards,

[SLK001]

Did you completely format the hard drive prior to installation? Maybe you have some corrupted sectors that aren't being mapped out - a complete format should properly map them.

Also, you may have a bad memory module. Run MEMTEST86 to check (download the .iso and create a bootable disk).

[Bjs]

Before formatting ... remove the drive and reinstall ... sometimes these errors are caused by a poor interface connection.

Then repartition and format ... if the install still has issue it's most likely the hard drive should be replaced.

[SIRCOOKS]

OK guys, i will run the memtest, and report the results

Bjs, when you say remove the drive, should i hook up an external 3.5" drive and install on there?

[dragonkeeper]

I have been trying to install xp/7 on a friends lap top for sometime now. However, i always get these two messages

Are you using an SP3 version of XP? I've seen many problems arise when people try installing old versions of XP (Sp1 or earlier). I believe the Netbook came with XP installed did you check to make sure it was upgradeable to Win 7. There are many devices which are not upgradable due to the fact there are not compatible drivers available. I have a laptop that i would love to upgrade, but there are no wireless drivers for Win 7. So upgrading is not really an option.

[Nelson37]

Are you saying that you get the EXACT SAME error message, BOTH when installing Windows 7 on a freshly formatted hard drive, AND when installing XP on the same drive, AFTER re-partitioning and formatting?

ALWAYS delete the partition, create a new one, and do a full format, NOT the quick format, when installing a new OS.

ALWAYS dis-connect ANY external devices that are un-needed.

It is extremely unlikely that the internal drive on a laptop would come loose or disconnected.

Start with installing the OS that you are ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN will run on the device, which would be the one it came with. If that fails, you have a hardware problem. If an OS that is not KNOWN to run on that device fails to install, there could be multiple reasons.

You could also get a boot cd and test the hard drive extensively. Memory as well, though swapping chips and/or removing one of two is a MUCH faster and FAR more reliable testing method.

Also, what is the reason for the re-install in the first place?