Windows XP missing files, only sometimes

[Xphreek]

Ok,

Im a tinkerer. I love to install and uninstall, try new programs, just have fun with computer hardware and software.

Usually, when i install windows XP on a new machine, or old one, i dont have any problems. That has changed over the past few days. Ive tried to install 3 different versions of the software on the same computer and every time, it says there are missing files. OK fair enough, bad disk, BUT when I try to re-install with the same disk, different files are missing.

Example, First install, I counted that there were 15 reported missing files, didnt keep track as I didnt plan to use this install anyways.

Second install, I only counted 3 missing files. Still the installation failed.

I burned both disks at the slowest speed and no errors were reported.

Im just very confused about whether I have a software problem or if its the drive in the machine.

Its a Dell Inspiron 6000.

any help or tips will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

What kind of files are missing - Windows files, RTE files (e.g. Java, .NET Framework, etc.), or files that belong to the software you are installing?

The first thing to do when you encounter a problem of this kind is to run CHKDSK on your install partition; open a command prompt window and enter

chkdsk /f /r

If you have missing Windows files, run the System File checker, also from a Command Prompt

sfc /scannow

[Xphreek]

The Problem with that is, There is no OS on the current drive. I cant open a prompt because theres nothing on the HDD.

The problem starts when Copying the files over BEFORE installation. I cant ever get a full install.

[-pops-]

It is often difficult to install WXP on disks which contain even remnants of old installs of XP, or any other O/S.

Try carrying out a full format of the disk, or even a low level format, before doing the install again.