OS won't install

[Rosco]

Problem:
Computer does not have an operating system and I cannot get it to install a fresh copy.

What I'm looking for:
A way to get the computer working again. My next step is to purchase a SATA drive to see if it is the hard drive. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated. If I've left out useful information, please ask. Thank you.

Here's what I've done:
Modified Bios to boot from CD
Boot from Legit Windows XP Pro (w/ SP2) CD
Deleted all current partitions (only C:\)
Created single partition (C:\)
Formatted NTFS
XP installation copies files
Here's when the problem occurs.
The OS is attempting to install and I just get a black screen.
CD Rom drive not running, harddrive not running, but power is still turned on.

After attempting this process multiple times with the same results, I went into the recovery console.
I ran CHKDSK /p and found a volumn error.
I ran CHKDSK /r to repair - this "seemed" to work because
I ran CHKDSK /p again and this time there was no error.

I attempted the same installation steps above with the same negative results.
I attempted to install Windows 2000 with the same results.
I've tried to use XP's recovery with the same results.
I've tried new using a new cable for the hard drive with the same results.
I've tried creating multiple partitions (C:\ and D:\) formatting both, then installing on the D:\ drive - same results.

System Info:

Here is the information about the physical computer
System: Dell System WorkStation 470
BIOS Version: A05 (05/18/05)

CPU 0:
Processor Type: Intel(R) Xeon(TM) CPU 2.80GHz
Processor Clock Speed: 2.80 GHz
Processor Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Processor L2 Cache: 1 MB
Processor ID: 0F41
Hyperthreading Capable: Yes
64-bit Technology: Yes (Intel EM64T)

CPU 1:
Processor Type: Intel(R) Xeon(TM) CPU 2.80GHz
Processor Clock Speed: 2.80 GHz
Processor Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Processor L2 Cache: 1 MB
Processor ID: 0F41
Hyperthreading Capable: Yes
64-bit Technology: Yes (Intel EM64T)

Memory Info:
Intalled Memory: 1.0 GB
Memory Speed: 400MHz
Memory Channel Mode: Dual
Memory Technology: DDR2 SDRAM (ECC)
Dimm 1: (Size=512MB,ECC=Yes,Rank=2,Type=Registered,Organiz ation=x8)
Dimm 2: (Size=512MB,ECC=Yes,Rank=2,Type=Registered,Organiz ation=x8)
Dimm 3: Empty
Dimm 4: Empty
Dimm 5: Empty
Dimm 6: Empty

Hard Drive Info:
Controller details:
Controller = Serial ATA
Port = SATA-0

Drive details:
Drive ID = WDC WD740GD-75FLA1
Capacity = 74 GB
BIOS = This drive is controlled by the System BIOS

[DonRayner]

Use another pc to download Ubuntu Linux and burn it to a CD. The CD is a live CD that you will be able to boot off of. If it boots and is useable that would be an indication that your CPU / MB and Memory are OK. Then see if you can install Ubuntu onto your system, if you can't then it's probably the HD

[AmberJain]

Hello,

If you want to speed up things (and if Internet at your place is not fast), you can consider downloading a smaller linux distro e.g.DSL, puppy linux, Feather linux (Search google for the links to download) etc.

AmbrNewlearner

PS- If you are planning to try ubuntu, then when you boot into Ubuntu CD, there is an option in Ubuntu CD bootmenu named- "Test memory" (after language selection screen). You can use that program (memtest86) to perform a memory test for x86 (PC) computers.

[Rosco]

Thank you both, I'll try your suggestions and post the results.

[hBray]

If it is the HD and you buy a new Sata Drive don't forget you will need to have the sata drivers ready when you install XP again. If not XP install will not see the hard drive.

[Snakefield]

Hi,
It seems your RAM may be defective. To confirm this try to install Win98. Win XP an Win 2000 are in same architecture. Win 98 is Different. So you can try Win 98 or Linux. Otherwise you have to replace your RAM.
As you have 2 RAM banks, you can confirm which of them is defective. Remove DIMM2 from the slot and install OS (XP/2000) with DIMM1. If it not succeed, remove DIMM1 and re-insert DIMM2 again then try to install.

[Rosco]

Thank you for the info - I will try swapping out the ram. (Note: I'm still waiting on my hard drive and haven't touched the computers in a couple weeks. I will post the solution when/if I get some answers in the next week or two).