Installing Windows XP

Sometimes things can take a very long time when the files are copying, so it might not be locking up! Anyway, test your RAM using memtest86+, and also your HD using the manufacturer's utility. You can find both on the UBCD, and many, many more.

http://ultimatebootcd.com

Common problems that cause this:

1) BAD Windows XP installation CD.  Is this an original from Microsoft or is this a copy.  If original, return it to place of purchase for an exchange or contact MS for a replacement.  If a copy, get a legit CD.

2) BAD HARD DRIVE.  Has this hard drive worked OK before?

3) BAD RAM.  Has this system run a 32-bit version of Windows before?  Try swapping it out.

4) BAD (or misconfigured) CPU.  Overclocking?  Stop it! Improper cooling for the CPU? Fix it!

5) BAD motherboard or underpowered power supply.

6) BAD CD drive.

jhance is right...

Happened to me when reinstalling my WindowsXP. It takes ages at the start of the process.
I got another copy of the WindowsXP CD and what do you know... the setup runs smoothly with the new CD.

Not to mention that HP machines will refuse to do this.

Different releases of XP also install differently; some work, some don't, especially on newer machines.  I can think of at least two versions of the 64-bit XP that have different releases and one will install while the other will not.

Did you remember to delete the partition before installing XP? Many people forget to do this and it causes a big mistake - as it installs XP twice - so please do not take it personally.

~ Nerd

Try disabling the internal and external cache in your BIOS. This will cause the machine to run slower, but might help you make it through the installation. Once the installation is completed turn the cache back on. I've had success with this on a number of machines.

Thanks I will try that and get back to you.  Please advise exactly how I go abut this so i don't screw it up.

Thanks very much.