Crashes/shuts down on installing Windows!

Tim Lake · 10-17-2005, 04:55 PM

After some problems with touchscreens and various other things I decided to wipe my pc and start a-fresh. Problem is, now my PC won't even install Windows. During the installation procedure the computer just turns off and won't come back on until I switch it off at the mains and then back on. It's like the processor is overheating but it's just sitting in my room (which is a comfortable temp) and I've even taken the case lid off to make sure. Could it be a faulty hard drive causing this?

DarquePervert · 10-17-2005, 05:18 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tim Lake

After some problems with touchscreens and various other things I decided to wipe my pc and start a-fresh. Problem is, now my PC won't even install Windows. During the installation procedure the computer just turns off and won't come back on until I switch it off at the mains and then back on. It's like the processor is overheating but it's just sitting in my room (which is a comfortable temp) and I've even taken the case lid off to make sure. Could it be a faulty hard drive causing this?

If it's shutting down after a certain period of time, it's likely either an overheating issue or a power issue.
I'd check and/or reseat the HSF on the CPU first thing. If that doesn't correct the problem, then we'd need to look at the power setup.
In-car PC or desktop? What's the power source? What PSU are you using and what settings are applied (if applicable)?

Tim Lake · 10-17-2005, 05:22 PM

This is the thing, it's just in my room because I hadn't finished getting everything ready. It is plugged into the mains and had been working fine for a few weeks (essentially just as a desktop PC). Only now I've tried to re-install am I having issues. I'll try your suggestion of reseating the fan.

*EDIT* I have checked the HSF and it is firm. I also tried running windows setup a few times and it is always at the smae point (around 58%) that this happens. I tried a different hard drive and a different cd rom and during the setup I have alternated between quick format and long to see if the different stress on the cpu causes the shutdown at a different time but it is always the same point. Do you think the installation CD is corrupt?
I am going to bed now (it's 12.15am in UK) but I'll try a different version of windows tomorrow, off a different CD.
In the meantime, any suggestions welcome

DarquePervert · 10-18-2005, 12:59 AM

Does it crap out when copying files?
If so, try one of these two things:
1) Delete any/all partitions on the hard drive and setup new partition(s) during the Windows installation. DO NOT USE QUICK FORMAT!!!.
2) If #1 doesn't correct the problem, you could have a flaky hard drive and/or a flaky Windows CD. I'd try replacing one and/or the other.

Tim Lake · 10-18-2005, 01:40 AM

Yes it does.
I have done #1 (deleted all partitions, create a new one and do full format).
I have also tried a different hard drive. Does this narrow it down to the CD. It's weird cos I used the same one to install windows originally and it was ok.
Is it possible some BIOS setting is messed up? In any case, I've loaded the fail-safe defaults on the BIOS and am trying to install Win98 SE to see if that works ok.

Tim Lake · 10-18-2005, 08:31 AM

An update (and sly bump):
I started the Windows 98 SE disk installing this morning before leaving for work. I rang me dad at lunchtime and he said it was still on the setup screen (I think it's at the point where you enter the time zone and stuff) so it wasn't an overheating problem cos it's been on all day. When I get home, I'll finish the installer and then try an upgrade using a different XP cd.
Is there a tool I can use to check the integrity of the windows cd?

IntellaWorks · 10-18-2005, 08:38 AM

flip the cd over, if there's any visible scratches on the back or dust (maybe even a small eyelash) that could be throwing it off.

Tim Lake · 10-18-2005, 08:58 AM

I did have a look at the disk and seemed pretty unmarked but I guess something is up with it. Fortunately I still have access to my universities MSN acedemic alliance so I'll download it again and burn a fresh cd.

Tim Lake · 10-18-2005, 01:26 PM

Well 98 seemed to install but also seemed to crap out just before I got home (according to my sister who was in the room at the time).
Is it possible to remove the heat sink from the VIA mobo cos it isn't clipped or screwed, it has two plastic pegs holding it down with springs which are there to keep the pressure on. If i could take it off I have a little arctic silver paste spare that might help if it is a temp issue.

IntellaWorks · 10-18-2005, 01:30 PM

I defaintly wouldn't go fooling around with that. Its been sealed by the factory leave it that way, you're only open more cans of worms. I don't think its a heat issue, it would crap out after using it for long periods of time instead of right away. You said you custom made an IDE cable? I'd consider changing the cable out to a normal one (unhacked) and see where that gets you.