I cannot install Windows XP or Vista

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I cannot install Windows XP or Vista

by Scott
(Avondale,AZ)

I get errors in reading files from the Windows disk and even if I don't and it reboots to the second part of install, it will show an error window and start over. I also cannot format with the windows CD, but I can run a live OS like Knoppix or a Bart boot disk. I am a computer tech and have never seen this problem before, which leads me to believe that this laptop has a defective motherboard.
Everything is fine-the ram, the HD and the DVD drive. I also cleaned the DVD drive lens. Not overheating.
This laptop was bought from a guy on a street corner without being tested, so I think its a bad mobo. I was not bootable when I got it, but I can boot to the bios.
This is a gateway MX6453.
have any of you seen this? I have repaired over 200 laptops and have never seen this.

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I cannot install Windows XP or Vista

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Apr 01, 2009
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Bad Hard Drive
by: Support

Hi Scott,

Sounds more like either the MBR or the boot sector of the hard drive is bad.

Try this -

Make a boot disk (floppy or cd) with DOS on it, then using the DOS FDISK remove all the partitions. Make a partition say 10 meg or even one meg.

Format and sys the new partition.

If that works then retry to install XP or Vista, you could remove the small DOS partition but I think you can leave it for now.

If DOS will not make or format the partition do you have another hard drive you can install temporarly to retest the installation? If you do an it still fails then the ide/sata interface is dead.

If it was a desktop you could try changing the cable but laptops don't have a cable.

Hope this helps...

Apr 01, 2009
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I cannot install Windows XP or Vista
by: Anonymous

Thank you for the suggestion!
I have reformatted and tested the HD many times with another PC and Partition Magic and it checks out just fine.
In fact, everything else is fine-the ram, optical drive, CMOS battery, etc.
Makes me think that the guy was selling it because it went out of warranty and needs a MB.
The guy whom bought it paid $250.00 for it and thought he was getting a great deal. After I tell him the price of a MB he will change his mind!
Thank you again!

Apr 11, 2009
Rating

Laptop repaired. Got-R-Done.....
by: Scott

Laptop repaired. Turns out that the HD was missing a pin, and I didn't notice it until I looked closer. Funny how Partition Magic and other programs didn't catch it. Only after I inspected it close did I see that.
Makes me feel a bit stupid, but oh well. I should have caught that after doing this for 23 years.
Bites my lip and move's on........