for anyone still reading...
i tried EVERYTHING on this hunk 'o junk i came into to put 7 on it; (it only has a thin CD rom in it)
-USB boot (w/ using Windows7-USB-DVD-tool.exe) ERROR
-reinstalled XP Pro SP2 (then SP3) then upgrade (cant do that w/ XP)
-tried to install (fresh scratch) from XP via USB drive - no go ERROR
-tried to install (fresh scratch) from XP with files on desktop folder ERROR
-used an old gutted external DVD via usb port (i mean it is Frankenstein LOL - all the wires and PCB just laying on the table hooked up) SUCK-CESS!!!
unbelievable!
i just want to not i truly believe it is NOT hardware issues, bios settings, etc... it IS just a bad file read (when 'uncompressing'.
i had a similar error that was something like 0x80070050 or something like that, and sure enough after doing the crap above with a dell latitude D620 just hours before, i had a small white streak from the printable label disk i had it stacked on.
LESSON:
--use an external drive (if needed - as i said i only have a CD rom in mine)
--use a 4x or slower burned DVD (or your original if you can stand wearing it out slapping it into the rom 100 times)
--be SURE to at the MINIMUM get the network drivers from dell to be able to do the update for installation.
http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/...ptiplex-gx280#
--ALSO update the BIOS to A08 (mine was A03)
http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/...ptiplex-gx280#
--Install x32 version of 7
--and most of all, be patient. but seriously after 5 hours of hardcore tinkering, it was well worth it. the machine SLAMS with the new GeForce 7300 SE drivers on it (7 update drivers - sound comes with update also)
--and i am just going to sell it on Craigslist Las Vegas for $60 with a samsung 17 inch flat panel. I will also be installing office pro plus 2010, and adobe acro X.
MORE NOTES:
-YES Aero DOES work with the 256MB PCIe x16 stock video card
-YES i can run gadgets also [clock, cpu/ram guage, weather]
-1200 resolution w/ full screen youtube is all it can handle.
-system scored a 3.4 on experience (graphics - everything else was 4.3 - 4.9) THAT blew ME away LOL!!!
hope this helps someone.
PEACE!!!!