Help with reinstalling XP Pro

[Jemjem787]

Hello, I'm reinstalling XP on my old laptop (different from the computer in my specs) the computer model is an Acer Travelmate 4200, and I am at the partition screen, I make a new partition, I start the install, but then it says "setup was unable to format the partition, the disk may be damaged" with a bunch more help stuff, I have tried quick format and the regular one, also this laptop was doing fine before I started the install.

 

[AddRAM]

So why did you mess with it then ?

Could be a bad disc.

Try another installer, do you have anythoing else ?

 

[gregrocker]

What is the exact error message received?

Where did you get XP? Is the disk clean and unscratched? Did you burn it yourself?

Test your HD with maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan, followed by Disk Check run if necessary from installer Command Line.

 

[theog]

Why are you reinstalling?

 

[Jemjem787]

I'm reinstalling because I have loads of old programs and settings from a couple years ago slowing it down, and it will be easier for me just to reinstall, and I have burned the disc myself.

 

[gregrocker]

Where did you get the XP ISO? You need an OEM version for the Win7 version listed on the COA sticker. Then burn it to CD with ImgBurn at 4x speed.

Boot the CD, delete all partitions, create new as you wish and full format before trying install.

If it fails post back the exact error message.

Several of these I had already asked you before so don't make me repeat myself again if you want further help.

 

[edwar]

I'm reinstalling because I have loads of old programs and settings from a couple years ago slowing it down, and it will be easier for me just to reinstall, and I have burned the disc myself.

Having program on a hard drive does not slow any system down. You can have hundreds or thousands of programs installed and as long as they aren't running they don't slow the system down one bit. All they do is take up hard drive space.

So your older system was running slow because of some other reason. More then likely the drive was starting to fail, which happens all the time. So that error you are getting is because you need a new HDD.

 

[gregrocker]

If you have an OS on there now install CrystalDiskInfo - Software to check it's condition from the desktop.

As Edwar says, programs won't slow the OS down unless they are running all the time as freeloaders on your resources. Establish a clean boot the same as shown in Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7