Hi. I apologize for my first post being a question. I've just built my first computer, and it ran great for 3 days. Then, while playing a game, it locked up, requiring a hard reboot. Once I did that, Windows XP wouldn't load; instead, I received a variety of BSOD errors. I eventually got to safe mode, tried system restore, tried various error solutions, all to no avail. I then tried to reinstall Windows XP, since there was very little on the HDD. Here is the current problem: I boot from CD, get to setup, and the program starts copying files. However, a significant number of the files won't copy--"the file xxx is not a valid Win XP image...". If I limp through setup, ignoring those files (mostly drivers), I get the BSOD. The one time I got to the graphic setup screen, it didn't have the right file to continue.
Here are the specs: AMD 4000+
Gigabyte K8NXP-SLI mobo
Gigabyte GV-3D1 video card (dual 6600GT)
4x512MB RAM
WD Raptor HDD (SATA)
WD IDE HDD
Here's what I've done: tried different Win XP disk, tried different CD drive, switched HDD cables, tried installing on a different (non-SATA) HDD, tried disabling DMA. I have the latest bios, since the computer ran for 3 days without issue. The CPU temp was ~39 C at the time of the crash. I've done both quick and full partitions, but only via the Win XP CD.
I look forward to your responses. Thanks.