[nickomac]

I need to reinstall winxp on my old ibm computer but everytime i start the setup, it starts to load the setup files (after the 3rd party raid drivers) then halts and gives the error;
"file /i386/ntkrnlmp.exe could not be loaded.
the error code is 7."

I don't remember having a recovery disc for windows, and there are no hiddden partitions on the hard drive. I tryed going through the BIOS, but I saw nothing related. I also ran memtest for a few hours and got no errors. The sticker on the case says it's model # is: 912241e(adj - 9100), its pretty scratched up.

I'm using the XPhome cd that came with it, so i"m to a loss of whats wrong. any help will be appreciated.

Edited by nickomac, 08 January 2006 - 09:38 PM.

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If exisiting data isn't a problem then use Boot and Nuke to clear the drive

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

If you use auto run it could take 5 hours, depending on the size of the drive but will format the drive comprehensively, then when XP loads, use the default NTFS format, not the quick

Another thing to check is that the XP format shows RAW1 partition on C

If it shows anything different then press the reset button to restart the install, delete any partition created and it will format to C

[Retired Tech]

If exisiting data isn't a problem then use Boot and Nuke to clear the drive

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

If you use auto run it could take 5 hours, depending on the size of the drive but will format the drive comprehensively, then when XP loads, use the default NTFS format, not the quick

Another thing to check is that the XP format shows RAW1 partition on C

If it shows anything different then press the reset button to restart the install, delete any partition created and it will format to C

[nickomac]

There is not existing data i care for, but I am concerned with not being able to install xp again. I switched out the HDD for one I know works, and I get the same error. I removed all the partitions off it first. I will try your advice when I get home tonite, Im thinking it may be the motherboard. thanks

[Retired Tech]

As you changed the drives, check for loose wires

[nickomac]

I went over the pc and checked all the wires. didnt notice any loose or broken connections. While i did that, i switched where the ide cables were, no luck either.

[Retired Tech]

Use boot and nuke to wipe the drive and it should run set up properly

[nickomac]

I should of just used boot&nuke. Now my floppy won't work I think i messed up the floppy controller, cause the drive works on my other pc I think I'm gonna upgrade my mobo and processor now, it wont cost too much and it will be faster. thanks for your help keith

[Retired Tech]

Check the Bios is set for floppy boot seek if you are going to run boot and nuke from a floppy

[nickomac]

i went through the bios and set seek at post and tried switching everything else around (swap, drive A, B) and still nothing, i ended up removing the battery and shorting the clear cmos jumper. And first thing i did was load bios defaults on next boot, and set everything again. still no install and no floppy. i used the same ribbon cable too.

[Retired Tech]

Are you likely to go with the upgrade from here

[nickomac]

im thinking so, i would like to solve this problem though. I dont like it when i can't figure it out
this mobo is pretty old and it might be dieing (s370 ), i think i might try a bios update if there is one.

[Retired Tech]

See if that helps, if you want to solve it I can ask the others to take a look

[nickomac]

thanks i would appreciate that, ill post the specs in a bit

[nickomac]

I used the last version of everest home edition and i got;
celeron II, 1.1 ghz, s370
MSI MS-6137 ver 2.1
Intel whitney i810
128 SDRAM pc133
Everest reports the bios as 07/20/01

Edited by nickomac, 10 January 2006 - 04:16 PM.

[Retired Tech]

Worth looking for an update