My computer in my sound studio suddenly started acting up. It would start to load Windows then I hear a small click, the monitor tells me it has lost contact and the computer will restart over and over. I decided to install another HD and install the OS but it kept freezing at "installing devices". I even tried another HD with the same results. I even tried two different OS's with the same result. I can't boot to safe mode but I've had the computer running in setup for almost four hours so I guess that pretty WELL eliminates some hardware problems. Here is some information that I could gather. It's AMD Athlon with 786 Mb RAM and the CPU temp. is 37 deg. C and the system temp. is 27 deg.C Is there anything else I could check?what OS are you trying to install?

XP ProEither the CD or CD drive is dirty. Swap it out for a known good one.Sharpie version of XP ? ?for the cd, take a kleenex and wet it slightly and slowly wipe the cd in circular manner. Have had problems where everything is on cd but cd has dirt so laser can't go thru dirt and hence computer assume cd doesn't have file and therefore error.They're both new versions of the OS so I don't think it's dirt that's causing the problem. Patio, I'm not what you mean by sharpie version but they are both legimate versions.SuperDave...

Are you sure all of the hardware is properly seated on the motherboard? If I were you, I'd disassemble all components from the motherboard and clean the slots using canned air and a brush...of course, making sure the computer is off at the time you do this and that you protect the components from ESD (electrostatic discharge).

Once you have all the slots cleaned...re-assemble the components and try again.

Keep us posted...Quote from: m_260 on March 16, 2009, 08:42:20 PM

for the cd, take a kleenex and wet it slightly and slowly wipe the cd in circular manner. Have had problems where everything is on cd but cd has dirt so laser can't go thru dirt and hence computer assume cd doesn't have file and therefore error.

To remedy this type of problem, you can clean the bottom surface of the CD with a soft cloth, but be careful not to scratch the surface in the process. The best technique is to wipe the disc in a radial fashion, using strokes that start from the center of the disc and emanate toward the outer edge. This way, any scratches will be perpendicular to the tracks rather than parallel to them, minimizing the interference they might cause. You can use any type of solution on the cloth to clean the disc, so long as it will not damage plastic. Most window cleaners are excellent at removing FINGERPRINTS and other dirt from the disc and don't damage the plastic surface.

slowly wipe the cd in circular manner

hear a small click

it shows a disk warning followed by an atapi error. Any ideas?