Installing Win XP problem

[oboe]

I've got all the hardware installed in my new build but have run into a couple interesting problems trying to install Win XP - first, it doesn't give me Internet Explorer.   This is after my first install attempt, and again after I tried a 'repair' install.    The start menu icon is a generic windows program icon and doesn't link to anything, and I don't see any exe's in the Internet Explorer folder, or in the Windows folder.

Also, the task bar looks like Windows 2000, not Win XP.

At one point during the installation, it asks for the Win XP Service Pack 2 CD, which I don't have.   I just exit out of that window and the install continues.   Later I downloaded SP2 from MS's website on a different computer, burned a CD and installed SP2 from that, but it didn't help either problem.

My CPU temp with case open is 40C, is that OK?   I have an E8400 and am using the stock heat sink and cooling fan, on a Gigabyte EP45-UD3P mobo.

I will have some other Q's coming too I'm sure - I don't build machines often and I dont' feel like I got much direction at all from the manuals and docs provided with most of my components this time.   

Thx

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Sounds like you're not using a regular installation cd or your cd is damaged. If you get prompts asking for 'windows xp service pack 2' installation disk it most likely means your installation media OR cd/dvd-rom drive is defective.

This means that while you may manage to complete the installation you will have random parts missing and a clustered uuu-knooww-what of an installation.

So check your cd for scratches / dirt and if it won't work try another dvd-rom drive.

[oboe]

I'm using the OEM version of Win XP Media Center Edition I bought when I built my son's computer back in 2005.   That computer has been donated, but before I donated it I reformatted the hard drive and installed ubuntu on it.

The install disks are original MS editions and I have the original packaging with the certificates and key codes.    I'll check for scratches, but I don't think they've been out of the case since 2005.   Hope I don't have a bad DVD drive; I can also try swapping the DVD out of my old computer and trying that.   Thanks for your help, MR.

[BaldEagl]

40C with the stock heatsink fan isn't too bad but that should be with the case closed (although even that will depend on the ambient temp).  Mine's been idling at about 45C lately (overclocked) but the house is in the mid-upper 80's F.  In the winter it will be in the mid 30's when the house is in the low 70's.

[TilDeath]

Since the install has been addressed I will address the CPU thermals.  40^c is not a problem.  If it was in the mid to high 50's at idle I would look at an aftermarket HSF.   What your looking for is a 100% load temp.  If you would like to check that temp here is a link to OCCT.  OCCT is a stress tester, it will stress your CPU, Mem, or GPU 100% for the amount of time you want it to.  I would start at 1 hour then move to 4 hours.  OCCT has a built in safety feature, if the CPU gets to hot it will stop it testing an flash CPU TO HOT.

TD

Link http://www.ocbase.com/perestroika_en/index.php?Download

[oboe]

Argh!    The Win XP install disk #2 does have scratches in it.   They are radial and concentric, like they were made by a malfunctioning drive or something.     I get almost all the way through the installation, with #2 disk inserted, when it prompts me to insert the Service Pack 2 CD.  It's just about to install Start Menu items....

Now what?   Should I bite the bullet and make the jump to Windows 7 on this new system?    Or go get some flavor of Vista?  

EDIT:

Thx for the temp info guys - I noticed in my CPU install instructions a line suggested an internal ambient temp at or below 38^oC was required.  Had me a little concerned....

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Argh!    The Win XP install disk #2 does have scratches in it.   They are radial and concentric, like they were made by a malfunctioning drive or something.     I get almost all the way through the installation, with #2 disk inserted, when it prompts me to insert the Service Pack 2 CD.  It's just about to install Start Menu items....

Now what?   Should I bite the bullet and make the jump to Windows 7 on this new system?    Or go get some flavor of Vista?  

Oh yes, do grab a Win7 installation DVD and make the jump. You can use the RC untill the end of June by which time it will be available in stores.

Win7 is probably the best OS MS has made in a loong long time.

[oboe]

Oh yes, do grab a Win7 installation DVD and make the jump. You can use the RC untill the end of June by which time it will be available in stores.

Win7 is probably the best OS MS has made in a loong long time.

Oops the scratches aren't radial - just concentric.    Pretty sure some part of the drive contacted the surface as it was rotating.

What is "RC"?  Release Candidate?   Is this something I could download from MS's website, burn to a CD and install from there?

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Oops the scratches aren't radial - just concentric.    Pretty sure some part of the drive contacted the surface as it was rotating.

What is "RC"?  Release Candidate?   Is this something I could download from MS's website, burn to a CD and install from there?

Yes, it's in DVD format.

[OOZ662]

I'm supposing that means it's an .iso file, which means you will need software to burn it. I prefer ImgBurn.

[oboe]

The RC download isn't an ISO file; I had to download an ISO burning program (I used Active@) to create the ISO and then burn the DVD.    New system is up and running under Win 7 now. 

Thanks for you help, guys!

 

[MrRiplEy[H]]

The RC download isn't an ISO file; I had to download an ISO burning program (I used Active@) to create the ISO and then burn the DVD.    New system is up and running under Win 7 now. 

Thanks for you help, guys!

 

The RC download from MS is a raw ISO image 100% guaranteed.

[oboe]

Doh!   You are right, the DL is an ISO.   My bad.