Windows Xp setup cannot copy files

[JaegerWolf]

Hey guys,
I am working on a Dell PC that was severly infected with just about everything. I decided to just reformat the drive and reinstall windows. Anyway, when XP gets to "copying files" I get numerous errors that setup cannot copy yadayada.dll. If I hit skip, it just does it again with another file. I did some research on dells forum, that turned up empty. So far I have done the following:

Tried 3 XP disks ,one being a slipstreamed version of the dell disk with SP3

Ran memtest86 and 86+ and some other memory utils on UBCD

Low level formatted (I heard some viruses are becomming smart enough to escape formatting)

I ran Western digital hard drive diagnostics (it is a WD drive)

Every test I did so far passes. I ran memtest86 all night and memtest 86+ all day when I was working. WD diagnostics show no errors.

Should I start yanking memory and see if that works? There are two modules installed. Thanks for any input.

[Train]

Use a lens cleaner cd to clean the laser.
Wash the OS cd with soap and water.

And removing one stick have all helped at one time or another.

Even had to use a cleaning machine on several cds for them to work. :(

[Midknyte]

Which model of Dell? There were a few batches with bad caps. Take a quick peek at the motherboard.

I think the GX280 and SX280 were a few. gotta look at that up.

[JaegerWolf]

I will look at again tomorrow. Almost time for bed. Anyway, the machine is a dimension 4550. Thanks for the input!

BTW, when caps are bad, you can usually tell by looking at the tops right. I have only seen one motherboard with bad caps and it looked like acid coming out of the top of them. It was one of those tiger direct computers.

[Midknyte]

They can be leaking or just bulging. It might not be that, but it only takes a couple seconds to verify. I think it's worth the effort.

http://www.badcaps.net/

[JaegerWolf]

OK guys, I am going to post my solution so that it may help some poor sap that has the same problem This was a stupid simple fix and I should of listened to my A+ cert book, which told me. START SIMPLE!!! I know when I can't figure something out, I search mostly this forum before I post. I have to thank you guys for having somewhere to go when stuff goes awry.
To the fix. After checking the caps, like Midknyte suggested, I blew out the case, ROM drives,heatsink and fan. I figured it might be heat. No dice!! Afterwards, I tried swapping out RAM modules. There was only 2 there, so that was quick enough. However, this did not work. I then figured the only thing left was either change the HDD or to try boot the setup disk from the DVD ROM instead of the default ROM drive. Problem solved it copied with no problems! GOTT Sie Dank! :D
As far as the default ROM drive, I have no idea if it is bad or just needs a good cleaning. I will pick up a ROM drive cleaner as suggested by Train. Thanks again guys.

Randy

[Train]

Thank YOU for posting and letting us know.

I found burners seem to pick up better.

[JaegerWolf]

The funny thing about it was that I never thought it was the drive because I was running UBCD and other stuff from it with no problem. I assumed that it was fine, but I guess not good enough for XP's eyes. :D

[Sterling_Aug]

Which model of Dell? There were a few batches with bad caps. Take a quick peek at the motherboard.

I think the GX280 and SX280 were a few. gotta look at that up.


The GX-260 models had a few with bad caps, the GX-270 models were LOADED with bad caps, and the early GX-280 model had a few.