Frustrated with Win XP install!

I've searched on here and I've googled for help but I'm still having a hard time installing a fresh copy of Windows XP.

My first problem was the Blue Setup Screen would just flash once and then the computer would freeze. I searched for the answer and found that it was a MBR problem which helped moved the install onto the next phase.

I can get as far as installing devices and then it just freezes there at 39 minutes remaining. I know people have worked around the problem on PCs by taking out all unnecessary hardware but how do I do that with a laptop? Anyone else have this problem? I'm sure I'm not the only one with an A8FM who has tried to install a fresh copy of WinXP. Also, I tried 2 different versions and it still gives me the same problem. However, Vista installs fine.

Can anyone help me out? So frustrated!

 

Faulty disc maybe?
It could be anything.

 

Tried both discs on my PC and everything installed without a problem so I know its not the discs. I can do a factory install using the recovery dvd no problem and all functions on the laptop work.

 

Maybe your laptop just can't go back to XP. I'm assuming it came with Vista. Why not keep Vista?

 

Actually it came with XP. This laptop is just over a year old now. I wanted to try vista and I installed it without any problem. I didn't like it and wanted to go back to XP. The problem is that the Recovery DVDs set your Partitions for you and wipes everything clean. If XP messes up then I have to try and get EVERYTHING I want to save off the HD before I do the recovery. Once it re-installs I have to re-partition it the way I like it and then update the drivers and then install all my programs. I was hoping to eliminate all that with a custom XP install with all the drivers/programs already installed.

I know that making an image is an option and I've done that but I want to know what the problem is that's not allowing windows to get past the "installing devices" screen.

 

Maybe it's a specific driver problem, that Asus solved by creating their own custom install and image. Try using WinXp+SP3 integrated. Or you've already slipstreamed all you need on that install cd?

 

And I will correct and say that if you have two partitions you can move your data to the 2nd, and recover to 1st partition only, in which case your data won't be touched.

I suggest you do that and try the recovery CDs.