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    I6400 froze during XP install

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Burkay, Apr 18, 2006.

  1. Burkay

    Burkay Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey all,

    I finally received my laptop and I was trying to install xp pro on it.
    However, while registering the components, the system froze.
    It is kinda weird, because the screen keeps refreshing and the harddisk
    led keeps flashing, but there is no progress for the last 20 minutes.
    It is stuck at "13 minutes left".

    I can't turn it off, I can't restart it.

    What to do now?
     
    Burkay, Apr 18, 2006
    #1
  2. DCSE_1234

    DCSE_1234 Notebook Geek

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    You might want to run diagnostics on the hard drive... Shut down the system by pressing and holding the power button... Turn it back on , and at the dell logo hit the F12 a couple of times... You will get the one time boot menu, select the last option (Diagnostics)... The system would run the PSA (Preboot System Assesment) ....... if you get any short DST failure, then you'll know for sure that you have a bad hard drive....
     
    DCSE_1234, Apr 18, 2006
    #2
  3. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    Here are a couple of recommendations (once you can turn off the laptop):

    Perform a BIOS upgrade, if one exists.
    Use the Dell XP install disk (or use a different one if applicable) to rule out a bad disk.

    Normally you can turn off the laptop by holding the power button down for about 10 seconds.
     
    kegobeer, Apr 18, 2006
    #3
  4. Burkay

    Burkay Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ahh, false alarm.

    After more than half an hour at "13 minutes remaining" the setup decided to
    keep going on. Everything is working right now.
     
    Burkay, Apr 18, 2006
    #4
  5. DCSE_1234

    DCSE_1234 Notebook Geek

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    Lol ........ :)
     
    DCSE_1234, Apr 18, 2006
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  6. profsegp

    profsegp Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have pretty much the same problem with my Alienware area-51 5620D. I tried to install windows xp but it freezes up when it gets to 43 minutes remaining. I change the hard drive and still does the same thing. Anybody know whats the problem? any help will be appreciated. thanks!
     
    profsegp, Jan 1, 2008
    #6
  7. LGS

    LGS Notebook Consultant

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    Try to leave it running a little longer before you decide that it's taking too long or not working.

    I never had this problem when installing XP on my Dell.
     
    LGS, Jan 1, 2008
    #7