Compact Computer

Re-install Problem

[fashezee]

We purchased a used Compact Computer from an auction and wanted to
re-install windows. This computer does not seem want to be a team
player and let us install windows XP. Do I need some software from Compact
in order to perform a re-install?

Help!

[Macro]

How are you trying to install Windows? It may well be that there's a hidden partition with the cab files.

Are you booting from the Windows CD, partiitoning and formatting the hard disk, and then installing Windows? Where in that process do you have the problem?

[fashezee]

Are you booting from the Windows CD, partiitoning and formatting the hard disk, and then installing Windows

Bingo!

When attempting to install XP, it claims that I am missing a file?

[bcolflesh]

Boot to command prompt w/a boot floppy, fdisk - delete all partitions, format new partition(s), reboot w/boot floppy - install Windows.

[jomaxx]

...after browsing through the previous owner's browser cache and tax returns and personal correspondence, of course.

[Macro]

When attempting to install XP, it claims that I am missing a file?

That could then be faulty media. Get another copy of the Windows CD. If it still happens note that sometimes *hardware* faults with the PC - like a faulty motherboard CAN cause that "missing a file" message.

Are you 100% sure that there are no hidden partitions still on the hard disk. Big name manufacturers sometimes setup a hidden hard disk if they are using recovery CDs [bestpricecomputers.ltd.uk]

If you have a recovery CD then you'll really have to use that rather than the Windows CD. Also, is it the same version of the operating system that the PC was originally shipped with?