Resolving Windows Common Problems

Resolving Common Problems on Installation Windows XP This is lists for some common installation problems and offers solutions. Troubleshooting Tips Problem : Media errors occur Solution : If you are installing from a CD-ROM, use a different CD-ROM. To request a replacement CD-ROM, contact Microsoft or your vendor. Try using a different computer and CD-ROM drive. If you can read the CD-ROM on a different computer, you can perform an over-the-network installation. If one of your Setup disks is not working, try using a different set of Setup disks. Problem : CD-ROM drive is not supported Solution : Replace the CD-ROM drive with a supported drive. If replacement is impossible, try another installation method such as installing over the network. After you complete the installation, add the adapter card driver for the CD-ROM drive if it is available. Problem : Computer is unable to copy files from the CD-ROM Solution : Test the CD-ROM on another computer. If you can copy the files using a different CD-ROM drive on a different computer, use the CD-ROM to copy the files to a network share or to the hard drive of the computer on which you want to install Windows XP Professional. Problem : Insufficient disk space Solution : Do one of the following: ª Use the Setup program to create a partition by using existing free space on the hard disk. ª Delete and create partitions as needed to create a partition that is large enough for installation. ª Reformat an existing partition to create more space. Problem : Dependency service fails Solution : In the Windows XP Professional Setup Wizard, return to the to start Network Settings dialog box and verify that you installed the correct protocol and network adapter. Verify that the network adapter has the proper configuration settings, such as transceiver type, and that the local computer name is unique on the network. Problem : Setup cannot connect to the domain controller Solution : Verify the following: - The domain name is correct. - The server running the DNS service and the domain controller are both running and online. If you cannot locate a domain controller, install Windows XP Professional into a workgroup and then join the domain after installation. - The network adapter card and protocol settings are set correctly. If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional and are using the same computer name, delete the computer account and recreate it. Problem : Windows XP Professional fails to install or start Solution : Verify the following: -Windows XP Professional is detecting all of the hardware. -All of the hardware is on the HCL. -Try running Winnt32 /checkupgradeonly to verify that the hardware is compatible with Windows XP Professional. Setup Logs During Setup, Windows XP Professional generates a number of log files containing installation information that can help you resolve any problems that occur after setup is completed. The action log and the error log are especially useful for troubleshooting. Action Log The action log records in chronological order the actions that the Setup program performs. It includes actions such as copying files and creating Registry entries. It also contains entries that are written to the Setup error log. The action log is stored in SETUPACT.LOG. Error Log The error log describes errors that occur during setup and their severity. If errors occur, the log viewer displays the error log at the end of setup. The error log is stored in SETUPERR.LOG. Additional Logs Setup creates a number of additional logs, including the following: % windir%\comsetup.log Outlines installation for Optional Component Manager and COM+ components. % windir%\setupapi.log Receives an entry each time a line from an .inf file is implemented. If an error occurs, this log describes the failure. % windir%\debug\NetSetup.log Logs activity when computers join domains or workgroups. % windir%\repair\setup.log Provides information that is used by the Recovery Console. (In Windows NT 4, this was used by the Emergency Repair Process.) "