Main Forum > General Computer Support
HP Pavilion a1012x Recovery Problem - Windows XP
Shane:
The hard drive and memory doesn't require any different drivers, so those wouldn't cause any problems. Only thing to check is a memory test to make sure ram is good and a bad sector check on the drive. If both are good then those are not the problem.
Could be motherboard, but I dont trust the restore cds that come with those systems. It might be a better idea to get your hands on a xp cd with sp3 on it and install fresh instead and see how it goes.
You can also see how the system does with a different OS. Ubuntu will allow you to run it right from the cd without installing it, give it a try and see if it has any trouble as well.
http://www.ubuntu.com/download
It is either a hardware problem or those recovery cds are crap lol
Shane
backtolife:
As described previously, I did do a Windows XP install on this machine with a Microsoft XP disk and was able to install it successfully. I also did the RAM and HD tests to insure they were both good.
There are no recovery disks available other than the ones I've ordered and received. I'm hopeful you have some other suggestions as to where to look next. I presume there is information somewhere about what Windows XP does when the install reboots for the first time.
Boggin:
Just for info - Memtest86+ or any memory test should be done on just one stick at a time, but if you have alternated when removing one stick and nothing has changed, then the sticks should be good.
Shane:
Those recovery disks do a lot more than just reinstall windows, they put the system back to the way it was when it was at the factory, same software, drivers and all, which means all of it is very very out of date by now. When it restores it it puts all the files on the system from a clone image. Windows isn't installed but instead restored from a backup image. Which again if that backup image wasn't exactly for this system then it will have the wrong drivers loaded into it, which is why you are getting the blue screen. Then they have windows setup in what is known as sysprep mode. Where after you install everything in windows the way you want and have all the programs and drivers done you run sysprep and then make a clone image. Window windows loads the next time it is like finishing the last part of the setup again to finalize the system. (At least thats how they have been done for a long time, I havent kept up on the recovery options and if they have changed much over the years)
The best thing to do is a fresh install like you did with a normal xp cd. Then you can go to the mfg page for the system and download the drivers they have for it.
Since you did a normal install once before, is there a reason you want to use the outdated recovery cds?
Shane
backtolife:
I borrowed this computer from someone and ended up screwing it up. I'm hopeful to get the apps back that came with the machine and I can deal with updating Windows once I can get it to run.
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