Error while loading operating system

Peejay _

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Mar 24, 2014
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Hey

So I was restoring my old computer as a HTPC. I wanted to clear everything out of the computer so I decided to reinstall Windows XP. I didn't have a CD, and starting the setup through winnt.exe didn't work. So I found myself a nice ISO to use on a USB stick. Everything went well untill just after partitioning. I deleted all my partitions and made a new C: and D:. When I confirmed the setup continued. Then, after like 2% this message popped up that I didn't have enough memory to perform the installation. I had to abort it, so I did.
After this the computer didn't want to boot, I would always get the message: 'Error while loading operating system'. I tried multiple times to boot it again from the USB but this message kept popping up (something like this): the setup can't find a previous version of Windows, please insert CD.

Well after that I was clueless. Now my PC doesn't even start the setup with a CD or a USB.

I have no idea how I can fix it. This is as far as my computer knowledge extends.
 
"the setup can't find a previous version of Windows, please insert CD"

You may be trying to install an upgrade version which requires an earlier or lower version of Windows to be already present. Upgrade versions are installed from within existing Windows, not by booting from the installation media.
 

Peejay _

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Mar 24, 2014
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So I just need a clean install of windows xp? How could I do this best? Because even when I plug in an USB, or use a CD, I get the message: Failed to load operating system.
 

Brayn Smith

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Mar 31, 2014
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What is the OS version installed on your computer before you decided to reinstall? Is it the same one that you are trying to install this time? Or an upgrade version? Maybe there is a corruption on your PC. First of all, when you try to install an OS, ensure that your computer is capable for the installation especially the memory space. I would suggest that you use the original CD which is the same as the one installed on your computer before this happens. You can also see the below link for guidelines on Windows XP installation:

http://www.techyv.com/questions/unable-install-windows-xp-installation-disk-bsod-occurs