Fresh Install Error: File acpi.sys caused an unexpected er..

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

seth wrote:
> Here is the full error message:
>
> file acpi.sys caused an unexpected error (256) at line 5897 in
> D:\xpsp1\base\boot\setup\setup.c.
>
> I am doing a fresh install on and p3 10 gig 128mb ram pc.
>
> Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks
> Seth

When you say "fresh install", I am assuming you mean a clean install
whereby you first deleted the partition, formatted the partition, and
then started the Windows installation. With that assumption in mind,
usually errors in installing a Windows operating system are caused by
failing or marginal hardware. I would test the RAM or simply try a
different stick. BTW, 128MB isn't enough to run XP well. You want at
least 256MB of RAM. Because your hardware is older, there is a good
possibility that some or all of it is failing/marginal.

I would test the RAM first and then also the hard drive. Here are some
general instructions how to do that:

1) Test the RAM - I like Memtest86+ from www.memtest.org. Obviously, you
have to get the program from a working machine. You will either download
the precompiled Windows binary to make a bootable floppy or the .iso to
make a bootable cd. If you want to use the latter, you'll need to have
third-party burning software on the machine where you download the file
- XP's built-in burning capability won't do the job. In either case,
boot with the media you made. The test will run immediately. Let the
test run for an extended period of time - unless errors are seen
immediately. If you get any errors, replace the RAM.

2) Test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility from the mftr. Usually
you will download the file and make a bootable floppy with it. Boot with
the media and do a thorough test. If the drive has physical errors,
replace it.

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"