As the topic says everytime i try and install windows xp in a completely brand new pc with nothing on the harddrive it just turns off. The part where it says it recognizing the hardware. The PC goes VERY loud then turns off. Ive only got 1 fan which is the one for the processor. Do i need another? anyone have any idea why it does this?

when u say brand new, did u buy it or build it?

ye i built it myself

If u have 2 stick of ram, try it with 1.

If you have an old spare HD, try that instead.

Then you'll at least have eliminated 2 possible issues.

whats the spec? did it boot ok? does it make any sounds before crashing?

As mani said, try it with 1 stick of ram to start with,

Just in case, if its a stock cooler have you removed the transparent cover that covers the thermal compound?... or if not stock, do you have a nice thin layer of thermal paste under the cooler? (but fully covering the die)

Also, does the screen go blue (BSOD) before it turns off or does it go straight off? that would probably help determine a hardware fault or temperature issue.

Try striping it down to a bare system

mobo
cpu
ram
HDD
gfxcard
cd drive

and only conect the wires you need, if it crashes when you get to hw detect, chances are there are some conflits or something not connected right

hey guys, thnx for the response. Ive tried switching ram from my other pc and also my HDD. Its really weird because the other HDD i had put in already had windows installed on it so it went straight through to windows i was on for a few mins till it switched off again :S I dont think its from the ram or HDD. Any other suggestions?

Quote: Toma
Just in case, if its a stock cooler have you removed the transparent cover that covers the thermal compound?... or if not stock, do you have a nice thin layer of thermal paste under the cooler? (but fully covering the die)

Have you checked your cpu?

tbh i reckon its your psu, or something shafted making your pc just turn itself off before it frys itself. Could be your cpu not seated properly, if u go into your bios what sort of temps are you getting mate ?
Also have you tried another psu, or checked all the connections ?
Try taking out anything you dont need when u install windows, i.e your soundcard lan card etc.

Thnx for all the help guys. Ive fixed it and guess what lol; it was the lame ass mobo it had a temperture set if it reaches it, it would turn off. So ive turned that shit off and got a huge as fan on it till i can go buy one (L)

er what was the temp set at, cos generally speaking they dont set themselves as really low temps, i still say u aint got the cpu seated properly or not the right amount of thermal paste. What temps are u getting ?

lol, yeah they swithc off for a reason don't b trying to run ur pc @100deg, won' last u too long

what they said

lol hobgob

well i could have said the same thing over again but that woulda been pointless