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Question

Downgrading from Vista to XP, asms files needed. What next?

Aug 28, 2012 5:27AM PDT

Working on a Gateway T 1629, partition portion finished (1 partition), then says it needs asms files and to insert XP sp3, which is already in. It's set to boot from cd, but it won't start over the installation. how can I just start from scratch? Is there a way to install the needed files?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re:asms file
Aug 28, 2012 5:31AM PDT

Seems to be a bad cd or a bad drive. Replace both, erase the drive with DBAN (free download) and try again.

Kees

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cd drive
Aug 28, 2012 6:23AM PDT

I have another cd drive, it is a usb one. How can I make it boot from that drive? There is no usb option in boot sequence.

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Link shows replacing the internal drive.
Aug 28, 2012 6:35AM PDT
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comp keeps shutting down
Aug 28, 2012 9:17AM PDT

Well, I got the cd drive to work with a little cleaning, (thanks for the info), now it says press any key to boot from cd, reformatted hard drive, copied all files, reboot, showing Win XP startup, then either reboots again or shuts down. Is something not set up right in BIOS?

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There are a few common causes.
Aug 28, 2012 9:22AM PDT

1. The machine has not been maintained. If the owner does not know what canned air is, you schedule the machine for a deep cleaning.

2. The machine is not compatible with XP. Most modern PCs use SATA hard drives which XP does not natively support. There are over a million posts about that so I'll stop here.

Too bad Gateway did not document the BIOS screens as there is usually a SATA/ATA setting we can try but it appears you have to take screen pictures if you want more help. Use Photobucket.com or similar to share.
Bob

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Answer
The most common reason for the ASMS message I know of
Aug 28, 2012 5:32AM PDT

Is a dirty old CD or old drive. This file is not missing but is a sign there are issues with the host PC.

To start from scratch is supported. At about step 5 (link in a bit) you simply delete the old partition and start fresh.

-> http://www.blackviper.com/os-install-guides/windows-xp-home-install-guide/

But your question does raise some concern. If you can't figure out this step, I fear you may want to get the PC maker to supply a step by step for the drivers and more. Here's an example install.
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7587_102-2699006.html

With 10 drivers to find and hidden on a secret (?) FTP site, how would an everyday owner get this done?
Bob