failed win xp install.

Question

Resolved Question

failed win xp install.

by padyboy Apr 3, 2013 9:32AM PDT

I have a refurbished dimension 5150 desktop, win xp home edition, 3.0gHz, 1GB Ram, 160 GB HD.

I wiped the HD with dban as recommended. I reinstalled os using the disk "Microsoft XP Home Edition for Ultra Low Cost PCs SP3". Install was successful.

However, I mistakenly installed drivers in incorrect order, before I had obtained all of them. Therefore wiped drive again. This time, install from same cd gave the error message" Insert sp3 cd rom in drive."

Since this is a "clean install", why am I getting this message this time? It states "File 'asms' on sp3 cd is needed.

I do not have this cd presently. Can I burn it from the file I have on my flash drive? This contains all the recommended upgrades from the Dell website, except sp3 which was obtained from Microsoft.

I think I am close to getting this old desktop in working order, until this.

I could not locate any posts regarding this difficulty on this website, although I did not go through 2300+ posts.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Discussion is locked

padyboy has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

1 - 30 of 39 Posts

- Collapse + Expand Details

Prev 1 2 Next

Best Answer

- Collapse -

nic

by padyboy Apr 7, 2013 4:46AM PDT

Network interface controller is integrated into mob.
How can I replace this without new mob?

- Collapse -

A Couple Different Ways..

by Grif Thomas Forum moderator Apr 7, 2013 5:39AM PDT

As long as there is a free PCI slot, you can plug in a new one, using the software per the manual, then disable the old one in Device Manager..

Or, if you need to, there are USB ethernet adapters that work as well, although I prefer the PCI slot card type.. And example is at the link below:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Linksys-USB-Ethernet-Adapter/12321722

Hope this helps.

Grif

- Collapse -

pci

by padyboy Apr 8, 2013 4:37AM PDT

I would prefer PCI slot card as well.
Where should I look? What features should I look for? Is higher price mean required quality?

Have never purchased this before.

- Collapse -

Depends On What You Need...

by Grif Thomas Forum moderator Apr 8, 2013 8:29AM PDT

But for the basic refurbished computer you've got, a basic Gigabit 10/100/100 ethernet card works fine for most.. The link below is just an example:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/CNet+-+Gigabit+PCI+Adapter/5399003.p;jsessionid=0D74A98E538B24FAC093DE27A54BB465.bbolsp-app03-156?id=1218639260619&skuId=5399003

Hope this helps.

Grif

- Collapse -

wireless

by padyboy Apr 8, 2013 9:39AM PDT

I am using an Apple Router and thus need a wireless internet card.

- Collapse -

A Google Search Finds One Quickly

by Grif Thomas Forum moderator Apr 9, 2013 9:14AM PDT

Just a couple of examples:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?MfrId=0&CatId=2697

http://www.dlink.com/us/en/home-solutions/connect/adapters/dwl-g520-802-11g-wireless-lan-pci-card

USB wireless adapters are just as easy to find using a search engine.

Hope this helps.

Grif

- Collapse -

not

by padyboy Apr 10, 2013 10:17AM PDT

I require 802.11n protocol.
It appears that the integrated NIC is shot. Have tried drivers from several different sources, to no avail.
Have contacted 10 diferent forums, to no avail.
Have found internet ordering is dubious at best.
Can get wireless card locally for $29 or $33.
This will be my last gasp, before junking this computer.
One website suggested I purchase another used Dell Dimension 5150 desktop computer.

Not practical. Perhaps expected refurbishment of this obsolete computer was impractical to begin with.
I appreciate your input, and those of all others on CNET.

- Collapse -

802.11g Works on "n" Networks

by Grif Thomas Forum moderator Apr 10, 2013 10:42AM PDT

It's not clear why you actually need an "n" protocol card, but the connection should still work fine just not as far or as fast.. On the other hand, finding an "n" adapter for a PCI slot isn't impossible and the same goes for a USB wireless adapter which should work as well. Many of us here order and receive many items from reputable suppliers on the internet. It's your choice whether you choose to do so, or not.

If you choose to purchase it locally, great, but it should still be "do-able".

Take card and hope this helps.

Grif

- Collapse -

solved

by padyboy Apr 12, 2013 4:15AM PDT

To all those who have gratuitously assisted with my Intel integrated network interface controller problem:

I have bitten the bullet and installed a NIC card from Trendnet. I am not promoting this product. Only that it solved my problem at a reasonable price. Someone previously suggested this step. I have finally taken it.

I was confused by "device was working properly', although "software has not been installed". I have finally realized the difference. This Dell Dimension 5150 was designated as my "learning" computer; I have certainly learned much from this experience, mostly due to your input. I hope to continue my learning process.

Internet connection works well now.

Even the floppy drive is functional, as well as the 10GB HD from my first ever computer.

Grats again to all who assisted.

- Collapse -

Answer

That's a well known error.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 3, 2013 9:34AM PDT

It's been traced to a bad burned CD to an over heated CPU. The P4 3GHz was one hot CPU.

Did you try replacing the heatsink compound and leaving the cover off?
Bob

- Collapse -

PS. No to the USB question.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 3, 2013 9:47AM PDT

No need to duplicate that answer. Many have tried.

- Collapse -

Answer

It sounds like you don't have a legal copy of XP

by wpgwpg Apr 3, 2013 9:41AM PDT

There's no such thing as
Microsoft XP Home Edition for Ultra Low Cost PCs SP3. So it sounds like you have an illegal copy of XP. If that's the case, I'm afraid you're on your own unless you get a legal copy. Also if you installed it once with your CD, then you say you don't have the CD, I'm afraid I don't understand that either.

- Collapse -

Actually it was a legit CD

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 3, 2013 9:52AM PDT

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/features/2008/apr08/04-03xpeos.aspx and many other places.

The error is very well known and the ugly part is that I find folk losing all their remaining hair trying anything other than the known cures. Some try the USB, some find other CDs (great way to make it worse) and some want to avoid the usual issues of media, drives and doing the heatsink work.

Someday I'll understand why folk do that.
Bob

- Collapse -

If you find out Bob, maybe you can find out...

by wpgwpg Apr 3, 2013 10:00AM PDT

...why so many people fail to back up their data while you're at it. If you do, let me know!
When MS pulls the plug on XP in another 8 months, you know there'll be some REAL moaning & groaning.

- Collapse -

The plug is already out.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 3, 2013 10:03AM PDT

But there is no sign that activation and the update servers are going down.
Bob

- Collapse -

reply

by padyboy Apr 7, 2013 4:10AM PDT

I backed up my data from 5150 to cd previous to anything.

- Collapse -

reply

by padyboy Apr 8, 2013 4:41AM PDT

I am afraid I know nothing of 'heat sink work'.
Also, only the network connection is malfunctioning.

- Collapse -

The error above has been traced to a few causes.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 8, 2013 4:44AM PDT

As noted. And if the File ASMs issue occured during/after install I know of no quick fix other than to start over after I corrected the heat, CD or CD drive issues.

- Collapse -

os disk

by padyboy Apr 7, 2013 4:06AM PDT

I purchased this dell 5150 several years ago. I have two os disks. I must have received one with the computer, then ordered one online. Were they both pirated?
Would the dell os disk state 'dell' on the label? Precisely what disk title should I be seeking?
I have the key code from the top of the computer case; can I not obtain a copy of the os using this? Where do I get a legal copy, and how can I be sure it is legal? Is MS the only reliable source?

Thanx.

- Collapse -

Re: disk

by Kees_B Forum moderator Apr 7, 2013 4:22AM PDT

Now you're talking about a Dell disk for the first time. That's another one than you mentioned in your first post, I think. Does that fail also? With what error message?

Kees

- Collapse -

disks

by padyboy Apr 7, 2013 4:44AM PDT

Both disks appear identical, with same label and part numbers.

All seems normal on this pc except for ? in device manager for 802.11 LAN adapter and Multimedia Video Controller. Drivers were downloaded/installed for both of these, in proper order. No other problems in device manager.

There was no indication of error with os install.

However network connections does not show wireless connection, only LAN. Expected if software is missing?
All other drivers installed without difficulty.

I should also mention that network connection was functional before clean os install.

- Collapse -

Re: no wireless connection on Dell

by Kees_B Forum moderator Apr 7, 2013 4:47AM PDT

It could be the wireless switch (a physical switch somewhere on the laptop) is set to off. And it could be that you forgot to install the Dell program that activates wireless if you press the right function key (like Fn+f. And it could be that you installed that program, but didn't run it by pressing that function key.

Kees

- Collapse -

please elaborate

by padyboy Apr 8, 2013 4:33AM PDT

-My dell 5150 is a desktop
-There is no wireless switch
-"And it could be that you forgot to install the Dell program that
activates wireless if you press the right function key (like Fn+f. And
it could be that you installed that program, but didn't run it by
pressing that function key."

I have installed NIC driver files from different sources. To which program do you refer, specifically?

- Collapse -

Dell's app I continue to bump into is called...

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 8, 2013 4:37AM PDT

Dell QuickSet.

That's no driver. It's an app that does, well, Dell tells what it does.

I like your journey and comments so far. It's been over a decade of Windows XP yet folk continue to find out how frustrating XP can be.

What do you think? Is it time to draw the curtains on this system?
Bob

- Collapse -

$$

by padyboy Apr 8, 2013 6:18AM PDT

I cannot afford to draw the curtains, unless this 'refurbishment' is, in fact, impossible.

Perhaps I should just junk this computer and give up.

- Collapse -

Or

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 8, 2013 7:17AM PDT

Try to create an install plan and clean the heatsinks, drives and put on fresh compound. That's no cost for you to make a new install plan and 1 to 2 bucks of compound.

- Collapse -

how?

by padyboy Apr 8, 2013 9:42AM PDT

I still have no knowledge of how to accomplish this.

- Collapse -

Which is why my friends make good money from XP!

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 8, 2013 10:13AM PDT

I no longer run a service shop but my buddies in that business tell me they get from 50 to 120 bucks for such a plan.
Bob

- Collapse -

not me

by padyboy Apr 15, 2013 3:56AM PDT

I am retired; thus little $ to spend and too much time on my hands.
I cannot afford to upgrade.
Thus I am fooling with this obsolete dell computer, perhaps in vain.

Back to Windows Legacy OS forum

Prev 1 2 Next

Grif Thomas · Accepted Answer · Apr 6, 2013 10:14AM PDT

- Collapse -

In Regards To Your Other Post

by Grif Thomas Forum moderator Apr 6, 2013 10:14AM PDT

...at the link below:

http://forums.cnet.com/7723-6142_102-590312/xp-connection-problem/?messageId=5445518&tag=msg5445506;answerQuestionPopup#message5445518

It appears like you may have some of the driver issues sorted out but because it's a reburbished computer, the internet connection is now not working.. As such, here we solve such issues by simply swapping in a new ethernet card and its drivers(NIC).. Disable the old, enable the new and you're up and running.

Hope this helps.

Grif

failed win xp install.

Best Answer

CNET Forums

Other Forums

Forum Info