My computer recently suffered a hard drive failure. While the drive was in the process of failing, Windows would blue screen, often with the "IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL" error. Since you had problems copying two different files, it could be that there's nothing wrong with the CDs; the problem could be the HDD.
I'll try to make a long story as short as possible...
My mom was having trouble with her PC, an HP running Windows XP. I don't know what led up to it, but by the time I got there it wouldn't reboot. It would just show a message "We apologize for the inconvienience but windows did not start successfully..." and then options for safe mode, last known good configuration, etc., none of which would work.
So I got her HP System Restore discs and tried to reinstall everything.
About halfway through the restore process, I got this error message;
"Problem in extracting process:
File: WINDOWS\Help\SBSI\Training\WXPPer\Content\Wave\U1L 1Fe.wav"
I clicked "ok" and then I got the blue screen...
"A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
If this is the first time you've seen this stop error screen..."
etc etc
So I called HP Tech Support and they walked me through reformating the HD, thinking that would solve the problem.
Then I tried the restore discs again and I got to about the same place in the process and then got this error message;
"Problem in extracting process:
File: WINDOWS\Help\SBSI\Training\WXPPer\Content\Lib\L16_ C.LDZ"
The computer is not under warranty, so HP isn't going to help anymore.
I have no way of *knowing* that the restore discs are good. And if it's a hardware issue, how can I narrow it down and find out what's going on so I know what to replace? Or should I just take the entire thing to a pro?
At this point I am just completely in over my head and don't know what to try next.

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