[Cassidy]

I have been trying to follow the guide for creating a dual-boot system installing XP SP2, but I've had a problem.

I followed the guide through to the point where I supposed to install XP; I boot from CD/DVD drive, and XP begins to go through its set-up process. After it initially loads a few drivers, it's about to start the install proper, but I get the BSOD with the following error code:

0x0000007B

After searching this site and googling, I've found many different suggestions, all of which lead to dead ends. My HD is on the XP HCL, so I shouldn't be needing to hit F6 during install. I have read about switching the Disk drives from AHCI to IDE mode in BIOS prior to installing XP, but also read that this did not solve the problem. Is anyone able to help?

[yeshuas]

What kind of XP disk is it, one you burned, or retail?

If it is burned, how did you burn it, i.e. at what speed was it burned at.

[Cassidy]

It's a retail OEM version I just bought. All legit and proper, gov'nor.

[yeshuas]

Wasn't implying it wasn't legit, I have a technet subscription and burn my legit downloads off of ISO's

I have run into issues when the ISO is burned at speeds above 4X sometimes, and trying to take that out of the equation

[yeshuas]

Is this a desktop or notebook computer?

If it is a desktop, how old is the CD\DVD drive and do you have another one that you could try temporarily?

[Cassidy]

The machine is virtually brand new. It's a Packard Bell desktop. Specs are:

Quadcore Q6600
500gb Seagate
3gb Ram
Optiarc DVD RW

[yeshuas]

You may have to create the disk for the SAT-A Raid driver even though it is suppose to be on the XP install disk, maybe there is something corrupt, or it just doesn't like the one on the install CD, and then hit the F6 six when it ask.

[Cassidy]

Perhaps. I'll have to give it a try.

As a brief and positive aside, the reason I wanted to dual boot was, like many, to use programs running on XP (specifically recording software and plug-ins). But due to the frustration of trying to carry out this and get my XP machine up and running, I tried installing the apps and hardware I use on the XP machine on the new Vista one, and used the Compatibility mode option for SP2. Fingers crossed, it all seems to be going ok. Soundcard has installed, DAW and plug-ins are working. So I shoved more ram in. I've now got 4gb.
The only thing is my graphics card won't install:
PNY 8500GT. Drivers on disc won't install, downloaded drivers won't install. And this is the one component that states it is Vista ready :-/

[NT50]

You can get the drivers for that card at

www.nvidia.com

[Cassidy]

Thanks, but I've exhausted their site and PNY's (which mostly points to nVidia's, anyhow). I've downloaded every driver pack that related to the GeForce 8 series. The install programs quit straight after unpacking, displaying one of two messages; I'm told either no compatible hardware was detected or I'm not using Vista. *sigh*