Hard drive problem

[ctrl_alt_del]

It seems nothing ever goes smooth when I work on a computer.

Okay I just did a clean install of windows xp pro on for my friend on my computer when I put the hard drive back into his computer and it gets to a screen where it gives you options of starting in safe mode, safe mode with command prompt, last good config., or start windows normally, I tried all the options and I get a grey line at the bottom that shows it's thinking and then if just freezes. When I put the hard drive back in my computer or my other computer it starts no problem. I changed the ram, tried with one ram stick, changed the ide cables, reset the mother board, I just don't know what else to do??

Thanks again for all you help

[Lesley]

You installed windows on your computer and then put the hard drive in your friend's computer if I read your post correctly? If that's the case then that's the problem. When you install windows it installs a lot of "stuff" for the motherboard. Drivers for all the motherboard components etc. Unless you and your friend have the same or a very similar motherboard then it's not going to work. A repair install MIGHT fix it but you're better off to format and do a clean install on his machine.

You've had a few problems lately and believe me everyone does but it might be to your benefit to post what you're going to work on in here before you do it if it's something you've never tackled before. Learning by experience is a great way to hone your skills but when you're working on someone else's system for them, even as a favour, you owe it to them to be as well prepared as possible. I learned the same way, trial and error with lots of errors along the way, but I did all of my learning on my own system until I was 100% comfortable with what I was doing. It sucks to hurt your own system but it really really sucks to damage someone else's and have to put the money out to replace parts or the time to do something over because you got it wrong the first time.

[BeoWulf]

The Harddrive Contains Loaded Files for your Chipset.... One of the following are tru for the XP installation is incompatable with your friens computer and its handing on Mup.sys...
Your Chipset Differs from his
Your Bios differs from his
Motherboard Controller drivers are incompatable with his

For his computer to get a full operational XP you need to install XP with HIS system and his motherboard so windows detects and installs the correct drivers

Sorry there is no other way around I found this out the hardway trying to do the same thing with all my networking systems

[ctrl_alt_del]

I thought it was that. The thing is that I tried doing a clean install on his computer but when I get to 10 mins left of window xp install the screen would just go screwy and the install stops, I tried another hard drive and the samething happened