Member Avatar for yajirobeus

:?: Ok, I was just sitting here racking my brain trying to figure out my next move when I thought I would just ask all of you. I just bought a broken Alienware 51m Notebook, but found it was still somewhat operational. So, here is my problem: I have tried countless times to install a version of windows xp pro on it with no luck. It only copies files so far and then gives a blue screen crash with different explanation each time, (IRLQ error and so fourth). So, I finally decided just to try my Vista Home Prem install disk just for the heck of it, and amazingly it installed with no error or anything. Now though with Vista I have already installed on another computer and it doesn't seem to read my Nvidia Card correctly. So, does anyone else have this problem or know how to fix this so that I can get my Legit copy of XP on this Laptop?? Any helpful comments would be greatly appreciated. :-/

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Short summary and targeted next steps based on the thread: reports that Vista will install on the Alienware 51m but Windows XP setup fails part-way through with different blue-screen errors; suggested trying a different hard disk and rightly flagged memory testing. Those clues point to two main classes of causes that are often missed on older XP installs: hardware faults (RAM, optical drive, cabling) and missing storage/chipset drivers that XP doesn't include natively.

Practical, prioritized checklist (run in order):

  • Isolate RAM first. Reseat modules, test each stick alone in each slot, and run a bootable memory tester for several hours or overnight to catch intermittent errors. Memory faults commonly produce the varied IRQL-type blue screens seen here.
  • Try a minimal hardware layout: one RAM stick, internal HDD disconnected (if external install works), and a known-good external optical or USB installer. Intermittent internal drives or cables can corrupt setup files mid-copy.
  • Check BIOS storage mode. If SATA is set to AHCI/RAID, switch to IDE/Compatibility mode if available; XP’s installer often needs native IDE mode or a mass-storage driver added. If the BIOS lacks that option, prepare an XP installer that includes the correct SATA/chipset drivers (slipstreaming Service Pack + storage drivers) before attempting setup.
  • If the internal optical is suspect (the OP already used an external drive), use a USB-based XP installer or a different DVD drive to avoid corrupt reads.
  • After a successful install, install chipset and video drivers from the laptop/vendor support page rather than generic desktop drivers; laptop BIOS updates can help but only apply them if problems persist and after backing up.

Cautions and context: back up any recoverable data before changing disks or flashing BIOS. Given the age of XP, keep driver packages and a tested install image for future use.

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Member Avatar for UrbanKhoja

Have you tried installing it onto a new hard disk?

Dazza :cool:

Member Avatar for yajirobeus

Yeah, I swapped out the 60GB HD for a 120GB and received the same results. I also just reinstalled Vista and it runs fine. WHY won't my XP load though??? Boy is this Frustrating!!

Member Avatar for willcomp

XP and Vista install differently - Vista uses an image file.

Test memory before going any further. Memtest86+ and other handy utilities are on the UBCD.
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/download.html

Member Avatar for yajirobeus

Hey, thanks will for the info. I've downloaded the file and will run further test. But, I must say that persistence has paid off. I managed to install through a external HD that I fitted a CD-Rom into. So, now I think it's either a bad internal ROM or bad RAM which I will find out soon, thanks to Will. Thanks for all you help, I knew I could count on good people.

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