I don't know what was causing your issue, but I can tell you your
conclusion isn't correct, have done a few clean installs on brand new SATA
drives, formatting them during the Vista setup process, with no problems.
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"jtb162psu" <> wrote in message
news:99374274-CCD3-4A6B-A35E-...
> Built a new computer for my wife's use: Celeron D (3.3 GHz), 1 GB DDR400
> RAM, Samsung SATA DVD, 250 GB WD SATA HDD. Windows Vista Home Basic OEM
> DVD.
>
> Entered CMOS setup to use the 'CDROM' as the first boot device. Inserted
> OEM DVD and rebooted. Windows message appears indicating that files are
> being opened. After several minutes message appears that a file is
> missing
> or corrupt on a path that includes WIndows32 sub-directory. Select the
> option reached by hitting Enter key and am able to tab to inspect memory.
> Immediately receive message that there are problems with memory.
>
> Turn off machine and sleep on it.
>
> Next day, insert Windows XP install disk and everything progresses
> successfully. SATA HDD gets formatted while I walk away for dinner.
> Return
> and install is asking for validation code. I remove XP install CD from
> drive, replace it with the Vista OEM DVD, and reboot. Install procedes to
> successful completion.
>
> Moral: SATA HDD must be formatted before attempting a clean install of
> Vista, apparently.