Troubleshooting Failed Installations
Windows 2000 Professional should install on most new computers without too much difficulty. However, there are some common reasons it may not install properly. The following is a list of typical installation problems:
Media errors
These are problems you encounter with the distribution CD-ROM. You should make sure the problem exists with the media itself, not with access to the media. If you place the Windows 2000 Professional CD-ROM in a shared drive for installation, too many people could be using the drive at one time. This could generate some errors. However, if only one person is connected to the shared drive and errors persist, you should get a replacement for the distribution CD-ROM. In addition, you should always restart failed installations that are due to media errors.
Incompatible CD-ROM drive
There are many specifications for CD-ROM drives. You can install Windows 2000 from most drives, but there are some exceptions. If the CD-ROM drive is not compliant, you need to replace it or place the distribution files on the network. Also, as mentioned earlier in this chapter, the Windows 2000 CD-ROM is bootable and can be installed from El-Toritocompatible drives. If the CD-ROM can't boot, you need to ensure that the drive is compliant and that the boot order in the BIOS has been set to the CD-ROM drive. Also, the controller card for the CD-ROM drive could be failing, or the drive itself could be failing.
Installation halts or errors
If a Stop error occurs during the installation, it is typically the result of incorrect or incompatible drivers. You need to obtain the correct and current drivers and restart the installation process. Also, the installation may stop just after the copy or text phase due to a warning that the master boot record has a virus. This warning typically results when the BIOS has enabled the virus warning option. You should turn off this option and restart the installation. As a final measure, you need to ensure that all devices are on the HCL.
Lack of drive space
Windows 2000 needs much more free space than its predecessors. You should ensure that at least 650MB of free space is available.
Dependency failures
For the installation to be completed successfully, all services must be able to start when needed. Some services depend on others in order to complete tasks. For example, if the drivers for the network adapter cannot load, that affects all services that depend on the network adapter's successful installation. As a result, the computer can't be join the domain.
Problems joining the domain
If the network adapter has initialized but the computer still can't join the domain, you should verify that the DNS server is online and that you are using the correct IP address of the DNS. You also need to verify that you typed the domain name correctly. If problems persist, you should install the computer to a workgroup to complete the installation.