Gateway Parts

My computer hangs during Windows XP setup... help!?

I have a Gateway laptop (bought last year) that I managed to procure an unsavory amount of spyware on, so yesterday, I decided to format the drive and just try again. At first, I chose the option "Format with backup" to re-install the computer's factory settings, but when it got to the part that it installs drivers for things like your keyboard and mouse, the progress bar went about halfway up and then froze. I also lost the ability to move the mouse pointer. Thinking that what I had done was not enough, I decided to try the format option, "Format (Destructive)" to wipe out *everything*. The exact same thing happened when I tried to Format (Destructive). Does anyone have any idea why this is happening, or what I can do to fix it? My harddrive has been wiped, and I cannot access Windows or the DOS prompt. Also, although the computer instructed me on how to make Recovery Disks when I first bought it, but at no point during the Recovery process am I promped to insert the disks

Public Comments

1. This could be caused by a long list of things. If your computer is freezing, more than likely it is harware related. Wihtout proper diagnosis and unless you are pretty "educated" in computer troubleshooting, you may be spinning your wheels. Computers are like cars. Unless you have a mechanic's level of skills, you really should not be working on one. Take it to your nearest computer shop.
2. its easy, open ure softeare, and take the virus out,
3. It happened to me too, I can start installing xp but during Copying New Files For Windows Installation, my computer hangs, at first i thought there i something wrong with my hardrive, but there was not. I was able to install windows 2000. But I was not contented with win 2000 so i reformat again and try to reinstall xp. This time i brought a NEW Intaller CD. Then it worked, thats when i found out that my old XP cd was corrupted, it has minor scratch actually.. Boot from your xp cd to start installation. I suggest you format completely so u wont have traces of corrupted previous xp installation.
4. First off by wiping your hard drive you've deleted the partition where Gateway stores it's restore files .Now you're stuck having to get a copy of Windows XP to re-install it .I have a Gateway also and it happened to me also .You can check this gateway forum and try to find a solution .Good Luck
5. You probably have some devices it doe sent like eg.graphics's card etc. Go and have another look at your install ,I had some problems in a gateway PC and resolved it eventually my setup was stopped 9 times.Best advice go Microsoft.com and gateway and any other hardware installed on your computer site.Also make sure your Bios settings are set right,for this go gateway! Fdisk and format again and try. Take care