Windows setup help

[imported_Neptune]

I just finished up my first build, but im stuck at setup. The computer powers on fine, everything seems to work, fans spin, leds light up, other sounds. i install windows xp mce, format the hard drive (which took about an hour) and now im back at the main screen. It says press F1 to continue, Del to enter setup. Everytime i continue, i get the windows xp loading screen, then the computer just shuts down. Everywhere i look on the internet, it just says "pop in your bootup cd and follow the on screen instructions," but its proving to be much more difficult than that. specs are :

xfx 680i lt mobo
q6600 processor
radeon x600 (upgrading later, its temporary)
2 gb corsair xms2 memory (2x1GB)
seagate barracuda 250gb hdd
ultra x-finity 600w power supply
cm690 case
windows xp media center edition

I read somewhere that you must install motherboard drivers before installing windows, but i cant seem to find a way to (have the disc, dont know how to install).

Can someone help me out, once again the computer just shuts down after displaying the windows xp loading screen.

[solofowaffles]

Hit delete and set up your bios,something might be set wrong in there.Im guessing memory.

[looqas]

You might try to reinstall the windows all over again. Boot the CD in and do the reformat and everything.

The other option is that your hw is at fault here. However it's a bit more unlikely since all PC components have standard windows drivers to make windows bootable for the first time. The nvidia/ati display drivers for example are installed after the windows is operational to make all the screen resolutions and settings available.

First open the case, make sure everything is connected firmly and then reinstall the Windows.

[imported_Neptune]

i think i found the problem. I tried reformating but it didnt work, same problem.

I went into temperatures in the menu, and found the cpu to be 99 degrees celsius.. which is scary. I have a silent 775d and i applied (a little) coat on the top of the processor, but i guess i did something wrong. The fan DOES spin, so we know its working. My guess is that the fan isnt seated properly, because the pushpins are pretty difficult to mount. Im going to open it up and see what i can do, post any suggestions if you have any please.

[signa]

99c !! I would think the cpu would shut down immediately at that temp. are you sure it wasn't 99F ?

this is the method you should be using to apply thermal paste to your intel quad cpu, even if your not using AS5: >link<

for mobo drivers, you install those after windows boots successfully to the desktop.

I would try shutting down, unplug, reset cmos jumper, remove cmos batt for a min, put batt. back in, put jumper back, boot to bios, reset bios to defaults, then try booting. of course all of that after your sure the heatsink/fan is on correctly and showing good temps in the bios.

[imported_Neptune]

99c !! I would think the cpu would shut down immediately at that temp. are you sure it wasn't 99F ?

this is the method you should be using to apply thermal paste to your intel quad cpu, even if your not using AS5: >link<

for mobo drivers, you install those after windows boots successfully to the desktop.

I would try shutting down, unplug, reset cmos jumper, remove cmos batt for a min, put batt. back in, put jumper back, boot to bios, reset bios to defaults, then try booting. of course all of that after your sure the heatsink/fan is on correctly and showing good temps in the bios.

yes it was definetly 99c, because i remmeber seeing 207f too.

I did follow a similar guide to that one. The point is the computer works now, it booted up because i reseated the heat sink and reapplied thermal compound after removing it with rubbing alcohol.

Im having trouble getting connected to the internet. I have a blank desktop with a recycle bin, which is what i expected, but i cant seem to get connected. I am using regular rj-45 ethernet cables, not wireless. Also, can i check the cpu temp with an nvidia program? (i installed the motherboard drivers and audio drivers).

I think im missing service pack 2, because during the setup it asked for it, but it never came with my oem windows mce package. It came with 2 setup discs, plus another one for updates, but neither of them worked. Is there another way i can get sp2 on it? I have a usb drive, if that helps i can transfer it from this computer to the new one.

[Warhawk]

install your lan drivers for your motherboard.

[solofowaffles]

i think i found the problem. I tried reformating but it didnt work, same problem.

I went into temperatures in the menu, and found the cpu to be 99 degrees celsius.. which is scary. I have a silent 775d and i applied (a little) coat on the top of the processor, but i guess i did something wrong. The fan DOES spin, so we know its working. My guess is that the fan isnt seated properly, because the pushpins are pretty difficult to mount. Im going to open it up and see what i can do, post any suggestions if you have any please.

holy crap 99 degress Celsius!I know the paste has a burn in time but it should not be that high.Your cpu is probably shutting down because of these high temps.

[imported_Neptune]

This is getting annoying, it tells me i have "windows xp professional" installed in dxdiag I tried to install all sorts of drivers for the video card and everything, but everything gets an error. Im left with a useless desktop that does nothing, with a windows xp professional interface for some reason. The disc clearly says "windows xp media center edition", am i missing something?

A popup keeps telling me i have 30 days to activate. I read a microsoft guide that says "go to start>all programs>accessories>system tools>windows update, but "windows update" is not there. Anyone ever encounter something remotely close to this? Is this normal and am I suppose to do something that i should already know?