New problem, different computer.

That error message - which is from the Desktop Management Interface, durin' the POST (Power-On-Self-Test) and a total hang shortly after power-on typically means that for whatever reason, the machine is unable to boot from onboard files. It might be as simple as a dead or missin' CMOS battery. Try replacin' that, even though the MoBo is new.

Perhaps you can get around the problem by startin' the machine with the OS install disk in place, no floppy inserted, and holdin' down any key right at powerup. Its worth a shot.

It could be a BIOS issue (corrupt or missin' boot files, which at this point could be a real hassle to get around - a BIOS Flash floppy would be required, most likely), or improper BIOS configuration. You might be able to enter BIOS setup by pressin' F1, F2, ESC, or DEL at power-on, or by holdin' down any key during power-on, which typically will give a "Stuck Key" error and offer an "Enter BIOS Setup" prompt. If you can get into BIOS, set the boot order for your optical drive first, and reboot with the XP install disk in the drive. If that works, you should be OK from that point on.

It could be a genuine hardware issue (hard drive or optical drive jumpers improperly set, bad drive - hard drive, optical drive, or floppy drive, or cables, (faulty, unconnected or improperly connected cables bein' top trouble spots).

If all the BIOS and the all jumpers and cables check out, and if the drives all seem to work OK in a different machine, I'd try to see if I could reset the BIOS to boot from a a (bootable - :wink: ) floppy and proceed with the OS install from there, with the OS install disk in place in the optical drive (the floppy boot proceedure for XP involves a series of 6 disks, different sets required for Pro and Home - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994/EN-US/ , see also this article: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;305595&sd=tech )

Hope somethin' there helps - good luck. That's a real aggravatin' problem.

I figured it out on my own. I went into the BIOS and re-arranged the boot order, placing the CD ROM first, then it loaded. But, thanks for the help, and, Timber, maybe you can aid in the new problem:

Networking 2 XP Pro computers.

I go through "Set up a Home or Small Office Network" and both computers are in the same workgroup, but nothing happens. I mean nothing at all.

So, therein lies the NEWEST problem.

Seems that you did exactly what Timber suggested that you do. ;-)

LMAO, it would appear that I did. That's why Timber is my hero.

Now, if only I could get this network running.....

What is the nature of the physical connection between the 2 machines? What networkin' hardware, internal and external, is involved?

Okay, I am running both through a switch. NIC in both. Uh, CAT5 cables, of course.

Switch, not a router, huh? So there's no hardware firewall. Do you have a 3rd party firewall? Have you tried makin' a Network Wizard setup floppy on one machine and runnin' it on the other?