If the SATA controller is suspect, have you tried switching SATA channels for the hard drive? Is the CDROM a SATA or PATA device? Can you try a PATA hard drive temporarily? If the SATA controller turns out to be defective, you could get a SATA PCI board to use instead of the on-board item. Also, try switching the SATA cable you are using in case that is a problem. Good luck - keep us posted. Peter Shkabara ==================== [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- I tried to reinstall XP, intending to reformat when offered that option. But after copying the initial files and at the "Setup is starting Windows" stage---before any actual installation----- I got "Stop Error 0x0000007B (0xF899263c, 0xC0000034, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)". The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech support at our newest website: http://freepctech.com