brand new board, processor, ram and HDD, boots ok bios seem fine, will load 98 and other software, but will not load 2000 or xp, 2 main errors, first warns unable to add new hardware called "system" or unable to load end user licence.

Hi there,

Firstly, I would check to see if your CD is scratched. This can sometimes cause annoying read errors. If that's okay, I recommend testing the RAM with memtest86. This little program can be copied to a floppy or burnt to a CD and it will thoroughly check your RAM modules for faults. Windows 98 is more forgiving if you have bad memory; Windows NT/2000/XP moans almost immediately.

It would help if you copied down the exact error messages you received, instead of your own descriptions of them. Then we'll be able to Google the error message.

Another idea might be to take your new system down to "barebones", i.e. just the case, PSU, motherboard, processor, one stick of RAM and graphics card (if separate). Then plug in the power, keyboard, mouse and monitor. Now try installing Windows 2000/XP.

As jamey points out Exact error messages would help.

Also I wonder what exactly your setup is & what you are trying to do.

Brand new system & you have 3 disks: 98, 2000, XP?

Did you try to install XP first?
Did you try 98 just because XP wouldn't work?
Is it your intention to have multiple Operating Systems?

Is XP a full version? An upgrade? Has it ever been used before?