\i386\ntknlmp.exe could not load. Error code is 7 (during install)

[poobah]

I am at my wits end. I have here a Compaq computer with a freshly wiped
hard drive, one partition, FAT32 (because I can't figure out how to get
NTFS). Referring to your very clear screenshots of the XP installation, I never
reach screen 2. The system hangs with the dreaded message
"file \i386\ntknlmp.exe could not be loaded, Error code is 7".
This error is all over the internet but none of the suggestions have
worked. Memory has been checked. I have gone so far as booting XP from the floppy
drive. This also fails on Win2K install disk. Any help you can give will
be appreciated.

[MARX91]

Look and see if your xp disk is dirty or scratched

[poobah]

Answer to suggestion: Since doing the original post I have had the identical problem with (2) XP install disks and (1) Windows 2000 disk. I also got my hard drive reformatted as NTFS thinking that might be the answer, to no avail. I also borrowed a copy of NT which acts totally different but hangs about 2 minutes into the install. BTW windows 98SE won't install either.

[MARX91]

If that were my computer, i'd try another cd rom drive and if the problem still happens i'd try a different hard drive.. just to rule those out

[Black Viper]

If that were my computer, i'd try another cd rom drive and if the problem still happens i'd try a different hard drive.. just to rule those out

I agree on the CD/DVD drive part. Check that, the cable, or even try a different port connection on the motherboard for said CD/DVD drive.

[poobah]

Thanks to those who took the time to read about the problem even if they could not help. A known good CDROM was plugged in; no difference. This unit was sold with an XP sticker on it. Does this mean that it's too new to load WIN98 onto for hardware reasons ?? Also are there CPU diagnostics available that run in DOS mode ??

[VampireMuffinMan]

My next step would be to boot Linux from a CD.  If it boots up and runs fine, then I'd assume that the hard drive is the issue.  Have you run chkdsk?  I'd probably also clear the CMOS and see if flashing the BIOS may help.

[Black Viper]

I am at my wits end. I have here a Compaq computer with a freshly wiped
hard drive, one partition, FAT32 (because I can't figure out how to get
NTFS).

OK, I just reread this...
First off, you should not be using FAT32... assuming drive size, etc... which could be the issue. How did you format this drive?
Second, you format the drive using NTFS starting at step 1.4.

[gUiTaR_mIkE]

I'll try and add to the confusion. I'm listing things you may have already tried - ignore as you see fit.

...Restore your BIOS to defaults.

...I would start with the memory modules.
Are they matched (not mixed) speed, size, brand
If you have a min. 512MB ea. stick - test 1 at a time (proprely located if slots differ)
If you have access I would test other memory modules

...A Live CD (Linux maybe) or UBCD  may help - see if it will load on your system.
If it loads you may rule out CD/DVD drive and cables???
UBCD should have a tool or 2 for CPU diagnostics

...Install an OS from another machine onto your drive.
If it installs you may rule out hard drive???
You can test the drive from this machine while your at it to rule out failure

...I don't think all the OS discs are bad - you could rule them out.

...Also, some details about your system might be helpful.
Mobo, BIOS, CPU, RAM, Hard Disk, etc - the sound card doesn't matter - just vital statistics