Endless loop

You should run the Win XP Compatibility Check first, and see if there are
any hardware issues with this particular machine. The computer should be a
P-III or better, with 256 MB of RAM or more, and a hard disk of 10 GB or
more to store the operating system, your applications, and a modicum of
data.
Are you using your original CDs that came with the machine? This will
normally create a mirror of the hard disk in the same state as when the
computer shipped, and it also wipes out all your data, so remember to do a
backup. If you upgraded, then do a backup as well, and boot from the Win XP
CD.
There is insufficient information in your posting to do more than suggest
what I have at this point. Can you re-post with some additional information
on what you are doing, and what the machine's specs are and what OS it
shipped with?
--
Bob Delaney
Microsoft Desktop Systems MVP
"Looping" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:075301c39cf0$1294eda0$a101280a@phx.gbl...

> I am trying to reinstall XP on a Compaq Laptop and the
> installation bombs out during the file copy stage. Every
> time it reboots it goes back to the installation and
> gives the same error. Is there anyway to break out of
> this installation? I only have a cd, no floppy.
>
> Thanks