"Stop error code 0x0000008e" or "Stop error code 0x00000050 (PAGE_FAULT_IN_NON_PAGED_AREA)" error message during Windows XP setup

Symptoms

When you install Microsoft Windows XP, you may receive a Stop Error message that is similar to one of the following while the Setup program is running:

Additionally, if you troubleshoot by removing all unnecessary hardware devices that are installed on the computer, and then you run the Setup program, you may receive an error message that is similar to the following:

Cause

This behavior may occur if one of the following conditions is true:

• One or more of the random access memory (RAM) modules that are installed on your computer are faulty.

• The RAM configuration is incompatible with Windows XP.

Resolution

To troubleshoot this behavior, follow these steps:

1. Remove some of the memory modules that are installed on the computer. Leave at least the RAM that is required for the computer to start and run Windows XP.
   
   The recommended RAM to run Windows XP is 128 megabytes (MB). The minimum is 64 MB, and the maximum is 4 gigabytes.
   
   For example, if two 256-MB memory modules are installed on your computer, remove one of the memory modules.

2. Restart your computer, and then run the Setup program:

   1. Insert the Windows XP Setup CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive, start the computer, and then click OK to select the first option screen to install a copy of Windows XP.
      
      

   2. Click Accept, and then follow the instructions on the screen to complete the Windows XP installation.

3. If you again receive the error message that is mentioned in the "Symptoms" section, go to step 4.

4. Remove a different memory module, or install the RAM in a different memory slot.

5. Restart your computer, and then rerun Setup.
   
   You may have to restart your computer several times to identify the specific memory modules that are not working correctly.

More Information

For information about how to add and remove RAM, contact the manufacturer of your computer or see the documentation that is included with your computer.

For additional information about the Windows XP Setup program, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

306824 Release Notes for Windows XP Setup contained in the Home.txt file

286463 Release notes for Windows XP Setup contained in the Pro.txt file

286647 Windows XP Read1st.txt file contents

For information about how to contact your hardware vendor, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/vendorsMicrosoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.