Bad RAM often causes that symptom.
http://www.memtest.org/
Run it for four or five hours at least. If the RAM passes here's some tips
for upgrading. 5, 6, 7, and 9 could be the cause of the problem.
1) Backup your PC.
2) Back it up again.
3) Test your backups.
If you skip the above steps please don't whine that the upgrade trashed all
your files. Any process that involves this many changes to the file system
is fraught with danger. If you don't have a full backup of your pc before
starting the upgrade you are an idiot and shouldn't really have a pc to
start with :-) This may sound harsh but it is reality.
4) Run the latest version of the Upgrade Advisor and note anything it flags.
5) Uninstall (not disable) all antivirus, antispyware, firewall, disk
utility, and system utility programs even if the upgrade advisor doesn't
mention them. You will need to install Vista compatible versions after the
upgrade is finished.
6) Uninstall (not disable) all programs that the upgrade advisor flags as
possible problems. You will need to install Vista compatible versions after
the upgrade is finished.
7) If possible remove all hardware that the upgrade advisor flags as
incompatible.
8) Make sure you have Vista compatible drivers and software for all your
hardware devices burned to CD. Don't just look for drivers that the upgrade
advisor mentioned. If possible have drivers ready for everything.
9) Physically unplug any external devices like portable hard drives,
printers, card readers, flash drives, cameras, etc..
10) Run a chkdsk on all the partitions on all hard drives still connected.
11) Defrag the system and boot partitions.
12) Start the Vista upgrade process.
--
Kerry Brown
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User
http://www.vistahelp.ca
"Mike" <Mike@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:00632350-D3BD-45FB-A905-11E9043AC3A5@microsoft.com...
> The following error message occurs while trying to upgrade from xp to
> Vista.
> I have tried (3) different DVD drives all with the same result. The Vista
> DVD is brand new, no issue with it. No issues on my computer, just the
> simply fact that Mircrosoft software won't install 
.
>
> Windows cannot copy files required for installation. The files may be
> corrupt or missing. Make sure all files required for installation are
> available, and restart the installation.
Linear Mode
