Windows XP installation question

Installation seems to sit FOREVER at 12% while copying "dxapi.sys" is this normal? How do I stop the installation if it never advances?

edit: that file passed but then it froze up at 72% saying that it could not copy a different file, a massive headache then insued as i tried to get my macbook to start up in OS X again. I FREAKING HATE WINDOWS. I was so worried that i screwed up OS X.

I don't know what the problem is I am following the instructions to the letter (apple provided PDF)

I need windows for some autodesk applications, has anyone had any similar issues? Any help is appreciated, and i've found nothing that helps ME by using the search

Is your CD scratched or dirty? I've had that problem before. If it doesnt appear to be scratched or dirty try washing it. The other possibility could be a bad installation CD. Have you tried to install anything else from CD/DVD?

I agree, it sounds like there is a scratch or dirt or a smudge on your Windows XP Install media.

Also is this a Full Install of XP Home or Pro with SP2?

This is full install windows XP Home Edition I bought it on monday, but called best buy and will be exchanging it tomorrow, I've tried to install 3 times and the same thing happens every time.

Theres 4 files that it can't copy over, the one noted above and a few more around the 72% mark. Upon closer inspection I noticed that there are a few small scratches and they actually appear to be on the Label/foil side of the disk not the plastic. I'll update tomorrow.

I hate Microsoft.

Heres an update, after arguing with the customer service rep at BestBuy (the odds of microsoft pressing a bad CD are 1 in 10million your cd drive is bad.) I received a new cd brought it home and had windows running in an hour and a half.

on a side note, the first cd had some scratching as described in my above post, and the second cd right out of the box (yes i removed it very carefully) has about an inch long light scratch on it.

good QC there......

don't it make ya mad! Hope you didn't have to travel far!