weird restart loop while trying to install xp

so some guy wanted me to reformat his computer.. the problem is after the setup copies the files, after you partition and format, normally the computer restarts then it shows the windows sign.. but instead it just keeps restarting the computer to the "configuring system hardware" then it just goes back to the formatting menu over and over.. any ideas?

i've tried a different hd, different cd drive.. its one of those old hp celerons.. could the mobo be limiting such things or something? really weird cause everything is detected as well

Remove the cd after the setup finishes and before windows starts for the first time.

Hmm, 1st boot device set to optical drive? Even then, it should prompt you to hit a key. And still, not every disc prompts for a key press.

Check boot priority.

You didn't drive there did you?

yeah first thing i checked was the boot priority in bios, but the thing is it doesn't even tell me to press a key it just skips to configuring hardware.. also checked the jumpers tried making the optical the secondary master/slave.. no difference

same with switching to a different hardrive/optical drive

gets a error saying it ran out of memory or no operating system detected :/

Run a memory test or try a different cd if possible to try to cover some things...Also run a linux live cd or any other bootable cd to see what happens.

hmm ubuntu works when i boot from cd.. no memory errors detected.. but it won't install on the drive.. i've read that it can be the cmos battery.. but ill check it out i guess