Need help with computer install?

heres the deal..im tryin to fix a buddies pc...but when i install XP it freezes when it gets to the "press D to delete partition"the blue setup screen,,it freezes at that...it says starting up windows installation and bam freezes..what could be causing this?...the bios is updated..i unplugged all PCI slot prepherals leaving only a AGP card i cant understand why its freezing on XP,but when i install windows 98 runs like a dream...even windows 2000 freezes.im starting to think its an issue with NTFS file system.but..i need some advice..any help is apreciated..