Install on HP8595C

[B717mech]

I am attempting, and failing, to install Ubuntu on this machine. The desktop had a corrupted version of Windows XP on it and I thought I would just wipe it out.

THe Ubuntu CD has checked out fine, and a memory test shows all is good. I get the following error during install:
" The attempt to mount a file system with type Ext 3 in SCSI1 (0,0,0), partition #1 at / failed"

Several questions come to mind; What am I doing wrong? Is this machine to ancient for this system? Could the hard drive be toast?

What I would like to do with this machine is just set it up a basic computer that my mother could use to access email and maybe a little surfing.

Thanks

[Pumalite]

Check your drive with TestDisk: http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk_Download

[Sef]

Also, using the Live CD, which has GParted on it, you can use GParted and see if you reformat the hard drive.

If I remember correctly (on the Live CD): Applications > Accessories > GParted.