STOP 0x0000006F error during Windows XP setup

While helping a client install Windows XP Home Edition (Upgrade) over the phone, we encountered a stop 0x0000006F error during setup (even before it got to the interactive part) repeatedly. Trying it from Windows ME resulted in a CD read error. I had the customer take a look at the CD, and there was a thumbprint on the data side (with no printing). He cleaned the CD with a clean cotton cloth, reinserted the CD, and it worked. So if you're encountering this stop 0x0000006F error, it may be a small smudge or scratch on the disk. Try cleaning it.

If that doesn't work, you may need to obtain a CD drive lens cleaner (basically a CD with a small brush on the underside that cleans the CD-ROM drive laser lens) or try a new CD or DVD drive.