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General discussion

Problem installing xp over vista

Sep 10, 2007 5:26AM PDT

So my problem is this. I have my boot sequence set to the following:

CD ROM
HD
HD
HD

I've tried other configurations to no avail.

I get the following error everytime:


Setup did not find any hard disk drives installed in your computer.

Make sure any hard disk drives are powered on and properly connected to your computer, and that any disk-related hardware configuration is correct. This may involve running a manufactrer-supplied diagnostic or setup program.

Setup cannot continue. To quit Setup, press F3.

I have one drive partitioned into 3. C, D and E. I have Vista installed on C.

I want to remove it, as in delete the partition,format it and install XP Pro.

My system is an AMD 3400 with an ASUS A8 VE motherboard.

Another problem I'm running into is it may need a RAID disc created, I'm not sure. I have tried to make one during the start of the XP Setup process, but it won't allow me to do so. I'm at a loss here. Any advice?

Discussion is locked

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So Have You Wiped The Drive Yet??
Sep 11, 2007 2:54AM PDT

Used "Dban" to wipe the drive entirely...? If not, I would.. It eliminates all partitions and everything else

Checked the BIOS and disabled and "Native SATA Support" or "RAID Support".. Once that's done, you should be able to place the legal, full XP SP2 disc in the drive and install XP..

In order to install the SATA/RAID drivers, you prepare it a working operating system, by creating a floppy disc which contains the appropriate drivers as indicated by your computer manufacturer. In order to install them correctly, you'll need a floppy drive (or USB floppy drive), then press the F6 key at the appropriate time during the installation of XP and install them. (Searching Google for "installing SATA drivers" should help.)

For other folk's experience on this issue, you might want to check this Vista topic:

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12546_102-0.html?forumID=133&threadID=243153&messageID=2460401

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Thanks
Sep 11, 2007 5:25AM PDT

Thanks. It most likley would help, but now when I boot the PC all it says is Disk Boot Failure, Insert System Disk and press Enter.

If I can get past this problem, and use DBAN which I've never heard of, I assume I will loose everything on my D and E drives also?

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Insert System Disc Is Correct
Sep 11, 2007 6:07AM PDT

When the drive no longer has a proper operating system installed, then you'll receive such an error.. It's then time to wipe the drive completely and install the operating system of choice.

As to Dban, check the links below:

I tend to download and burn a CD with the older 1.0.6 Dban disk wipe utility from the link below. Make the bootable CD-R version. If you have the dual core processor on your new computer, I recommend using the older 1.0.6 version of DBan.. It runs quicker on the dual core machines than the newest 1.0.7 version.) When using Dban to wipe the drive, it's much quicker to use the "Quick Erase" option for this particular purpose.:

Dban 1.0.7:
http://dban.sourceforge.net/

Dban 1.0.6:
https://www.washington.edu/uware/dban/

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Boot disk failure.
Sep 11, 2007 11:42AM PDT

Are you sure you don't have a flash drive plugged in or a CD in the drive?
It sounds to me like your problem is really simple...like you are booting to a flash drive or non bootable CD.

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Wow
Sep 11, 2007 11:45AM PDT

I wish I had your PC, I would fix it fast.