Something is horribly wrong. Or you tried partitioning the drive prior to an OS install?
Tell the details. Old drive and new drive make, model, etc.
I have a HP Pavillion laptop running Vista Home Premium. Unfortunately (LOL)the HD went south 58 days out of warranty. I replaced the HD,and expected to use my recovery discs sent to me by HP to bring it back to where it was. They will not allow me to re-install my O.S.
Instead I get a message that states "Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. (imagine that!) So on so on, then says FILE:\Windows\System32\Winload.Exe is missing or corrupt. Status:OXCOOOOOOF.
I've tried twice to use the discs but they still fail. I've even attempted to put my copy of Windows XP Pro on but it too fails. Any suggestions?