Root directory

[Jon Cosby]

My root directory is assigned the letter "F:", while my zip drive is
assigned "C:". Somewhere in the system settings, there are references to C:
as the root directory. For example, the virtual memory settings list both C:
and F:. This causes problems in some applications, raising the message
"There is no disk in the drive. Please insert a disk into
\Device\Harddisk1\DR1". Some applications fail to run properly, and some
installations have been incomplete. The C: drive is listed as removable in
disk management. Any ideas on how I can correct this?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Drive Letters Change Unexpectedly When You Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326683&Product=winxp

You'll have to physically disconnect whatever drive is shown as the current C: drive,
perform a "clean install", then reconnect that drive.

The Windows XP CD is bootable and contains all the tools necessary
to partition and format your drive. Follow this procedure and allow
Windows XP to partition and format your drive:

NOTE: It would be best to physically disconnect all your peripheral hardware
devices, except the monitor, mouse and keyboard, before installing XP.

1. Open your BIOS and set your "CD Drive as the first bootable device".

===> Accessing Motherboard BIOS
===> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

2. Insert your Windows XP CD in the CD Drive and reboot your computer.
3. You'll see a message to boot to the CD....follow the instructions.
4. The setup menu will appear and you should elect to delete all the existing
Windows partitions, then create a new partition, then format the primary
partition (preferably NTFS) and proceed to install Windows XP.

5. Clean Install Windows XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]

6. ==> Immediately after installing Windows XP, turn on XP's Firewall.
==> http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

7. After Windows XP is installed, visit the Windows Update website
and download the available "Critical Updates".

8. After installing the critical updates, be sure and visit the support website
of the manufacturer of the computer to download and install any
available Windows XP compatible drivers, such as video adapter
and audio drivers.

9. If you happen to run into any installation difficulties, use the following resources:

How to Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;310064

Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Kelly Theriot]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| My root directory is assigned the letter "F:", while my zip drive is
| assigned "C:". Somewhere in the system settings, there are references to C:
| as the root directory. For example, the virtual memory settings list both C:
| and F:. This causes problems in some applications, raising the message
| "There is no disk in the drive. Please insert a disk into
| \Device\Harddisk1\DR1". Some applications fail to run properly, and some
| installations have been incomplete. The C: drive is listed as removable in
| disk management. Any ideas on how I can correct this?
|
| --
|
| Jon Cosby

 

[Jack]

no.......your welcome........

 

[Alex Nichol]

My root directory is assigned the letter "F:", while my zip drive is
assigned "C:". Somewhere in the system settings, there are references to C:
as the root directory. For example, the virtual memory settings list both C:
and F:.

This happens if the zip drive was connected when the system was set up.
Only way out is to do a clean reinstall - with the zip drive not
present. Boot the XP CD direct. Enter Setup, and after the license
agreement take New Install. When it asks you to confirm where, hit ESC;
select and delete the current partition and make a new RAW one to be
formatted at the next stage

The important point is the delete. Without that it will just go ahead
and make a new install over the top of the old one.