Can't Install XP to Laptop!

[JCW]

I put a new HD in my Older Notebook and when I try to
install XP I get as far as copying files then when it
reboots it won't go to the hard drive. When I use fdisk
to check the partition the ramdrive goes to the C: drive
and it won't install XP. Any advice on what I am doing
wrong?

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Are you trying to prep the drive with a Win98 or ME setup floppy? That is
not necessary since all the tools run automatically when you boot the xp cd.
Is the laptop's hard drive IDE?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Have you made sure the laptop is ready for Windows XP:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/upgrading/default.mspx
Particularly #3 Upgrade Advisor.

Windows XP Clean Installation:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/cleanxp.htm

 

[JCW]

No, I try to install clean from the cd and then use fdisk
to check partition. After the files copy from the cd the
next step should be reboot and continue the install, but
it runs the beginning sequence over again. Any advice...

-----Original Message-----
Are you trying to prep the drive with a Win98 or ME setup floppy? That is
not necessary since all the tools run automatically when you boot the xp cd.
Is the laptop's hard drive IDE?

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

I put a new HD in my Older Notebook and when I try to
install XP I get as far as copying files then when it
reboots it won't go to the hard drive. When I use fdisk
to check the partition the ramdrive goes to the C: drive
and it won't install XP. Any advice on what I am doing
wrong?

.

 

[JCW]

-----Original Message-----
Have you made sure the laptop is ready for Windows XP:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/upgrading/default ..mspx
Particularly #3 Upgrade Advisor.

Windows XP Clean Installation:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/cleanxp.htm



I can't figure out why the ramdrive is installed to the

C Drive instead of the D drive and move the cdrom down
one. Any ideas?

 

[JCW]

-----Original Message-----
No, I try to install clean from the cd and then use fdisk
to check partition. After the files copy from the cd the
next step should be reboot and continue the install, but
it runs the beginning sequence over again. Any advice...

-----Original Message-----
Are you trying to prep the drive with a Win98 or ME setup floppy? That is
not necessary since all the tools run automatically

when
you boot the xp cd.

Is the laptop's hard drive IDE?

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

I put a new HD in my Older Notebook and when I try to
install XP I get as far as copying files then when it
reboots it won't go to the hard drive. When I use fdisk
to check the partition the ramdrive goes to the C: drive
and it won't install XP. Any advice on what I am doing
wrong?

.

.
How do I tell if it's IDE? WHat else would it be? Pardon

the ignorance. Can you tell me how to check and what
might be causing this install not to continue after
copying files. It copies files fine then at the reboot it
should go to the hard drive and continue to install
Windows, but instead it begins again even though I don't
hit a key at reboot to boot to the CD. Grateful...

 

[Sharon F]

No, I try to install clean from the cd and then use fdisk
to check partition. After the files copy from the cd the
next step should be reboot and continue the install, but
it runs the beginning sequence over again. Any advice...

With my old motherboard, I had a similar problem. When the restart in setup
occurred, I had to go back into BIOS and change boot order back to hard
drive. Save Settings/Exit and setup would continue.

With the current motherboard I have, it will let XP setup manage the
restart and setup continues normally without any change in BIOS.

Your system may be "one of those" that needs to have the boot order changed
on setup's restart.

 

[JCW]

-----Original Message-----
advice...

With my old motherboard, I had a similar problem. When the restart in setup
occurred, I had to go back into BIOS and change boot order back to hard
drive. Save Settings/Exit and setup would continue.

With the current motherboard I have, it will let XP setup manage the
restart and setup continues normally without any change in BIOS.

Your system may be "one of those" that needs to have the boot order changed
on setup's restart.

--
Sharon F
MS-MVP ~ Windows Shell/User
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol
.
I tried that and and the install failed but I don't

remember the error message. I'll try again and relate the
error. I notice though that the hard drive shows as 0 gb
in the BIOS. What can I do to remedy that?

JCW

 

[JCW]

-----Original Message-----
the
boot order changed
remember the error message. I'll try again and relate the
error. I notice though that the hard drive shows as 0 gb
in the BIOS. What can I do to remedy that?

JCW
.
The error I get is "NTLDR is missing" Isn't that hard

drive related?

JCW

 

[D.Currie]

C Drive instead of the D drive and move the cdrom down
one. Any ideas?

If the ramdrive is going to C, it means the system isn't seeing the hard
drive. Either it's a hard drive problem or a connection problem or a
controller problem, or a bios problem.

 

[Sharon F]

I tried that and and the install failed but I don't
remember the error message. I'll try again and relate the
error. I notice though that the hard drive shows as 0 gb
in the BIOS. What can I do to remedy that?

You need to get that drive recognized by BIOS before you can do anything
with it.

Check your connections: jumpers set correctly for drive position; correct
cable type (80 wire/40 pin cable; no visible wear or kinks in cable; power
cable and IDE connectors fit snugly). If still no go, download drive
diagnostic tools from the hard drive manufacturer's website. Run these to
find out if the drive is mechanically and physically sound.

 

[Sharon F]

I tried that and and the install failed but I don't
remember the error message. I'll try again and relate the
error. I notice though that the hard drive shows as 0 gb
in the BIOS. What can I do to remedy that?

Addendum: Just noticed this is a laptop. The hard drive is connected
differently than a desktop but should still be checked that it is securely
seated.

 

[D.Currie]

remember the error message. I'll try again and relate the
error. I notice though that the hard drive shows as 0 gb
in the BIOS. What can I do to remedy that?

JCW

Does your laptop's bios support a drive of the size of the new one you
installed? That may be the whole problem.