cannot install xp??

[mikeymike]

Hello i have just placed a new hard drive into a laptop and when trying to install xp pro it goes through the normal setting up files process but everytime it gets to the file ntfs it falls over and restarts itself.
The hard drive is recognised in the bios and its not too big either as already checked the manufactures website for biggest drive size???

[itgeek2008]

I think there might be something in the BIOS to turn off then it will work,
usually something do to with the SATA drive

[SYNACK]

If it is failing during the file copy stage it could be a faulty install cd or more likely if it is just rebooting some bad memory. Run Memtest86 on it and check the memory, also try another cd if you have one.

If it is failing before the filecopy stage when it is loading the NTFS filesystem driver it may also be memory but could be a corrupted hard drive configuration. Sometimes the partition tables can get that messed that XP will crash out rather than error even just in the installer. The ususal solution then would be to wipe and reformat the drive with a linux based live cd tool like gparted.

It could also be a dodgey BIOS as some machines do come with tragicly bad BIOS versions on them, these are usually imaged at the factory as the install process crasses out due to BIOS table errors. The solution here would be to upgrade the BIOS using the tools from the manufacturers site.

If it simply does not see the hard drive it could be that you are using a SATA drive. As XP does not have SATA controller drivers integrated you would either need to set the drive to legacy/IDE/compatibility mode in the BIOS if this feature is avalible or prefferably integrate the propper controller drivers into an install CD with nLite.

[mikeymike]

this is driving me completely nuts now.
if i let it boot from the xp disc it still gets to the same point of ntfs file and then falls over.
if no disc is in the following error message appears

pxe-e61 media test failure check cable

i have done all the advice that many sites have said to do with still no joy.

tried looking for a bios update on the manufacturers site but there is not one.
so please what can i do next??

[sparkeh]

Originally Posted by mikeymike

pxe-e61 media test failure check cable

Right...well that error is related to your machine trying to boot from the network (if no CD detected) and failing. So, I guess you just have network having priority over HDD in bios and not related to your install issue?

[clarky2k3]

Had the same problem the other day. Went into the BIOS and changed the SATA operation setting from AHCI to ATA.

[Bezwick]

Couple more suggestions

Go into the BIOS and make sure virus detection is disabled (I know thats an old one but you never know)

Also check the SATA mode is set to IDE compatability mode not native.

Try booting from a disk like this one

Ultimate Boot CD - Overview

and see if you can access the HDD ok with it, remove any partitions, format it, check memory etc.

[mikeymike]

Originally Posted by clarky2k3

Had the same problem the other day. Went into the BIOS and changed the SATA operation setting from AHCI to ATA.

dont know if im being blind but where is the option to change to ata??
its a fairly old bios so it pretty limited what i can change
the only option i have to do with the hard drive is - hard disk mode either enhanced ide (normal) or standard ide.