Another new build help thread

[2112Rush]

I just finished my first build and I have some issues.

When I try to install Vista and it asks where to install to, there is no HDD showing. It shows up in the BIOS. It's listed as the Master 0 in the and the DVD drive is Master 1. There are 4 SATA connectors numbered 110-114/ I have the HDD into 110 and the DVD into 112.

Also my USB keyboard won't work. I enabled the USB keyboard setting in the BIOS. There 6 ports on the MB and 2 on the case. None of them work.

These are the components:

HDD: SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

MB: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L

Case: Antec P182

Help!

Thanks

 

[Narse]

You first have to set-up a partition. If I recall correctly at the screen you select the hard drive to install Windows on you have a few buttons, format etc, I think the button is labeled New.

 

[2112Rush]

Do you HAVE to set up a partition? In the Vista manual it says if you don't want to install on a specific partition or create them, hit next. That's what I did and I don't see the Format or New options. Why would you need to set up a partition? Is that something you have to do in Vista?

 

[Narse]

A Hard Disk Drive requires some type of partition table to function.

 

[2112Rush]

Ok, but if it there isn't any HD showing how can I set up a partition? Or will it only show up once I set up a partition? How big should I make the one to put Vista on?

 

[Narse]

Originally posted by: 2112Rush
Ok, but if it there isn't any HD showing how can I set up a partition? Or will it only show up once I set up a partition? How big should I make the one to put Vista on?

It should show up once you partition the drive. I personally do not like multiple drive letters so I use one big partition. Although you can always make a separate partition to store data on that way in the event of a reload you could just format the Windows partition and keep the data intact.

 

[2112Rush]

Could you be a little more specific on the partition size? Would 5gb be enough? I've never had to partition a drive before.

Or are you saying that if you have a 500gb HD you would use 400 or 450gb?

I went to the MB site and found this:

To enable hot plug capability for the SATA connectors controlled by the ICH9 South Bridge, you must install Windows Vista (on ICH9, hot plug is supported in Windows Vista only) and configure the SATA connectors for AHCI mode. (Refer to manual Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Integrated Peripherals," for details on enabling AHCI.)

Is that what the problem is?

 

[2112Rush]

I did the above and now I'm getting a message that says something about not having the volume that meets criteria for installation.

Also I have the new Samsung 500gb HDD. It's shows up as a place to install windows but it shows 573gb. How is that possible

Plus my other HDD isn't showing up. Shouldn't they both come up as where I want to install windows?

 

[2112Rush]

I had to unplug my second HDD and create a 40gb partition and Vista installed perfectly. So it works now.

 

[Scottae]

Just to make sure you do have your SATA ports enabled in bios? after that windows should do the formatting
and continue setup
you dont need to partition.. but since you did dont worry about it

 

[2112Rush]

I did enable the SATA ports and saved them. For some reason is was reverting back to the default which was disable.

During the install it said it needed like 13,000 mb which came out to about 40GB. If I had a new 640GB drive why would it say there isn't enough room?