Boot from CD

[Sewellyboy]

I'm trying to install windows XP onto a new HD. I've formatted the HD, i've set the boot up cycle to read the cd rom first. The system restarts, the screen that reads "press any key to boot from cd" appears. I press any key and the system freezes. Nothing else happens. That screen has been up for about an hour.
Any help?

 

[Hyperblaze]

Are you sure your cdrom is properly plugged in?

 

[Sewellyboy]

I'm pretty sure. I can go thru the bios and it recognizes everything.

 

[Hyperblaze]

Is the cd itself clean? is there any dirt or dust on it?

 

[MrChad]

Try a different IDE cable.

Also, you should be formatting your HD from within Windows setup.

 

[Sewellyboy]

Initially I was able to go the windows setup screen. It told me to hit F3 to install windows XP, then it would say couldn't find hard drive. (if you couldn't tell this is my first build, so I'm very new to this). I read my manuals figured my HD wasn't formated so I went to the seagate homepage and downloaded their HD formatting wizard. I formatted the HD, put the windows CD in and restarted the sytem, no i have that problem where the system freezes after is says "hit any key to insall from CD."
I don't really know how to format from the windows xp cd.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: Sewellyboy
Initially I was able to go the windows setup screen. It told me to hit F3 to install windows XP, then it would say couldn't find hard drive. (if you couldn't tell this is my first build, so I'm very new to this). I read my manuals figured my HD wasn't formated so I went to the seagate homepage and downloaded their HD formatting wizard. I formatted the HD, put the windows CD in and restarted the sytem, no i have that problem where the system freezes after is says "hit any key to insall from CD."
I don't really know how to format from the windows xp cd.

Are you using an SATA hard drive? What make/model motherboard?

 

[Sewellyboy]

Seagate 200G ST3200822AS
MB Asus P5AD2-E Premium

 

[Sewellyboy]

I'm sorry yes it is a sata drive.

 

[MrChad]

Two things

1. Make sure that your XP CD has SP2 integrated. If it does not, slipstream SP2 on the CD. This will protect your computer upon initial bootup from many pre-SP2 worms, it will save you time (no need to download and install SP2, just the post-SP2 updates), and it will allow you to format your 200GB drive as a single partition.

2. Download the SATA drivers for your Intel chipset. Create the floppy and when XP setup first begins, press F6. You will be prompted to insert a floppy disk for additional drivers. Insert your floppy and XP should be able to detect your HD.

 

[Sewellyboy]

Thanks I'm going to try that. I may have forgotten to mention something. Sorry if it changes things. I'm using two identicle hard drives, and I'm using a raid0 configuration.

 

[MrChad]

Are you using the Intel RAID controller or the Silicon Image RAID controller?

 

[Sewellyboy]

Yes I am

 

[MrChad]

 

[MrChad]

Well, if it's the SI controller use this during install. You'll need to setup the RAID array prior to Windows setup (check your motherboard). The same instructions should apply.

 

[Sewellyboy]

Mr. Chad............thanks, I used the sata link you gave me and now windows recognized my HD, and windows is formatting my HD's as we speak. Hopefully everything works out allright. Again thanks for taking the time to help me out.

 

[MrChad]

Glad to hear it! Keep us posted on how your build goes.