Error loading Operating System

[Dark Lord]

I just recently come across a problem that has stumped me and I am looking for any help!
My problem is such: I was fixing to install a driver for my printer and loaded the disk in the drive, I opened it up to view the files and the computer started to run sluggish. So I shut it down and rebooted (the last time it ever did). Upon reboot just after it verifies the DMI pool then it says CMOS backup then it gives me the error "Error loading Operating System". I tried rebooting again to the same conclusion, so I figured I would reinstall Win XP. Well it finds the hd just fine I reformatted it and it copied the files to the drive and rebooted to "Error loading Operating System". Tried several times to the same results. So I removed the drive and installed it in another computer and loaded Win XP and no problem a good clean install. I reset the bios and went over the setting several different times and everything looks good. I have swapped cables and power plugs, made sure cables are fully inserted.
Is there something in CMOS that I don't know about. or is it time for a new MB (which is currently a DFI Lanparty NFII Ultra B with a AMD Barton 2500 not oc'd).

Thanks,
Dark Lord

If anybody had any ideas I would appreciate it.

 

[montag451]

Take the disk out of the drive, and tha might fix it.

 

[Dark Lord]

Taking the disk out didn't fix it. Nor did fixmbr or fdisk. Also any working drive that I put in the computer receives the same error, and a working drive is verified by placing it in a second computer and it successfully reboots into Windows and is fully functional.

 

[daveshel]

I would try booting from a live linux CD (knoppix, ubuntu or suse). If you can boot that way, you know there is a problem with the hard drives boot sector. If not, your BIOS might be hosed. Maybe a flash would fix that.

 

[Blazer]

clear the cmos with the jumper / remove the batt overnight / replace the battery,tried any of those ?

 

[Dark Lord]

I have removed the battery and moved the clear jumper to try and reset the bios which it did reset. I'm thinking or leaning towards what daveshel said about a hosed bios, just because working hard drives simply don't work in this computer and when it is reinstalled into another computer the hard drives work just fine. I have also swapped ribbon cables. The only other thing that I will check is for proper voltages. Other than that I'm looking at bios or mb.
Your thoughts?

 

[Slikkster]

Go into your bios. See what mode your hard drive is detected at. Chances are it's either set for Auto or "CHS" mode. You need to change it to "LBA" mode. Save changes. Exit bios. Try booting to Windows.

There seems to be quite an issue with these boards incorrectly detecting the type hard drive mode to use. Remember, if it set for either "Auto" or "CHS", change to "LBA".

 

[Dark Lord]

My hats off to you Slikkster!!! My bios did indeed switch my hdd to CHS. After switching them back to LBA everything worked great.

thanx a bunch.
Dark Lord

 

[Slikkster]

Very good. Glad it worked.

 

[Messudieh]

Well, this makes for 2 people (at least) that have been helped with this post.

This saved my butt...and a motherboard purchase.