Issue installing OS

[junkstuff1]

I've just assembled my first build (save for the RAM - I picked up some cheap stuff to hold me over until I receive what I ordered from newegg).

I attempted to install Windows XP, and everything seemed alright until I got an "Unknown Hard Error." I found on a forum that somebody had the same problem and updating the BIOS fixed it, so I did that.

Now, after POST, a screen comes up with the name of my DVD-RW drive, and says "Press Any Key to Continue." Regardless of whether I actually press a key, it will go on to a blank screen with a blinking cursor, and will stay there. Naturally I'd like to get Windows installed, but I don't know what to do now.

Here's what I've done so far:
Tried different BIOS versions
Cleared CMOS
Tried another optical drive

I always get the same thing.

Hardware configuration:
Asus P5B Deluxe Wifi-AP
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
512 MB RAM, Centon, DDR2-667, 1 stick
eVGA Geforce 7900GTX
WD Raptor 150 GB
Seagate Barracuda 320 GB
NEC DVD-RW
FSP 700W PSU

Thanks for any help.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Try a minimal install with just the raptor installed. I'm assuming you'll put the OS on it. Just MB, ram, GPU and Raptor. If it posts, turn off and add DVD-RW. If DVD-RW is detected, install OS before adding the Seagate. Keep us posted please.

 

[junkstuff1]

Wow, I'm such a nub. I tried with mb, ram, cpu, gpu, and dvd-rw and it went fine (of course, it couldn't install, since the hdd wasn't hooked up). I plug in the Raptor and I get the same problem.
Solution?
Change boot priority - I had the Raptor as the #1 boot priority, so it was trying to boot from the hdd, but the raptor was empty.

I'm now the happy owner of a kickass, functional rig.