Problem with a Windows Install

[Stewage]

My friend has an IBM Netvista he has had for a year or two.

He put it in storage for about 6 months while he moved and when he brought it out, he noticed that it just wasnt the same as when he had it before. He asked me to put a fresh install on there for him and format whatever was on there.

I formatted the drive and started up the install process using a windows xp pro CD.

When it starts all the setup files and then goes to restart for the next part of the install that is when all hell breaks loose.

First thing that normally happens is that the computer asks if I want to boot from the CD, I dont want to do that again because then I am back to square one, but then it restarts and asks again, want to boot from the CD. It wont continue with the installation.

What is the best way to go about this?

its a bootable CD Rom, right now my start up order is CDROM, Hard Drive, Floppy.

Should that be changed at all? Bad Hard Drive maybe?

Thanks for any help.

 

[theMan]

after you finish the cd part, remove the cd before you restart. then it will boot to the hd like its supposed to, i think. just try it. i seem to remember this happening to me, but it was a really long time ago, and i cant remember stuff goodly.

 

[Stewage]

Well I took the CD out right before it went to reboot, It got past POST then restarts again, and again. Then it gives me 'No Operating System Found'

Great.

Then if I put the CD Rom Back in, I am right back to where I started.

 

[theMan]

hmmmmmm, just start the instalation over and do try some different things. maybe borrow an xp cd from someone.

 

[Stewage]

Ive tried 4 different XP cds.

I was thinking it might be a cooked harddrive. Because that would also explain the problems he had in the first place. But I also dont want to make him go out and buy one if that isnt the case.

 

[montag451]

Check the connectors/connections to the hdd.

See if it spins up when you switch on. [put your hand on it and feel for vibes !! ]
Basically, go through basic trouble shooting for when an hdd isn't showing.

Cables/power/hdd [check in another computer]

 

[Stewage]

If its not the harddrive, any other ideas on what could be causing these problems for my Install?

 

[pkypkypky]

Originally posted by: Stewage
First thing that normally happens is that the computer asks if I want to boot from the CD, I dont want to do that again because then I am back to square one

Did you try to just boot from CD after restart? I think I remember it works both ways for me.

Try formatting it again non-quick since I think that checks for HDD errors as it formats or use the maxtor/WD/etc diagnostic software to check out your drive.

edit: and make sure this is a verified working disc of XP...a legit one would be good. 😉 Doesn't seem like a HDD prob...u can try other installing other older O/S's too if u want.

edit #2: you may want to update your bios if your system is older too