Problem with HD on HPT370 RAID controller (no actual RAID array)!

[michaelsaxon]

**** This is a thread where the problem has changed. I've left the original stuff at the front because it is still relevent, but the main thrust of the problem is farther in the thread ****

I was forced to do a complete reinstall of XP Pro, and I can no longer get Windows XP Update to work. It downloaded a couple of "critical updates" but won't work on 14 critical updates and SP1. Scan for updates works, as well as the license agreement, and then when you try to start the download/install it begins to download and then says: "[BIGREDX] No updates were installed... (paraphrasing) try again..."

Strangely, I also can't download the deluxe portfolio manager from the MS moneycentral website that I used to use to manage my stocks. It also won't work and pops up a help menu instead (and I've tried everything there to no avail).

I was forced to download and install Netscape because an online service I need to use for work only works with Netscape. However, I've had NS and IE on at the same time in the past, and I didn't experience this problem.

Any ideas?

 

[Ulfwald]

Sounds like you have a "cracked" version of the OS,, SP1 for XP will shut it down.

 

[michaelsaxon]

No-- I have a legitimate copy bought and paid for.

 

[Heretik]

Have you tried going to Internet Options, General, Languages, and checking to make sure your language was selected? Also check to see if IE is your default web browser?

 

[michaelsaxon]

Thanks for responding... First, yes to both questions.

Interestingly, if I delete the windows update folder in the windows directory, it is clear that the windows update site is redownloading the short installer program and then executing it (resulting in the error). Without removing the folder in advance, the site looks to go to the folder, find the existing file, and executes it (again resulting in the error). It seems to be unpacking files to my d:/ directory (it flashes very quickly on the screen) although afterwards I find nothing in my d:/ directory.

I will link to a series of screenshots that show this. They are in the order of how things unfold (or fail to, as the case may be!):

First Picture

Second Picture

Third Picture

Fourth Picture

Final Picture

 

[michaelsaxon]

Oh yes, thus far Microsoft has been less than forthcoming with help... as such, if any of you know super smart Windows folks, please pass this link onto them with my appeal for help! Thanks.

 

[michaelsaxon]

OK--

Disconnecting my D:/ drive has solved this problem. Right now, my second hard drive (120gb WD) is connected to my IDE 3 (on the HIGHPOINT RAID controller) on my KG7 Raid. Although it shows up fine in Windows as D:/ with the proper amount of space, here are the peculiarities:

1) I cannot convert it to NTFS from FAT32 in either WinXP or using Partition Magic. Each time it comes up with errors.
2) The drive, itself, has passed all diagnostics from WD Diag (I've ran them) and has recently endured a low-level format.
3) Files appear to move easily from my C: drive to it (and vice versa) with no problems.

Do you think that I'm experiencing a problem with Windows XP, the Highpoint controller, the hard drive, or possibly something else.

I have to place this drive on my IDE 1 (or 2) to FDISK and format it (otherwise it is not found). I then switch it to IDE 3 and reconnect my main HD back to IDE 1 before booting. Any recommendations?

 

[Heretik]

I know it's an obvious question, and I'm sure the answer is obvious as well, but it won't hurt to ask....are you logged on as admin or member of admin group??

Also, on which drive is your OS located? If XP is on your C: drive and that is located on a normal IDE channel, I don't see how the other drives should really interfere (unless it's just some weird bug). From what I understand, though, Windows will attempt to download the temp files to the drive with the most free space on it. If all else fails, disconnect all but your root drive, and attempt the download again and see what happens.....the installer may be conflicting with your RAID setup.

It may also have to do with permissions set on your root drive, etc...

Take a look at your Windows Update.log and see if you can track exactly what it is doing and where it is failing. It should be located in your \WINDOWS directory

 

[michaelsaxon]

Heretik-- Great answer! Check my post before yours as that is exactly what I did and it fixed the problem (that is, removed the other hard drive). The question is now what the heck is wrong with my HD. Thanks.

 

[Heretik]

Ok, I re-read it. I wasn't clear the first time whether or not you were successful in getting your XP install updated.

If the 120GB drive is the only one plugged into your RAID controller, my guess is your answer lies there. I know it is possible to use some RAID controllers as a regular IDE port, but maybe Windows doesn't see it that way. I don't have a lot of experience with RAID setups, so I wouldn't be able to help you there.

Only things I can think of is make sure you have latest firmware for you RAID controller, as well as latest drivers. Or, if possible, move your 120GB drive to Slave on primary IDE.

You might also want to change the title of this thread to maybe attract some of the RAID experts in here for their thoughts.....

 

[michaelsaxon]

Yes, the RAID controller should be able to be used as just additional IDE ports even without setting up a RAID array. Anyhow, I have flashed the latest BIOS (which includes the latest Highpoint BIOS), so that can't be the problem. I would switch the HD to IDE 1 or 2, but I'm out of slots (2 CDs (1 burner), 2HDs, and a Zip total). I guess I could get rid of the ZIP, but that's the reason I bought the board with extra IDEs (so I wouldn't have to do this).

I will change the title, as you say, and hope someone can help me figure this out. Thanks.

 

[josphII]

have you d/l'd the latest drivers from the highpoint website, www.highpoint-tech.com ?

 

[michaelsaxon]

yes.