Windows XP Pro Won't go through the setup.

[joeyg2391]

Hi,
I 'm trying to install windows XP pro on my computer. But for some reason when i go through the initial setup i get the the BSOD saying UNMOUNTABLE BOOT DEVICE. It doesn't even allow me to go through the recovery console. I tried this with two different HD's (120GB and 20GB) and the same thing happens. So i decided to put the HD's on an external case and they work perfectly. I updated to the latest bios for my Asus A7N8X deluxe mobo to see if that helped but no. I took out everything from my motherboard and only left the HD and CD rom connected. the bios reads the harddrive at it's full capacity. I did a memory test with memtest 86 and no errors. Any recommendations I would greatly appreciate it. I starting to think its my motherboard or cpu.

 

[joeyg2391]

I just switched the CPU and that wasnt the problem. I'm getting ready to call the mobo manufacturer. Anyone have some suggestions?

 

[Blain]

What are your boot settings in your BIOS?

 

[dtboos]

If you've changed your bios at all, reset to optimized defaults and then install windows. Change the settings later to what you need.

It may also be that your CDROM or HD is not supported by Windows XP.

I had to remove my DVD drive on my old computer when I first installed WinXP. I don't think thats the error you get with that problem, but I'm just brainstorming here.

 

[joeyg2391]

the problem is i used the same hardware to install XP and it worked the 1st time. i just wanted to wipe out everything and start all over. everything for the HD is set at auto. i have a WD1200JB

 

[vtqanh]

I have had this problem once and i think the key problem is that Windows messed up the partition number of your drive. I forget how i was able to fix it though. But at the very least you need to be able to get to the recovery console, if you can't get that far, then you have no choice but to reinstall it.

 

[joeyg2391]

how do i do that?

 

[Blain]

If this is the first time you've used the WD to load to, remove the HD jumpers. Sometimes WD drives do better without them.
I don't know why, I just know I've had to pull them before.

 

[joeyg2391]

This is what partion magic says. I attached it to an external case

 

[dtboos]

When WinXP cd first starts up, press F2 to start recovery.

Then type "diskpart" to get into the partition editing program.

You should delete your partitions and re-instate them. Worth a try.

 

[joeyg2391]

installing windows 98 worked but using FAT32. I'm going to try to install windows 2000 pro from 98 to NTFS and see if it works that way. Do any one of you believe its a mobo issue or harddrive issue? WHat do u think was the problem?