re: XP installation problem
Saturday, October 8, 2005 at 5:50 pm
Windows XP Annoyances Discussion Forum
Posted by Ken
(944 messages posted)
So, do I get new RAMs?
I wouldn't be ready to do that just yet. Get this RAM tester. Scroll down to where it says "Download - Pre-Compiled
package for Floppy (DOS - Win)" and make the floppy, boot to it on your ailing PC
with both sticks of RAM in. Let it test thoroughly (all tests a couple times, it
will take quite a while). I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out they both come
up clean. Also, whenever you are using only one stick, make sure to put it in the
first RAM slot (closest to CPU).
I tried installing with no hard drive, no power to them
You need to also disconnect the data cables. A bad hard drive with a data cable still
connected (and no power cable) to it can still lock up a system.
I have made setup floppy diskettes directly from the MS website
and that didn't work either.
This shifts the focus away from the Install CD and the CDROM drive, though I would
still try the Install CD in another PC if you can.
Suggestions:
1. Run the Memtest on your RAM
2. Disconnect the power cable AND data cable to the old drive.
3. Re-connect the power cable and data cable to the new drive.
4. Enter the BIOS, and see if the new drive is being recognized by the BIOS. If it
isn't, look around in the BIOS for other settings related to SATA drives and controllers
- make sure they are all enabled.
5. Check your motherboard manufacturer for BIOS updates. Look at the BIOS revision
histories specifically for problems related to SATA drives. If there is a newer BIOS
revision available that would fix this problem, you can flash the BIOS. This is something
you should do only if necessary, and as a last resort. A failed BIOS update can lead
to a dead motherboard.
6. Are you using a 3rd party SATA controller or is it built-in to the motherboard?
Do you have both? If so, try the other one.
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