Unable to boot or format but disk works

[tonycard1170]

I have a computer that keeps rebooting. I am unable to boot in safe mode either. I booted from XP cd and got into recovery mode and there was no C:\Windows folder. So I thought that maybe the disk was a goner. There is some very important files in there so I connected a sata to usb and connected it to another computer and everything was there. I am able to see the files. So I backed up the files and tried to format the hard drive and when I tried to install windows again I get a BSOD. I am stumped. Could this be memory problem, bios, or motherboard?

 

[tonycard1170]

On more thing I want to add is that I installed a new sata hard drive tried to install windows and I it would not install that is when I get the BSOD not when I tried to format the original hard drive using the windows setup. When I boot up from the windows cd and try to reinstall windows it shows no hard drive present. I also booted up using ERD commander and c: is showing 0 bytes.

 

[Freestone]

You probably have to supply the motherboard SATA drivers to XP during installation. Early on in the non-GUI installation, you will see a prompt to press F6 to install 3rd party drivers. At this point press F6 a few times then wait till prompted to insert the driver diskette.

 

[edfair]

As far as formatting it to reload the operating system, you may need to run a filldisk program to wipe out anything on the boot sector or in the partition table that is affecting the machine's ability to recognize the drive.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[GrimR]

Does the drive show up in the BIOS?
Sounds like memory if you have 2 you could remove 1 and see it that helps, and swop them if it didnt.
If you can boot to 'DOS' Recovery Console using the CD, run fix mbr, fix boot, chkdsk c: /f /r

 

[PRPhx]

Do you, by any chance, have an IDE hard drive also in this pc???? I bet that if you unplugged the IDE drive, you'd be able to format your SATA drive. IF this is the case, then you will need the SATA drivers, as mentioned. And you can plug the IDE drive back in.

You will need to put the drivers on a floppy. Make sure you copy the files for XP.

During the OS install, press the F6 key, insert the floppy and continue with the install.

You can also slipstream (add in) the SATA drivers into your XP installation CD. Here's one site that explains how:

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/How-To--Slipstream-your-XP-installation?page=0,1

Do a google search to find more info.

 

[ArizonaGeek]

If you want to wipe everything use Darik's Boot and Nuke that'll wipe the drive for sure. Then you should be able to reinstall Windows. Just make double sure you have all your files backed up, once you use DBaN it'll be ultra hard to recover.

Cheers
Rob

The answer is always "PEBKAC!

 

[tonycard1170]

I don't have an IDE hard drive installed on this computer. I am able to see the hard drive in the bios. I know that sometimes you have to use a driver to install an sata hard drive. But that was when I wasn't able to see the hard drive during installation. I am able to see the hard drive when it asks me which hard drive I want to install it on. But when I do I get a BSOD. To answer the memory response, yes I do have 2 sticks of RAM and I tried uninstalling one and then the other with no success. Thank you so much for your assistance on this, please keep them coming.

 

[GrimR]

In a case like this I normally use Hirens Boot CD to check the drive.
Does BSOD give any error numbers.
Have you tried the SATA drivers.
Is it a Maxtor, Western Digital or Seagate.You could try there diagnostic programs.
Are you able to run chkdsk, if not, get Hirens Boot CD.

 

[tonycard1170]

I am not able to run a chkdsk with the original hard drive. I haven't tried doing that with the other sata hard drive. I will try the Hirens boot cd and get back to you. Keep your fingers crossed.