Robocop

I've just built my first PC but I've come to a halt.
I can't install Windows XP as it appears I got to format my new hard disc first. How do I go about this?

Scooby-Doo

When you boot the PC from the XP disc it will give you the option to create partitions and format the disc as part of the install.

Robocop

Hi
The thing is I can't boot from the installation disc. Installed xp on loads of old machines but never one brand new. Any ideas.
It on a Shuttle XPC.

Scooby-Doo

Have you set the bios to boot from CD before HDD ?

Robocop

Yes
Looking at Bios now. 1st boot device (previously changed from floppy) = CDROM 2nd = Hard Disk 3rd = CDROM

I get "DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER". ???

davedipster

Do you have another cd rom in the machine, try the disc in that.

Try another cd rom from another machine, just hang it on the ribbon and power cable. I've known some to be funny about booting.

Has the xp install disc worked in the past on ther machines?

dipster

davedipster

Or use a windows 98/me boot floppy and format the HD using the string format C: /s at the A prompt.
Or make a xp boot floppy using another working machine and use them.

lightning101

I always download the manufacturers boot disk (maxblast etc) as it can format and partition a new drive in under 5 seconds allowing a full install in under 20 minutes.

Robocop

Tried that. It does some stuff then ends at the C prompt. What should I enter when I get this far?
Also, should a new HD jumpers be set as master or slave?

lightning101

If its the main C: bootable drive, make it a master and disconnect any other hard drives and card readers etc. If you think the drive has a problem maxblast also has a bootable drive checker that thoroughly scans the drive and gives an error code so that you can obtain an RMA returns number from the manufacturer.

When you boot the maxtor CD, you need to initialise the hard drive, then select format and partition for "windows XP" and tick the "SP1 or greater" box.

Then it should exit and you just reboot with your windows xp and do a straightforward install with no partitioning or formatting.

jpor

iTrader: (1)

I don't have this problem with any my shuttles. I take it the CD-ROM is set-up correctly jumper wise (I.e The jumper is set to MASTER?) And is detected at start-up via the BIOS? DO you have the CD-ROM and HDD on seperate IDE controllers? If not then elect to have the HDD running of IDE 1 and the CD-ROM running off IDE 2. ALso check in the BIOS that both IDE controllers are enabled.

Robocop

I got one IDE cable serving both CD-rom and HD. When installing starting a new system for the first time (No o/s etc), what jumper setting should the CD ROm and HD be set at. Master/slave etc.

I have a Maxtor 10plus 6L080P0 hard disc and a Pioneer DVR-111 DVD-CD writer.

Thanks

Kevin

lightning101

If they are on one cable, the hard drive should be set to MASTER and the CD rom to SLAVE. The Blue end of the IDE cable goes into the IDE0 or primary slot on the motherboard, then the mid point into the hard drive and the final or terminal end into the CDROM.

jpor

iTrader: (1)

Ummm... I would seriously consider having the 2 devices on seperate IDE channels. I didn't think the Shuttle supplied an IDE connector with 2 connections for the IDE 0. Sounds to me your running both the the DVD drive and the HDD off IDE 1 (2nd IDE channel) thus this is why your having an issue with the boot up order. If you do need to have it this way then. The top connector is classed as the MASTER and the Middle Connector (or second one down connector) is classed as the slave connector. So I can imagine that the DVD is on the MASTER connector and the HDD is on the slave connector? If so then this is how you need to jumper your devices accordingly.

Scooby-Doo

Before you go any further you MUST have the hard drive as master and the CD ROM as slave. Make sure you are 100 % on this.

Robocop

Just checked and double checked and def HD = master (IDE black connector) and DVD = slave (grey Connector) as far as jumpers and IDE cable.

jpor

iTrader: (1)

Okay. So the BIOS now reads something like this for your boot up sequence:

First = Floppy (If you have one?)

Second = CD-ROM

Third = HDD0


Also in the BIOS you can definately see the CD-ROM and your HDD listed?

If all looks okay then try booting off the XP CD to start your Installation. If your still getting a "DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER" then I put this down to the XP CD being at fault.

Robocop

Dumb question, be where in the bios am I looking for CD-ROM and HDD?
Tried 2 different XP discs with no joy.
Do I have/need to partition the new HD?
Thanks for your continued help btw.

jpor

iTrader: (1)

I believe you will see this in the first menu option: 'Standard CMOS Features'. In there you should see a list of:

IDE0 MASTER 'device name'
IDE0 SLAVE 'device name'
IDE1 MASTER 'device name'
IDE1 SLAVE 'device name'


If you are not getting anything listed in there then your devices arn't being seen by the PC.

Whats your job again?

lightning101

I was going to try an indian accent like dell do

Robocop

Errrrrr
Nothing there listed.

I'm not in I.T. at all. Car rental. Best stick to that eh
What next boss.

jpor

iTrader: (1)

When you say nothing there listed? You mean that the option in the BIOS is there. But no devices are being listed against IDE0 etc? If that's the case, then you need to re-check the devices are connected up correctly. The IDE cable is plugged in properly onto the motherboard and each device. Power leads are plugged into each device.

Robocop

[quote=jpor]I believe you will see this in the first menu option: 'Standard CMOS Features'. In there you should see a list of:

IDE0 MASTER NONE
IDE0 SLAVE NONE
IDE1 MASTER NONE
IDE1 SLAVE NONE


If you are not getting anything listed in there then your devices arn't being seen by the PC.

I've even tried a different IDE cable. Also got a old HD in it now to try and it does the same nothing.

jpor

iTrader: (1)

[quote=Robocop]Okay another option to look for in the BIOS. IDE channel 1 = ENABLE/DISABLE IDE channel 2 = ENABLE/DISABLE.

Have a look for these. Hopefully it's this that's causing the devices not to be seen. If on DISABLE then set to ENABLE. Once done save BIOS settings nad let the PC reboot.

I take it when you power on the PC, the HDD whirls up and the DVD ROM drive light flashes on and off?

jpor

iTrader: (1)

[quote=jpor]Okay had a proper look in one of my shuttles BIOS seup screens and the options I have for this are:

'Integrated Peripherals':

Then

'Onchip IDE Device':

Then check for these 2 :

Onchip Primary PCI IDE = Enabled

Onchip Secondary PCI IDE = Enabled

Robocop

HHs whirls DVD light flashes etc.
These may help.

jpor

iTrader: (1)

Nice screen shots

Okay that helps.

I have noticed that on screenshot 1 you have SATA mode set to IDE.

Can you disable this? As I think this isn't helping matters.

And on screenshot 4 set 'Boot other device' to disabled.

Robocop

No, In SATA mode choices are " IDE, RAID or AHCI" ????
Changed the 'Boot other device' to disabled.

Same message.

Robocop

Do I need a floppy drive connected up at this point? Tried it with/out but at present not fitted.

jpor

iTrader: (1)

on screenshot 1 option 'On-Chip Serial ATA' can you change this from SATA ONLY to Disabled?

Any chance of any screenshots on how you have your devices connected?