Computer Won't Load XP: Help Solve Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting a desktop computer that fails to load Windows XP after being moved to a new tower case. Participants explore potential causes for the system not recognizing the operating system, focusing on hardware configurations, BIOS settings, and hard drive functionality.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the computer indicates no operating system, suggesting issues with the primary drive configuration.
  • Several participants inquire whether the same hard drive is being used and if there are multiple drives, with one participant confirming the use of the same drives.
  • Multiple potential causes for the issue are proposed, including incorrect drive settings (master/slave), cable connections, and BIOS configurations.
  • One participant suggests that the BIOS may not allow changing the boot order due to its age, while another mentions that older BIOS versions typically show drive assignments.
  • Concerns are raised about the age of the computer and whether it is suitable for running Windows XP, with some participants questioning the performance on older hardware.
  • Suggestions are made to check physical connections, replace IDE cables, and verify that the hard drive is recognized by the BIOS.
  • Some participants discuss the possibility of using a bootable disk to diagnose or install the operating system, with one mentioning the use of a Dell XP disc.
  • There are mentions of the hard drive being detected as an 8GB drive despite being a 20GB drive, raising questions about partitioning and drive functionality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the potential causes of the issue, with no consensus reached on a definitive solution. Multiple competing theories regarding hardware configuration and BIOS settings remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the inability to change BIOS settings due to the age of the system, uncertainty about the hard drive's actual capacity, and the potential for misconfigured drive settings affecting the boot process.

  • #31
If the cables and other hardware are working, then it would seem to be a problem with bios, or and incompatibility with the motherboard. We've had such a problem where Win2K set up for one machine will just not work in a machine with a different motherboard.

I presume the HD is OEM with OS already installed?
 
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  • #32
Astronuc said:
If the cables and other hardware are working, then it would seem to be a problem with bios, or and incompatibility with the motherboard. We've had such a problem where Win2K set up for one machine will just not work in a machine with a different motherboard.

I presume the HD is OEM with OS already installed?


Yes, you are correct. I was not given the XP disc when i got the computer.
 
  • #33
Any ideas?
 
  • #34
Steve, does the hard drive setting in the BIOS have an option for (Normal,Large,LBA)? If that option changed, none of your data will be recognised. Try set it on other settings if it has them, change it to Large or LBA and see if that fixes it.
 
  • #35
verty said:
Steve, does the hard drive setting in the BIOS have an option for (Normal,Large,LBA)? If that option changed, none of your data will be recognised. Try set it on other settings if it has them, change it to Large or LBA and see if that fixes it.

There is none it says "performace" or "compatibility"
 
  • #36
Too many possible reasons . Have you connected everything properly, check that the connectors are pushed fully home and check to see if dust has entered one of the small holes on the the connector.

You could have damaged your hard drive or cable , so try a different hard drive or cable or try yours in another pc.

your boot order could be wrong and its trying to boot from maybe your cd.

Go into dos using a boot disk , find the drive and use the dir command to see if a directory of the files on the disk comes up, if they do then i would say its your boot order or the drive is connected to the wrong connection.
 
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  • #37
Here's an idea: find a smart friend who knows much about pc hardware and get him or her to diagnose the problem. Obviously it's very difficult to do it online.
 
  • #38
I did. My friends dad is very knowledgeable about computers and the DOS system. He said that he didnt know how to fix it. there's no boot order, i can't change it, none shows up...anywhere
 
  • #39
In the end if you have only switched cases the boot order shouldn't matter as you should have re-connected everything to the same connections. So you have to asume either you've not connected something correctly or the Data on the hard drive has become corrupt or youve broken something
The first one is quick and simple to check by disconnecting all the power and data leads one at a time and reconnecting again.
The second requires re-installing windows allowing it to reformat before installation if youdont mind losing files .
And the third one requires if possible switching items from one computer to another to track down the broken part or problem.

And there will be a , Boot Sequence, First Boot Device,Boot Order Boot Management or boot something in the bios somewhere.
But you shouldn't need it if youve recoonected everything how it came out of the old case
 
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  • #40
As i said i don't have the XP disc because it was OEM... I wouldn't mind reinstalling at all because i have nothing on it. there's no bios on the start up.
 
  • #41
There is a bios , your just not pressing the correct key for your mother board.
Honest steve, so your not one of these people who download dodgy copies of windows , good for you . Havent you got a copy of millenium 0r 98 or something.
 
  • #42
well i have XP but its for dell and it came with the dell i bought. Idk how to get to the bios then...
 
  • #43
Hey just wanted to let everyone know that it works now! I would like to express my gratitude towards everyone who helped out in this thread. I could not have figured it out without you. It turns out the jumpers were incorrect and the motherboard was grounded to the case because the previous case had built in spacers. Once i fixed this a BIOS came up and i was able to set the correct paramiters. Again, an extended thanks to everyone!
 
  • #44
Thank you for the thanks! Lots of us jump in here, with little feedback, and it's nice to know when something worked.
 
  • #45
Yeah i know sorry about the lack of feedback. I was trying frantically to get time to fix it while taking 3 A.P's and Honors Physics. That was insane. To top it all of work 8 hours on Saturday. I really only had Sunday to work and i was tired understandibly. But Again it worked and thanks again!
 

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