Re: Message when trying to reformat

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Del wrote:
I am trying to reformat my fairly new computer. This computer has 2 hard drives, C: and D:. My last computer had only one disk drive and I would reformat it by putting the XP disk into the machine and restaring. This worked well. With this new machine however, I got to the point where I am asked the 3 questions which I think are: do I want to setup XP, repair XP or exit without doing anything. I go to the 1st option but then instead of going through the usual procedures I get the following message:

Set up did not find any hard disk drives installed on yoru computer.
Make sure any hard disks are powered on and connected to your computer and that any disk related hardward configuration is correct. This may involve running a manufacturer supplied diagnostic or set-up program.
Setup cannot continue.

This computer was build instore as opposed to being a brand machine. I have taken it back to where it was purchased but all they did was reformat it for me and this of course hasn't fixed the problem. I feel they have not set it up correctly. Would anyone have any idea if this is something I can sort out for myself. I don't know too much about computers but have enough common sense to follow instruction!

Many Thanks Del


It may be that WinXP doesn't have a good driver for the IDE/SATA controller built-in. Very early in the boot process, just after having booted from the WinXP CD, the screen will display the words to the effect: "Setup is examining your system." Press <F6> when this happens, and have the *manufacturer's* WinXP-specific drivers for your IDE/SATA controller available on a floppy disk.


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