[jim10768]

For some reason (operator error, i'm sure), I cannot get Vista to load in a second partition on my computer. I'm running Windows XP SP2 on the boot partition, AMD 4800+, 2GB RAM, on an A8N32-SLI Deluxe mobo, 250GB SATA II HD partitioned in two equal halves.
Nothing on the second partition but the downloaded Vista files. Have tried loading from the boot partition, expecting to get a question about where to intall - no go, but did get a message about the install being successful.
Also tried loading from the second partition, and again got a message about the install being successful.
If it is there, it is being very shy - cannot tell that anything has changed.
Reboot is standard Windows XP boot sequence.

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where did you get the copy of vista?

[dsenette]

where did you get the copy of vista?

[jim10768]

Downloaded Vista (WinFX) (Feb CTP) straight from Microsoft Vista Developers website.

[admin]

MSDN? Did you format the partition prior to installing? I don't think it prompts you.

[jim10768]

Yes, formatted 2nd partition as NTFS partition. 1st time I ran vista startup, ran it from the boot partition. Got a 'successful install' message. When that didn't result in having even a choice to run Vista at startup, ran vista startup from the 2nd partition. Again, 'successful install', but no Vista.

[admin]

XP installed on the other partition?

[jim10768]

yes, XP on boot partition.

[gerryf]

You loaded the sata2 drivers right (press f6 during setup)?

Were they Vista beta drivers or were they Xp drivers?

[jim10768]

Sata2 drivers have been loaded - the sata2 is the boot drive (that has 2 partitions). The drivers are WinXP drivers. If vista beta drivers are necessary for vista to recognize itself during boot, i'll have to look for them and load them. Any suggestions as to where to find the drivers (i'll look at the microsoft vista site)?

[computerspecialist101]

i believe you have to have the install on a bootable part of the hard drive. it is in the begiining of the drive, not the parition. a second hard drive might help.

[gerryf]

goodness, another thread I lost track of...

Windows Vista like XP can be installed on any partition....windows 9x needed to be at the beginning of a drive, but that is not the case with NT based installs

The sata drivers you would need would likely have to come from the sata controller maker