[rshaffer61]

OK lets move to another area then. The reason it is looking at the nic is because it can't find the boot sector on the HD. Therefor lets check the HD for problems.
Run hard drive diagnostics: http://www.tacktech....ay.cfm?ttid=287
Make sure, you select tool, which is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive.
Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.
If downloaded file is of .iso type, use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn .iso file to a CD (select "Write image file to disc" option), and make the CD bootable.

NOTE. If your hard drive is made by Toshiba, unfortunately, you're out of luck, because Toshiba doesn't provide any diagnostic tool.

Thanks to Broni for the instructions

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I have a Hitachi Travelstar which doesnt support....Any other suggestions?


i dont think i have anything important on the computer....is it possible to reinstall with Windows XP or Linux?

[R_k1000]

I have a Hitachi Travelstar which doesnt support....Any other suggestions?


i dont think i have anything important on the computer....is it possible to reinstall with Windows XP or Linux?

[rshaffer61]

You can attempt a Repair Installation which in normal scenarios will not lose any data but replace or fix any OS files. You may have to do updates again but hopefully the system will boot correctly.
You can go to HERE to read the tutorial by one of the members here on how to do a Fresh Install or Repair Installation of you OS.

[R_k1000]

When i put cd to 1st boot and the Window XP cd in all it says it no bootable device....

[rshaffer61]

You have to make sure the cdrom is the first boot device in the bios.
To change Boot Sequence in your BIOS
Reboot the system and at the first post screen (where it is counting up memory) start tapping the DEL button
This will enter you into the Bios\Cmos area.
Find the Advanced area and click Enter
Look for Boot Sequence or Boot Options and highlight that click Enter
Now highlight the first drive and follow the directions on the bottom of the screen on how to modify it and change it to CDrom.
Change the second drive to the C or Main Drive
Once that is done then click F10 to Save and Exit
You will prompted to enter Y to verify Save and Exit. Click Y and the system will now reboot with the new settings.

Hopefully you have already put the XP cd in the drive before all this. If everything is setup correctly you will get a black screen with the following message in the upper left corner:
"Push Any Key To Boot To Cd". When you see this then push any key and the cd will take over. Then follow the prompts or if you need assistance we will help.

[R_k1000]

All it says is missing operating system...

or a flashing _ sign??

Edited by R_k1000, 25 March 2010 - 09:39 AM.

[rshaffer61]

Is your XP installation cd Genuine or is it a copy?
Is it a full version or upgrade?
Is it a Recovery cd?
Is the bios setup for the cdrom being the first boot device?
The message you are getting indicates it is not booting to the cdrom.

Edited by rshaffer61, 25 March 2010 - 09:48 AM.

[R_k1000]

Its a copy....can i install linux ubuntu instead?

[rshaffer61]

Yep you can install Ubuntu I guess but you will most likely lose all your data.
Copies rarely work and that is probably the issue here.
Where is your original installation disk?

[R_k1000]

It was my brother's old laptop and he has misplaced it (typical of him!). How would i go about installing Ubuntu....just downloading it and burning it to a cd? then setting bios to boot cd first?

Tried doing it through a USB stick and cd but it say Missing operating system.

Edited by R_k1000, 25 March 2010 - 10:32 AM.

[rshaffer61]

Yes most Linux distros are started as a live cd and oyu install it to the hd from that.
Being a laptop you could probably contact the manufacturer and they can sell you the original recovery cd or cd's for about 30 to 50 USD.

Edited by rshaffer61, 25 March 2010 - 11:04 AM.

[R_k1000]

Tried doing it through a USB stick and cd but it say Missing operating system.

[rshaffer61]

Is your system capable of booting from a usb device?
If you burn it to a cd then it should work

[R_k1000]

Installed Ubuntu and all my files are still there! I guess i can use this until i can get hold an original XP CD. I guess this means that all my hardware is ok...but there is a windows fault somewhere.


Big thank you for all you help it's very much appreciated.

[rshaffer61]

OK that is great to hear. When you get the XP cd let us know and we can five you the instructions for doing a repair installation.