[resh]

Ok, so I have a Dell Dimension 9100 that came standard with Windows XP media center edition. I decided to upgrade to Windows Vista 64 Bit, but for gaming reasons, I want to revert back to XP Pro 64 Bit. So as I proceeded to pop in the CD and start the setup, I encountered the following issue while formatting:

Setup was unable to format the partition. The disk may be damaged.

Make sure the drive is switched on and properly connected to your computer. If the disk is a SCSI disk, make sure your SCSI devices are properly terminated. Consult your compurter manual or SCSI adapter documentation for more information.

Has this something to do with drivers? I mention that because in Device manager, there are two unknown devices that have no drivers installed: PCI Input Device, and PCI Modem.

I know I can try and delete the partition fully, but I am afraid of encountering the same problem again and I have only one computer. Any input on this problem would be greatly appreciated.

In device manager, under disk drive, it says it is working properly..

Thanks

resh..

Edited by resh, 28 June 2009 - 08:13 AM.

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Can you open the case? how do all the wires look?

[Ectech]

Can you open the case? how do all the wires look?

[resh]

ok, so you want me to open the case and take a picture of the insides?
i can do that, but whats the rationale behind it?

[Ectech]

ok, so you want me to open the case and take a picture of the insides?
i can do that, but whats the rationale behind it?

The connections inside the computer can become loose overtime. It never hurts to check. Also, cleaning the inside of the machine will ensure the air is flowing correctly inside the case.

Now, run a disk check

:.Chkdsk.:


Press the Windows key, in the search box Type: cmd > right click cmd and choose "run as administrator"

in the open dialogue box type: chkdsk /r > press enter

when asked to schedule the check at startup press Y > hit enter > reboot the machine.

Disk check should correct any errors found on the drive.


Now, the next step is to download any drivers you'll need after you complete the windows xp install.

Drivers can be found here = http://support.dell..../...;l=en&s=gen

[resh]

ok, so i did the wire check and the disk check, and no success. what else could be causing windows setup to say that my hard drive is damaged?