[Ste]

Hello, I recently bought a second hand computer which was described as ‘Asking for a boot disk’ I don’t have much technical knowledge regarding computers but I have installed operating systems a few times so I took a chance as it wasn’t too expensive and I thought I might learn something along the way. Unfortunately Parcel Force weren’t too kind to the packages and the jumper connections from the switch to the main board had disconnected. (Can you tell me how to identify the main board In order that I can search for diagrams?)
Though I am not sure if the jumpers are connected correctly I have got the system to turn on but the confusion comes when trying to install Windows. I had better mention that I am unsure if the main board is suitable for XP it looks a bit on the pathetic side when I compare it to my other system. ( I also have Windows 98 & ME if you think these would be better options to try).
On attempting to boot with the boot disk (I have used ‘Madboot’)
it tells me that there is no hard drive installed. When I boot with the CD Rom drive with the XP disk I get the Windows setup/agree to license and then- choose partition= C: Partition 1 [NTFS] 19085MB/18599MB free. (Also unpartitioned space 8MB) It therefore recognizes the hard drive and I have been able to format it though it does say that there is another operating system on the same partition, (even after formatting a second time). Windows copies files to an installation folder and then says ‘Please wait while Windows initializes the setup’. It then reboots and the whole procedure begins again without actually installing Windows.
I am also open to suggestions regarding replacing the main board and another compatible hard drive if you could suggest something that won’t cost the earth but is defiantly suitable for XP.
If I can make it work I will be giving it to my daughter so I am under a little pressure.

[Advertisements]

Hi,

Do you know the name brand and model number of the computer? You could then go to the manufactuares website and download a manual and find the correct jumper positions.

I would also reseat the memory. memory problems are a leading cause of os install failure or it could also be a bad drive.

I have (just to see if it would work) installed xp on a computer with a 355mhz processor and 64mb of ram and it worked, infact it worked slow but reasonable well, so unless the specs are lower than this it should atleast install.

If you could list the brand,model number or specs maybe I could offer more help regarding the mainboard or just to get the thing running

Rick

[Doby]

Hi,

Do you know the name brand and model number of the computer? You could then go to the manufactuares website and download a manual and find the correct jumper positions.

I would also reseat the memory. memory problems are a leading cause of os install failure or it could also be a bad drive.

I have (just to see if it would work) installed xp on a computer with a 355mhz processor and 64mb of ram and it worked, infact it worked slow but reasonable well, so unless the specs are lower than this it should atleast install.

If you could list the brand,model number or specs maybe I could offer more help regarding the mainboard or just to get the thing running

Rick

[Ste]

Hi, thanks Rick for the reply. I've had limited time to do much different as yet. I did reseat the memory but as for the brand and model number of the computer I can't find any clues, if you can suggest where to look I'll have another look. It does say 'Microststar Computer', I have emailed them but no reply. Not much to go at on their home page only 'Enter' then a log in. I think I'll have to hope it is the hard drive for now, I have bought another 40gb used one. I'll probably receive it in the next few days and see if it makes the difference. I suppose another main board will be next. I'll post back to say if I get anywhere but if you have any other suggestions?

Steve.

[Doby]

Microstar is MSI for Microstar international so it must be a msi mother board.
Good brand by the way

MSI

Look for a bar code sticker on one of the pci slots and see if it has some letters and numbers they may be a model number.

Goto the link above and on the left click on serial number and part number, I don't know how much it will help because it says the sticker is on the botoom side of the mobo.

Rick

[Ste]

Hi Rick, meant to get back before now. The new drive solved the problem. I have installed Windows and it seems to be working fine, for now. I have trouble with my main computer now so I'll have to start another topic. Thanks.

Steve.

[Doby]

Hi Steve, glad you got it fixed I'll be sure to checkout your new thread.

Rick