[LSZ]

When I start up my computer regularly it just reboots itself before even getting to any Windows screen.

So I put in my Windows disks in hopes of running a chkdsk in the recovery system but after I press "r", it gives me the "hard disk not found" error. I can't go into windows at all, no safe mode or anything. I also haven't messed with the wiring or BIOS settings or anything of the sort.

Any advice?

I have quite a bit of data on the hd so I would prefer to not just format but then again, it's not letting me do that either.

The only disks I have are the Windows (XP Media Center) set up disks. If I need new drivers or something then where could I get them and can I even get them on if no hard disk is being detected? I also DON'T have a floppy disk drive on this computer.

Windows XP
WD2500JS SATA 250GB 7200 RPM
Pentium D two core 3.0ghz
Intel Q965GFEKR Mainboard

Apologies if something like this has been posted already. I've never had to deal with hard drive issues on any PC of mine so this is all new to me. I'm also not too well versed with checking/changing BIOS settings.

I still have my warranty for this PC but I'm hoping for some suggestions first.

[biagrin]

is the drive listed in the BIOS?

you can just enter the bios and then leave without changing anything so dont worry too much

[LSZ]

Yep it's listed there.

Advanced --> Drive Configuration --> it's listed there under SATA Port 4

It's there under Boot --> Hard Drive Order as well.

Also this PC has been working well until now so it wasn't just built or upgraded or anything. I am currently on a different older computer right now since I can't do anything on that one.

[JohnWill]

Remember that you have to load the SATA drivers for many SATA controllers during the boot of the XP CD using F6, or that's the error you get. They also MUST be on a floppy drive for XP.

[LSZ]

Originally Posted by JohnWill

Remember that you have to load the SATA drivers for many SATA controllers during the boot of the XP CD using F6, or that's the error you get. They also MUST be on a floppy drive for XP.

I don't have a floppy drive in that PC though. And I did try the F6 with the Windows setup disk alone but there were no drivers to choose from.

[biagrin]

its possible that it could be the SATA drivers then. If it is then your going to have trouble as you will need a floppy. Ill see what i can find out

edit: sorry i was a bit late posting that - i notice the same answer has been given already.

[LSZ]

One other suggestion I've read was burning UBCD program to a cd and booting with that disk to run some HD diagnostics.

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ reading up on it now

[onelovekir]

hi i was wondering if the ultimate boot cd worked for u cuz im having the exact same problem

[LSZ]

The disk worked in that it allowed me to run some things but it turned out that my hard drive was bad anyways so I had to get it replaced.