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scrumbleyj

1 Message

2711

June 20th, 2007 10:00

Problem installing Windows XP Pro SP2 on Dell Latitude CPi

I tried to format and install Windows XP Pro SP2 because when I got it, it had Windows ME. It got to the point to where the system has to restart, and then it couldnt see the HDD. It said "Windows did not detect any hard drives installed on this computer" in the window that popped up, then the setup stopped. And now I am left with a nonworking laptop. I read about getting a SATA driver and putting it on a floppy, but not only could i not find any SATA drivers for a Dell Latitude CPi, but I don't have a floppy drive, just a cd drive, which will have the Windows XP cd in it. What can I do to remedy this problem? I really need help, because I need this laptop for work. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

dunedin

2.7K Posts

June 20th, 2007 12:00

scrumbleyj :smileyhappy:
 
The easiest solution is to simply go into your bios. Under SATA and disable the RAID feature,
 

jackshack

6.4K Posts

June 20th, 2007 14:00

I'm afraid that there must be another problem.  SATA was still a dream for desktops at the time this laptop was made.  If you have the diagnostics you should run the extended test of the hard drive to make sure it is still ok.  You should also go to bios setup to make sure that the drive is still reported in the bios.  I believe this is Fn and F1 at the same time for this machine.  If it turns out you need to replace the drive you will need to look for one that is less than 60 GB in size.  I don't think the bios will handle anything larger.
 
Once you get the drive you need to boot the Win XP CD.  Go to bios setup, choose CD ROM drive for the first boot device.  Once you get to setup make sure you delete the largest partition on the drive, create a new one in its place, and format it.  Setup should take care of the remainder of the work.
 
Win XP should have native drivers for most of the hardware on this machine, so you probably won't need to worry about a chipset driver.  The drivers Dell thinks you might need are here:
 
Good luck!
 
 

bobfast

4 Posts

July 19th, 2007 11:00

Dude, SATA didn't exist when your laptop was built. You have an IDE hard drive.

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