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Justin55

updated

20 years ago

J

Justin55

2 Posts

0

5649

June 20th, 2006 12:00

Windows XP installation does not recognize my hard drive

First off, I have a Dimension 8400.
 
I have what I believe to be a faulty hard drive.  This began by getting a blue screen error stating "Unmountable boot volume".
 
I have replaced the original drive with a Western Digital 250GB internal hard drive (Serial - SATA).
The bios recognizes both hard drives.  My Western Digital tools disk recognizes both drives and appears to successfully set up the new drive as a boot volume.
 
However, when booting up to a Windows XP CD, whether I choose R to recover or for a fresh installation, it tells me it does not detect a hard disk.
 
I am from the "old world" of IDE hard drives.  Am I getting this message because I must do something special with Serial drives?
 
Thanks in advance for the help!
  • MG

    Mary G

    6 Operator

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    20095 Posts

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    Posted June 20th, 2006 13:00

    Yes you must follow the special directions during installation to recognize sata drives. Here are complete directions: http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm#Install
    Specific directions for 8400: http://www.djdenham.com/8400%20Special.htm
  • J

    Justin55

    2 Posts

    300

    0

    Posted June 20th, 2006 13:00

    You are both exactly correct.

    I will take a look through all of the resources mentioned.  Thank you so much for your help!

  • M

    msgale

    2 Intern

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    2507 Posts

    300

    0

    Posted June 20th, 2006 13:00

    I am assuming that you never were able to install Windows XP on the SATA drive.  I believe that you must load drivers for SATA drives before you can install the OS,  Search the DELL forums SATA drive installation or something for something like that. 

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