Issue with Hard Drive

[guestolo]

Did you just add this stick?
Can you remove it, ensure it's clean and replace it

[Lilith]

It's clean, and I stuck it back in....somehow I don't think the ram is really the problem...but who knows. http://images.thetechguide.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif\' class=\'bbc_emoticon\' alt=\'\' />

[guestolo]

We could run a Memory test,
It takes awhile
But first, can you ensure that the CD Rom is attached
Enter the bios and set it to first boot device
Put your XP cd into the drive
Save the changes and allow the computer to start up
If it doesn't detect the CD at first start, try restarting again and see if it detects the CD

[Lilith]

It'll detect the cd....but it won't let me re-install, or repair windows....nor can I get into windows...

[guestolo]

Is this a full version XP that came with the computer?
What make and model of computer is this?

Have you recently installed new hardware, such as the memory or harddrive?

[Lilith]

It's a custom built machine, I told him how to hook it all up and he built it. He's only had it about a week and yes it's a full version of windows he purchased.

[Lilith]

Motherboard: Intel D945PWM
Processor: Intel Pentium D 840 3.2gGHz DT 800FSB Socket 775
RAM: 1gb DDR2 PC3200
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 5500
Hard Drive: 160gb SATA

[guestolo]

OIC, that explains it

You can try and clear the CMOS, look at the manual for motherboard for direction
You can try and run Memtest86 and see if the ram is at fault
http://www.memtest86.com/

Here's a checklist from Hal9000 from another forum

1) Remove EVERYTHING from the case
2) Set the motherboard on a non conductive surface. The motherboard box is perfect for this. .DO NOT PLACE THE MOTHERBOARD ON THE STATIC BAG! It can acually conduct electricity! We are going to try and assemble a running system outside of the case.
3) Install the CPU and heat sink.
4) Install the RAM (only install 1 stick for SDRAM, 2 for RDRAM)
5) Install the video card
6) Connect the monitor to the video card.
7) Connect the power supply to the motherboard.
Connect power to the power supply
9) Do NOT connect ANYTHING else. Make sure you have the power connector on the CPU fan connected.
10) Use a small screwdriver to momentarily short the power switch connector on the motherboard.

[Lilith]

I'll try and find out how to clear the CMOS...then post what happens.

His mobo didn't come with a manual... http://images.thetechguide.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif\' class=\'bbc_emoticon\' alt=\':blink:\' />

[guestolo]

Try pulling the battery out of the motherboard
Leave it out for 15 minutes
Then replace it
Enter the bios>>is the Harddrive detected?

Does this motherboard have onboard video?

[Lilith]

I tried clearing the CMOS by popping out the batt, though I only left it out for like 10 secs like I did when I overclocked mine a  bit too far. I'll try leaving it out for 15 mins then post back with what I find.

[Lilith]

There's no onboard video.

[Lilith]

The HD was recognized before...and now it isn't.

[guestolo]

I don't know what bios version you have
But go here and ensure Sata is enabled
http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_sata_second_boot.shtml

[Lilith]

I have BIOS ver. SN94510J.86A.0057.2005.1206.1043

[Lilith]

The BIOS looks nothing like the ones depicted on the page you told me to look at...

[guestolo]

Well, your going have to search around in the bios for settings somewhat identical
I can't do it on my end
I  only gave you a link to that page as a reference

[Lilith]

I'll see if I can find it.

[Lilith]

Ok there is NOTHING like that in the BIOS on this mobo.

[guestolo]

Which harddrive do you have
Is it set to Master?
I may have to direct you to a hardware forum
They will have more resources to help track your problems