Computer tells me that I have a 3 1/2 " "a" drive, but I don't.

[lottsm]

It says that it's working properly, too.     It's an XP system.  Any ideas?

[BC_Programmer]

If the BIOS reports there is a floppy drive, then the OS doesn't argue.


Disable the floppy drive in the BIOS.

[lottsm]

Hmm...the systems said to hit delete upon startup to enter setup; I did and see:

"MediaShield ROM BIOS 6.70
Copyright  (C)  2006 NVIDIA Corp.

Detecting array ..."

The background is that my hard drive crashed, so I installed a new one.  In trying to install the motherboard, the software prompted me to put a floppy into the a drive, which I couldn't do (I did buy an external floppy in order to get around this, but no luck in making it become the "a" drive.)  I canceled the installation of the motherboard and have been working on this thing for days (three installations of XP and other software). At least I can access the Internet on it now.

I saw something regarding a RAID array in searching for how to fix this; I don't know what that is, but I believe that it has to do with multiple hard drives; I only have one.

Edit...
It just keeps getting better.  I tried to restart the computer and now it won't boot; I even tried safe mode when prompted.  I have one SATA hard drive in the system and one DVD drive, if that helps.  I tried to boot with the XP CD, but when I typed "1" for the installation that I wanted to repair, nothing happened, so I pressed "Enter" and was given a "C" prompt.  This is getting ridiculous; I have surely spent more than twenty four hours trying to get this computer working.

[BC_Programmer]

Windows XP doesn't have out of the box support for SATA drives. It also requires that you either have a floppy disk (and a drive) with the SATA drivers on it, an XP disc with the SATA drivers slipstreamed onto it during the installation, or you can set the SATA/RAID mode to "Compatible" or "IDE". in the BIOS. the last choice is the easiest.

[Computer_Commando]

Tell us the make & model of computer, which will indicate what BIOS is in use.  Do you know how to enter the BIOS (CMOS Setup)?  Probably DEL-key, but could be F1, F10 or others.
Changing the BIOS settings for FDD & HDD should clear up most of the problems.

[lottsm]

I put this computer together myself.  I cannot enter the BIOS; the computer won't go past that "Detecting array..." screen.  The motherboard is an ASUS p5N-E SLI.  At this point, I am thinking about wiping the hard drive for the fourth time and starting over yet again.

I can't afford to take this computer anywhere to be fixed by a professional; I have a master's degree, but don't earn much money.  After paying child support, the mortgage, etc, I generally end each month with less than $100.00.

[BC_Programmer]

Disconnect the drive, that should let you get into the CMOS settup to disable the various RAID options that somehow got enabled.
Alternatively, reset the CMOS using the MB jumper and see if you can get in then.

[lottsm]

Well, here's the latest:

I disconnected the hard disk, then booted twice.  I then reconnected it and booted numerous times, each time hitting "Delete" when prompted to enter setup.  After about seven unsuccessful tries, it finally entered setup and I was able to disable the floppy.  I then turned off the machine and booted several times, seeing the same "Windows failed to boot" -type message.  I tried the last configuration that worked, and it finally booted into Windows. 

Now, of course, I don't trust the system and expect it to fail to boot the next time I try, but I will enjoy it while it lasts.  I imagine that having a regular computer that works reliably is quite nice; I hate being poor.

Thanks for the suggestions guys; I appreciate your efforts.  Take care.

Shelton

[lottsm]

As I feared, it won't boot after I shut it down.  I give up; it will be a paperweight for a few years.  Time and money down the drain.

[BC_Programmer]

Have you tried resetting the CMOS?

[jason2074]

Manual guide for ASUS p5N-E SLI --> http://www.manualnguide.com/dl/797/
Managing and Updating BIOS section

[Computer_Commando]

As I feared, it won't boot after I shut it down.  I give up; it will be a paperweight for a few years.  Time and money down the drain.

p 2-33 of Manual - NVRAID Configuration
Set "RAID Enable" to Disabled


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