missing os or unformatted active partition

[kathrynbaring]

I have a gateway notebook running windows xp & when I boot up it says 'missing os or unformatted active partition'. What do I need to do to get it fixed? I'm not very computer savvy & prob. need step by step instr. Please help, thanks!

[lostcoast]

Do you have restore Cd's or a Windows install CD that come with the laptop?

Please check your manual that came with the laptop to see if it has a restore function command built in?

please also post the exact model of the gateway laptop? it may be on a sticker located on the bottom of the laptop.

[kathrynbaring]

I don't have the restore cd's, & don't believe there is a restore function command either. The model is 7330GZ (I know, pretty old!) Thanks for your help.

[Broni]

when I boot up it says 'missing os or unformatted active partition'.

...and what happens?

[lostcoast]

well it only runs XP due to driver availability ...got a windows XP install disk?


see if this works:

1# Restart the computer.

2# As the computer restarts, begin pressing the F8 key after the Gateway BIOS logo appears until the Windows Advanced Options Menu screen appears.

3# On the Windows Advanced Options Menu screen, use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Command Prompt, and then press the ENTER key.

4# On the Please select the operating system to start screen, select the Microsoft Windows XP operating system, and then press ENTER.

5# At the login screen, log on as the administrator or a user who has administrator rights.

6# At the command prompt, type: c:\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe. Press ENTER.

Note: If Windows has not been reinstalled, the folder is c:\winnt\system32\restore\rstrui.exe.

7# The graphical user interface (GUI)-based System Restore utility is launched. Follow the instructions on the screen to begin restoring your computer to a previous, functional state.

[kathrynbaring]

No, I don't. After that msg, it says 'press any key to boot floppy'. I read that there is a way to download windows xp setup discs, but its only recommended if the cd/rom drive is not working- which it is because I can run fix it utilities.

[kathrynbaring]

will let you know how that fares out shortly, thanks.

[kathrynbaring]

Didn't work, after pressing F8 I still get the 'missing os...' msg & then a msg 'Reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device & press a key'?

[lostcoast]

I will ask again if you have a windows xp install cd?


thats the boot cd it needs

[kathrynbaring]

Nope. So that's what I'm going to have to obtain in order to fix it, huh?

[lostcoast]

yep

[kathrynbaring]

Thanks for all your help!