infected laptop?

[Dr Jay]

Ok. Cool.

Boot from the Windows XP CD, press the "R" key in the setup in order to start the Recovery Console.

Select your Windows XP installation from the list (usually 1). It will prompt for an administrator password. The password is probably blank, so just hit enter.

Enter the command: fixmbr at the input prompt and confirm the next question with a Y.

It should then reboot the computer. If it does not, then type exit.

Boot back in to the Normal XP. Let me know if this works.

[bklyn]

no good. i get this error message:

Setup didn't find any hard disk devices installed in your computer.

Make sure any hard disk drives are powered on and properly connected to your computer, and that any disk-related hardware configuration is correct. This may involve running a manufacturer-supplied diagnostic or setup program.

Setup cannot continue. To quit Setup, press F3.

[Dr Jay]

Want to do a data-safe repair install?

[bklyn]

sure, if that'll help. i'm up for anything right now.

[Dr Jay]

Do you have an XP disc?

[bklyn]

all i have is the one supplied with the laptop.
it's labeled "Operating System CD". Microsoft Windoes XP Home SP1a.

[bklyn]

you there?

[Dr Jay]

http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[bklyn]

ok, i tried the instructions from the link and still nothing. i even bought a new hard drive, thinking mine had crashed. getting the same message:

Setup didn't find any hard disk devices installed in your computer.

Make sure any hard disk drives are powered on and properly connected to your computer, and that any disk-related hardware configuration is correct. This may involve running a manufacturer-supplied diagnostic or setup program.

Setup cannot continue. To quit Setup, press F3.

[Dr Jay]

Reboot your computer.

Boot from the windows XP CD, press the "R" key in the setup in order to start the Recovery Console.

Select your windows XP installation from the list (usually 1). It will prompt for an administrator password. The password is probably blank, so just hit enter.

Enter the command: fixmbr at the input prompt and confirm the next question with a Y.

It should then reboot the computer. If it does not, then type exit.

Boot back in to the Normal XP.

[bklyn]

no good. i get that same message no matter which option i pick.

[Dr Jay]

I have reached my extent of expertise. I would advise to post a new topic in this forum asking for help: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/board,50.0.html

Tell them you need to reinstall Windows XP, or fix the MBR, but get error messages while attempting it.