XP won't boot from HDD

[zookpr71]

I have just built a new computer and cannot get it to boot from the HDD, I've checked the CMOS, BIOS, and I've followed instructions on fixing the bootcfg. Any ideas?

[Mulreay]

Try here mate.
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-6031733.html

[Aegis]

What kind of error(s) do you get when you try to boot?

[zookpr71]

What kind of error(s) do you get when you try to boot?

I get the Boot Disk Error message. I reformatted the hard drive, then did a fresh install and am still having the same problem, it boots from the DVD, but not the HDD.

[patio]

SATA...IDE...new or used drive ? ?
You haven't given us much to go in...
I'd try a clean install allover.

[zookpr71]

SATA...IDE...new or used drive ? ?
You haven't given us much to go in...
I'd try a clean install allover.

New IDE drive, 20 GB installed on a Gigabyte G31M-ES2L with a Pentium 4 Dual Core. DVD is hooked to SATA

[patio]

1st try the re-install.
2nd i would try a brand new ribbon cable with the drive at the end connector jumpered as master.

                 
Not all drives are the same so check the diagram.

Cable sequence:

MB================================Slave==========Master.

If this still gets you no where try it the same as above on the secondary channel on the MBoard.

If still no joy joy i'm afraid the drive may be toast...

[zookpr71]

1st try the re-install.
2nd i would try a brand new ribbon cable with the drive at the end connector jumpered as master.

                 
Not all drives are the same so check the diagram.

Cable sequence:

MB================================Slave==========Master.

If this still gets you no where try it the same as above on the secondary channel on the MBoard.

If still no joy joy i'm afraid the drive may be toast...

I'm on my third install, and 2nd new cable. I would agree that the HDD might be fired, but it works fine as long as I boot from the install disk. I can boot from install, remove it and the C: works.

[patio]

Where did this copy of Windows come from ? ?

[zookpr71]

First install was with a copy I had from an older computer (legitimate copy) second and third, I borrowed a friends copy (legitimate) on the off chance that had something to do with it.

[zookpr71]

Thanks for all the help, but I got it working. I wish I could tell you exactly what I did that made it work, but I'm not sure myself. I cleared the CMOS by removing the battery (everything unplugged) plugged everything back up, set the BIOS for optimized default, I plugged a slave drive into the IDE, and rebooted. Everything worked and still seems to be working.

This was my first build so I've learned a lot. Thanks for the help and all of the suggestions.

[squall_01]

something probably wasnt connected firmly then.  You'll find that you may want a bigger drive, I have 2k on one like that an its rather limited.