Windows XP WILL NOT boot up.

[durango992007]

As the title says, Windows XP on my machine will not boot up.  It gets stuck on the screen where it has the "window" and the little sliding bar below it and just freezes there.  I am not sure what to do.  I also cannot boot into safe mode, everytime I try to, I get a blue screen.

One thing I should throw out there, I was going to play Unreal Tournament 2004, I got the game going into the level, then my comp froze, and then rebooted itself, but would not boot into Windows.  It froze on the screen I stated above.

I'm hoping you guys can help me withthis problem, and I'm hoping that it is not to serious of an issue.  Thanks a lot everyone!

[dahlarbear]

1.  Last known good configuration.  If you've been unable to successfully log in since the problem occurred; try to boot using the "Last known good configuration" option of the Windows Advanced Options menu.

2.  Windows Advanced Options Menu.  Use the F8 function key during system startup to access the menu.  Tap the F8 key once or twice per second as you startup the computer (or immediately after POST completes and screen flashes black prior to displaying Windows XP logo with its processing bar display).

3.  Disable Auto Restart.  From the Windows Advanced Options menu, use the up/down arrow keys to select the "Disable automatic restart on system failure" and hit Enter.

This item became available with the release of Service Pack 2.  It is not on the Windows Advanced Options menu of Service Pack 1.

4.  Blue Screen of Death.  Hopefully the machine will stop on a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).  Record and post back with the "exact" error message text and/or numbers plus any offending software module it might name.

5.  Resources.  What recovery resources do you have:
     a.  Vendor supplied recovery/restore partition on bootable hard drive
     b.  Vendor supplied recovery/restore CDs (or user made)
     c.  OEM Windows XP Install CD
     d.  Retail Windows XP Install CD (full or upgrade)

[Allan]

What is the exact blue screen error you get when you try to boot to safe mode?

[durango992007]

I've tried booting into the last known good config. and nothing happened, just going to the Windows XP booting screen then freezes.  I also tried turning off auto restart in hopes of getting a BSOD and received nothing.  I think I do have the above mentioned CD's, I will take a look.

I did not get the BSOD message when I try to boot into safe mode, but I will go and get it now and then get back on here fairly quickly.

[durango992007]

OK, sorry for the double post, but here is the exact message I get on the blue screen when I try to boot into safe mode:

A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.

If this is the first time you've seen this Stop error screen, restart your computer.  If this screen appears again, follow these steps:

Check for viruses on your computer.  Remove any newly installed hard drives or hard drive controllers.  Check your hard drive to make sure it is properly configured and terminated.  Run CHKDSK /F to check for hard drive corruption, and then restart your computer.

Technical Information:
*** STOP: 0X0000007B (0XF789E524, 0XC0000034, 0X00000000, 0X00000000)


I have not installed any new hard drives, or hard drive controllers.  In fact, I have not installed any new hardware on my computer.

[durango992007]

Sorry for the triple post, but just a little something.  I found the OEM (Dell) Windows XP reinstallation CD.  I'm not sure if this can help me for trying to solve it, or if I should just do a complete reinstall of Windows.  If it would be easier to just do a complete reinstall of it, I'm going to need some help with that also haha.

Thanks again guys, always a lot of help.

[patio]

If you use the OEM CD to restore the system you will lose all of your data and any programs installed after you got the machine...
It will take the machine back to Day One status...

If there's no problem with this then by all means proceed...

[dahlarbear]

1.  Recovery Console.  If your Windows XP CD supports Recovery Console, it should appear as an option on the "Welcome to Setup" screen.  Screen should appear as follows:

Windows XP Home Edition Setup

    Welcome to Setup.

        This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft(R)
        Windows(R) XP to run on your computer.

            o  To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.

            o  To repair a Windows XP installation using
                Recovery Console, press R.

            o  To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

Boot to the Recovery Console from the CD.  You'll be asked to enter the "number" of the Windows installation you wish to repair (usually "1"), then the "Administrator" password, if one was set.  If you never assigned a password, just hit "Enter" key.

Use the "chkdsk" command to verify/fix the integrity of your file system(s).  Verify the drive letters for each of your disk partitions (one at a time).  The syntax to use is "chkdsk <drive:> /p /r" where "<drive:>" represents the logical drive letter you wish to check (e.g. "chkdsk c: /p /r").

Depending upon the size of your partitions, these checks could take a long time.  Let them run to completion without interruption.  The chkdsk utility was not designed to be interrupted.  Doing so might corrupt the file system.

Use the "map" command first to see which drive letter is associated with each partition.  It's not necessarily the same as a normal boot.  Syntax to use is just "map".

See:  Recovery Console Commands.

2.  Hard Drives.
     a.  How many hard drives are in the system?
     b.  How many partitions on the boot hard drive?
     c.  How do drives interface to motherboard (IDE or SATA)?
     d.  Have you changed any BIOS settings recently?

[Allan]

As suggested above, the first thing you should try is to boot to the Recovery Console and run chkdsk /r
Here is what MS has to say about that error (please note, they mention boot sector viruses as a possible cause, but that is an EXTREMELY rare possibility).

[Johns]

Try updating your version of BIOS. I`m sure it will fix the problem.

[Allan]

Try updating your version of BIOS. I`m sure it will fix the problem.

And why are you sure of that?

[Johns]

And why are you sure of that?

Because I had the same problem a month ago and my bios was corrupted.

[Allan]

Because I had the same problem a month ago and my bios was corrupted.

Ignore this guy.

[durango992007]

So, how am I supposed to get to the setup screen when I put the reinstallation disc?  I cannot figure out what to do with it.

Also, if I do decide to do a complete reinstallation of Windows, how do I go about uninstalling it and then reinstalling it?

I'm hoping to go by the first solution, but if it comes down to having to do a complete reinstall, I won't have a problem with it.

[Allan]

I didn't say anything about a reinstallation disc. You need to boot to an XP CD.

[durango992007]

I know you didn't say anything about a reinstallation CD, the other guy did saying that there could possibly be a setup deal on there to do a chkdsk run.  I don't think I have an XP CD to boot to or from.  And if I do, I'm gonna have to go on a hunt to find it, but to my knowledge, I don't think I recieved one.

[Allan]

Okay. Download the Recovery Console .iso from the link below. Burn it to CD using software that burns .iso images. Then boot to the cd. It will take you to the recovery console and you can run chkdsk /r
http://forums.pcpitstop.com/index.php?showtopic=150212

[durango992007]

OK, so after I get it burned onto the CD, should it just run as soon as I power up the computer, or do I have to do something else, or press something for it to start the program?

[Allan]

You need to make sure the cd is at the top of the boot order in bios. Then boot to the cd.

[durango992007]

OK, it got going, started going through a bunch of different things, then it went to the blue screen.

The normal bit up top, saying it stopped the computer because it didnt want to cause any damage.

Check to be sure you have adequate disk space.  If a driver is identified in the stop message, disable to driver or check with the manufacturer for driver updates.  Try changing video adapters.

Check with your hardware vendor for any BIOS updates.  Disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing.  If you need to use Safe Mode to remove or disable components, restart your computer, pree F8 to select Advanced Startup options, and then select Safe Mode.

Technical Information:
*** STOP 0x0000007E (0xC0000005, 0xF748E0BF, 0xF78DA208, 0xF78D9F08)

***                         pci.sys - Address F748E0BF base at F7487000, Datestamp 3b7d855c

As stated before, I can't get into Safe Mode because I get the BSOD, with the message on the first page.  Is there something I am not doing right when the program starts up?

And Allan, I greatly appreciate the help you are giving me.  Thank you very much!

[Allan]

Are you sure you booted to the cd? You should not see any of that - it should boot directly to the Recovery Console.

[durango992007]

Well, basically the screen was blue, that says, "Windows Setup", then down at the bottom of the screen it says, "Setup is loading files", and it starts going through different files right next to the setup.

Also, before all this happens, it says to "Press any key to boot from CD", so I'm hoping/guessing it is booting from the CD.

[Allan]

The only other thing I can think of is to go to the website of the manufacturer of your hd and download and run their hd diagnostic utility. It won't fix your problem (you need to get to the recovery console or do a repair install to fix the pci.sys error), but at least we'll know if your hd is okay. If it is, you're probably going to have to use the recovery disc you have - unless someone else has a better idea.

[durango992007]

So, when I go to run this tool (it's actually called a Drive Fitness Test with Hitachi), when I get it onto the CD, will it be the same deal as with the recovery console?

[Allan]

Not exactly, no. But for now it's the best we have.

[durango992007]

Running the test, it seems to stay on the PCI IDE Controller 0 - Master... during the detect devices portion of the test.  Thats all I get from that.  Then it comes to a "Device List" that is empty.  Does that mean that my HD is shot?

I did make sure all the wires are connected and snug, and they all are.

[Allan]

I'm not a hardware expert - I'm more software oriented - but from what you're saying it doesn't sound good for the HD.

[durango992007]

I went to 2 different computer repair places to see if they could give some idea as to what to do without shelling out the money to have them scan my computer, and one said that it could be some virus or rootkit that may have infected the HD and is not allowing it to be readable.  He also said something about making the HD that is the problem, into a secondary in another system, but wouldn't that interfere with the BIOS and everything else inmy other computer?  Another thing he mentioned was connecting the HD via a cable to another computer to run a virus scan on it. 

I'm not exactly sure what to do, or even if it is an HD problem, but I'm on the verge of just going out and buying some cheap one to see if that is the problem. 

Thanks again Allan

[Computer_Commando]

I think Allan is right, not looking good for hard drive or motherboard (if notebook).
Dell desktop or notebook?  Model Number?

[durango992007]

It is a Dell Desktop XPS 410

Basically, all I wanna know right now is should I just go out, buy a new HD, and install Windows onto it using my reinstallation CD (if possible), or is there a way I can recover this HD?

[Computer_Commando]

It is a Dell Desktop XPS 410

Basically, all I wanna know right now is should I just go out, buy a new HD, and install Windows onto it using my reinstallation CD (if possible), or is there a way I can recover this HD?

Can't find that model number under Dell Support.  http://support.dell.com/
You find it and post the link here.
I usually like to see if there have been any similar issues, first.
I assume the Dell is out of warranty?  Is it a Hitachi hard drive?

If you get another hard drive., you will lose the recovery partition, but if you have the CD's. it either won't need it or will rebuild it from them.  Or you can copy the recovery partition to the new HDD.  I'm not 100% sure it's the hard drive, but if DFT can't find it, it probably is.  Can you see if the HDD is listed in the BIOS?

[durango992007]

Can't find that model number under Dell Support.  http://support.dell.com/
You find it and post the link here.
I usually like to see if there have been any similar issues, first.
I assume the Dell is out of warranty?  Is it a Hitachi hard drive?

If you get another hard drive., you will lose the recovery partition, but if you have the CD's. it either won't need it or will rebuild it from them.  Or you can copy the recovery partition to the new HDD.  I'm not 100% sure it's the hard drive, but if DFT can't find it, it probably is.  Can you see if the HDD is listed in the BIOS?

In my BIOS it lists it has Dell DXP061.  http://search.dell.com/results.aspx?s=gen&c=us&l=en&cs=&k=Dell+DXP061&cat=sup

My BIOS does recognize that the HDis there, and yes, it is a Hitachi Desktrack I believe.  It is also out of warranty.

Basically, I have nothing on this HD that is really important.  It's been just games and messengers that I can just download again and not have a problem with it.

[Computer_Commando]

...My BIOS does recognize that the HDis there, and yes, it is a Hitachi Desktrack I believe.  It is also out of warranty...

It may not be dead if the BIOS can see it.  A couple bad spots can give the results you're getting.  Probably best to get a new hard drive, they're only about $50.  PATA or SATA?

Try doing a Repair Install
How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
If it won't install, it's a bad hard drive.

[durango992007]

Ya, I went out and got a new one.  500 GB Western Digital PATA HD @ 7200 RPM.  I think I should have no problem installing Windows on it, even though it will be my first time installing a new HD and an OS onto the computer.  Any words of advice, or is it pretty simple?

Thanks again everyone who helped me out.  Always a great site to go to for computer help.

Edit:  The new HD needs that ribbon wire or whatever, so I can't use the old connections with it.  Is there any way to get by this, or does some place like Best Buy (which I bought the HD from) carry those wires that plug into the MB, or the PSU?

[dahlarbear]

Running the test, it seems to stay on the PCI IDE Controller 0 - Master... during the detect devices portion of the test.

1.  Is the hard drive connected via an IDE interface?  Since the symptoms are so strange, you might want to double check your configuration.  See:  Connecting IDE Hard Drives.
     a.  80 wire vs 40 wire cable
     b.  Correct jumper setting (master, single, cable select, slave)
     c.  Position on cable

2.  It seems odd that the BIOS would see it, but the Hitachi Drive Fitness Test would not (but then again I've only run the test a couple of times on working drives).

Would you mind telling us how the BIOS reports the drive?
     a.  IDE Primary Master (PM), Primary Slave (PS), Secondary Master (SM), Secondary Slave (SS), or something else?
     b.  Identification string reported (basically make/model number) and is it correct?
     c.  Total Capacity reported and is it correct?

If the motherboard/BIOS also supports SATA drives, is there a BIOS parameter to distinguish between IDE only, SATA only, mixed mode.  The parameter might present settings similar to:  Legacy, IDE, IDE Compatible, SATA, AHCI.

3.  Just an Observation.  When the system blue screens on a hard drive boot, you know:
     a.  It found the boot hard drive.
     b.  It found, loaded, and executed the master boot record code.
     c.  It found an "active" primary partition.
     d.  It found, loaded, and executed the partition boot record (of the active primary partition which in this case identified NTLDR as the boot loader program).
     e.  It found, loaded, and began executing the NTLDR program from the system partition of the hard drive (which also puts up Windows Advanced Options menu upon request).
     f.  It probably found, loaded, and began executing NTDetect.com...

The point being, the hard drive had some working functionality (which is why I'm puzzled Drive Fitness Test didn't detect it).

4.  Just Because.  While it probably won't solve your problem; I'd download the iso image for a "free" memory diagnostic, write the iso image to CD (not copy), boot the CD and let the memory diagnostics run thru a couple of complete passes.  Yeah, I know we're looking at the hard drive subsystems, but it wouldn't hurt to find out what still works.  If successful, the test will demonstrate the memory is OK, some basic CPU and motherboard functions work, you can successfully read/load from CD,  and system can run for extended period of time without crashing (power, heat, whatever).  See:  http://www.memtest86.com/ or http://www.memtest.org/.

[dahlarbear]

Ya, I went out and got a new one.  500 GB Western Digital PATA HD @ 7200 RPM.  I think I should have no problem installing Windows on it, even though it will be my first time installing a new HD and an OS onto the computer.  Any words of advice, or is it pretty simple?

Edit:  The new HD needs that ribbon wire or whatever, so I can't use the old connections with it.  Is there any way to get by this, or does some place like Best Buy (which I bought the HD from) carry those wires that plug into the MB, or the PSU?

0.  There's absolutely no stopping you...  Can't even slow you down... 

1.  Partitions.  Main rule.  Resist the urge to create a single 500 GB partition.  It limits what you can do in the future and makes disk maintenance difficult.  Perhaps others have an opinion on this.  Never attempt to change location or size of a partition without backing up the "data" first.

     a.  Get some basic Windows disk management knowledge/skills.  Start with windows Help/Support function.

     b.  Think about how you want to use the system and layout the disk partitions/volumes to support it.
          (1)  Single, dual, or multiboot operating systems
          (2)  Music, movies, photographs, eBooks, work projects, encrypted data
          (3)  What do you need to backup, how, and where

Let the purpose dictate the disk layout.  Some people like to separate the operating system installation(s) from the data.  That permits you to blow away the operating system partition without destroying the data.  Others like to organize it for ease of backup.  Most home users have a single large partition (which totally sucks for repair/maintenance).

     c.  Don't allocate more space than you need in the for seeable future.  Create new partitions (or volumes) as the need arises.  Hint:  You can relocate "My Documents" folder off the system/boot partition.  That way you don't lose the data if you need to blow away the operating system partition and reinstall it.

     d.  Reserve a second partition for a parallel installation of the operating system if the primary operating system no longer boots.

2.  Ribbon Cable.  If it's a new PATA drive, you'll need the 80 wire ribbon cable with 40 pin (well, really 39 pin) connectors.  I'm a little concerned that you're asking about "wires that plug into the MB, or the PSU".  Something seems off here...

You can't (shouldn't) use an old 40 wire cable.  Was the old hard drive a PATA or SATA interface?

[durango992007]

I actually went and exchanged for a SATA HD.  Same brand (except it went green, consumes less power) and an extra 140GB to have a total of 640GB.

BIOS recognizes it, so now is it just a deal of putting in the Windows XP reinstallation CD into the CD/DVD drive and having at it?

I will also look into organizing things the way you said.  I don't think I really paid attention to that on the other HD, but I had seperate files for stuff like music, pictures, video etc..  If that's what you were talking about?

[dahlarbear]

1.  SATA Drive.  You might have to load a SATA driver using the F6 function key during setup (never had a SATA drive).  Also may depend upon your motherboard and BIOS settings.  During this period of transition from IDE/EIDE drives to SATA, the motherboard designers are challenged to support different configurations of IDE/SATA drives.
     a.  Which SATA standard does the drive support (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SATA)?
     b.  Which SATA standard does your motherboard support?
     c.  What does motherboard documentation say about BIOS support and/or settings for IDE/SATA?

2.  Windows XP CD.  What service pack level is the CD at (RTM, SP1, SP2, SP3)?

3.  Dell Model Number.  Can you provide information from the service tag:  model name/number, part number, or even serial number?  I think someone needs to pull the documentation to see what hard drive configurations the motherboard supports (and whether any BIOS parameters need to be reset).

4.  Partitions versus File Directories.  No, I was not talking about organizing the files by directory (although that's always a good thing).  I was talking about creating separate partitions and/or logical volumes within the hard drive.  The challenge there is Windows usually doesn't permit you to change the size of a partition/logical volume after it's initial creation.  This isn't anything you're going to understand or figure out in one day (which is why most home users have a single large partition).

[durango992007]

I went ahead and got XP installed.  Without any drivers for the HD, it doesn't seem to be acting up, then again, I'm not sure of what the acting up would be. 

It is Windows XP Service Pack 2

The model number is Dell DXP061   http://search.dell.com/results.aspx?s=gen&c=us&l=en&cs=&k=Dell+DXP061&cat=sup

I just left it at one partition.  From what I can remember, or know for that matter, the other HD was also only one partition.  Also, from the looks of it, I can go back and create another partition if so desired, as well as getting the drivers for motherboad/BIOS if I start to notice anything different happening (even though it is pretty bland right now)?

Also, when I was trying to setup a network, nothing seemed to be happening, and I couldn't figure anything out.  My ISP is Comcast, and I do believe I have all the necessary stuff to get it going.

Is there a certain site that you have that gives a fairly detailed explanation of what to do after you get Windows XP installed and all you see is the recycle bin on the screen?  I've tried looking some up, but everything else seems to be the same thing.

One more thing, if I am able to do this, if I do decide to add another partition for another OS (possibly Windows 7 in the near future) will I be able to do this?

I guess one more thing now, I went to install the drivers for my video card (NVidia 8300 GS), but as some, I'm guessing, were installing, after if went through the installation wizard, I'm guessing, the screen went black, and nothing happened.  It's a CD that has drivers for the 8300 GS, and the 8600 GT for, what looks like XP and Vista.  I was able to find the XP drivers, I think, for my 8300, and that's what I went to install, and that's when the screen went black after the "wizard".

[Allan]

You can slave the hd on another system and run a virus scan - AND recover any data you need (http://www.ehow.com/how_6031_change-master-slave-designation.html)

[durango992007]

Well, I did a search of the jumper settings for the old Hitachi, and it says the SATA does not use Jumper settings.  http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/T7k500/T7k500jum.htm

Both of my drives are SATA drivers, so how am I supposed to make the Hitachi drive (old drive) into a slave.  I have a computer I can possibly put it in to, but it does not have a SATA connection to the MB, just the power connection.  This computer is an old Dell Dimmension 2400 that has a PATA Western Digital HD in it.  How am I to go about getting the Hitachi to work on it, or is there a way to buy a SATA connection for it to make it work on it?  I didn't see a SATA connection on the Motherboard.

[Computer_Commando]

The Hitachi link you provided shows a PATA drive.  I don't know what you have.  First you say PATA, then you say SATA, then PATA, then SATA.  PATA's need to be configured by jumper to Master, Slave or Cable Select.  SATA's have no jumper settings for this.  You've already been given enough information to figure it out.

[durango992007]

The link was just there to show that SATA HD's does not have jumpers.  The model HD in that link is the one I have, in SATA form, and it also shows how to do the jumpers, I'm guessing, for a PATA HD. 

I was told that I could hook up the Hitachi (SATA) HD to another computer as a "slave" and run a virus scan on it.  However, the only other computer I have, has a PATA Western Digital HD, with no SATA connections on the MB, that I can see, if that makes sense.  http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2400/en/sm_en/specs.htm
Those are the technical specs. for the other computer I have, Dell Dimmension 2400.  So, what I was wondering, is there a certain cable that would allow me to hook the Hitachi SATA HD up to that MB?

Sorry if it's confusing, there is some things I know about computers, and hard drivers really is not one of them, and knowing the different connections for HD's.  I do know the difference between a SATA connection and a PATA connection, though.

[Computer_Commando]

1.  The link was just there to show that SATA HD's does not have jumpers.
2.  it also shows how to do the jumpers, I'm guessing, for a PATA HD. 
3.  I was told that I could hook up the Hitachi (SATA) HD to another computer as a "slave" and run a virus scan on it.  However, the only other computer I have, has a PATA Western Digital HD, with no SATA connections on the MB, ...for the other computer I have, Dell Dimmension 2400.  So, what I was wondering, is there a certain cable that would allow me to hook the Hitachi SATA HD up to that MB?...

OK.  You have a Dell XPS 410 with SATA (and maybe a PATA connection inside) and a Dell Dimension 2400 with PATA only.
1.  Actually, SATA does have some jumpers, just not for M/S/CS.
2.  All diagrams are for PATA.
3.  They do make adapters, but I have had no success with them.  Forget connecting the SATA HDD to the Dimension 2400.  SATA was created in 2003, drives hit the market a year or two later.  You could connect it to the XPS 410.  Whether it's a Master or Slave is determined by the connector on the motherboard.  1 & 3 are Master, 2 & 4 are Slave.  In this situation, Slave infers the non-boot drive.  You configure 1st Boot Drive in BIOS.

[durango992007]

OK.  You have a Dell XPS 410 with SATA (and maybe a PATA connection inside) and a Dell Dimension 2400 with PATA only.
1.  Actually, SATA does have some jumpers, just not for M/S/CS.
2.  All diagrams are for PATA.
3.  They do make adapters, but I have had no success with them.  Forget connecting the SATA HDD to the Dimension 2400.  SATA was created in 2003, drives hit the market a year or two later.  You could connect it to the XPS 410.  Whether it's a Master or Slave is determined by the connector on the motherboard.  1 & 3 are Master, 2 & 4 are Slave.  In this situation, Slave infers the non-boot drive.  You configure 1st Boot Drive in BIOS.

OK, I think I understand what you are saying.  From the looks of it, the motherboard has 6 (six) SATA ports.  The HD is connected to SATA 0, the CD/DVD drive is connected to SATA 1.  So, would 2 and 4 still be the slave ports?  So, do I plug the Hitachi drive into the slave port, and boot the WD as the main, and I should be able to access the files on the Hitachi?  Or should Ibe doing something else?

EDIT:  I found a reinstallation CD of McAfee that came with my coomputer when I got it, should I install that onto the new HD, then, if I can, put the old HD back in, have McAfee run a virus scan on that drive?

[Computer_Commando]

... the motherboard has 6 (six) SATA ports.  The HD is connected to SATA 0, the CD/DVD drive is connected to SATA 1.  So, would 2 and 4 still be the slave ports?  So, do I plug the Hitachi drive into the slave port, and boot the WD as the main, and I should be able to access the files on the Hitachi?...

It really doesn't matter where the "slave drive" (Hitachi) is connected.  You have SATA 0,2,4 (Masters), 1,3,5 (Slaves).  Boot drive prefers to be on the lowest number SATA 0, but usually works on any of them.  Enter BIOS and see if both drives are on Main Page.  Make sure WD is the 1st Bootable Hard Drive in the BIOS on Boot page.
It's usually like this, but you'd have to consult manual or BIOS Main page:
1st Master - SATA 0
2nd Master - SATA 2
3rd Master - SATA 4
1st Slave - SATA 1
2nd Slave - SATA 3
3rd Slave - SATA 5

[durango992007]

I added this question at the end of my post not to long before you replied, but if I were to instal McAfee on to the HD (the new one/Master drive) and I hook up the old one (slave) could I use that to run a virus scan on the slave drive?

[durango992007]

Sorry for double post, but quick update:

Got the old HD in, BIOS recognized it, and Windows is currently performing a CHKDSK on E:, which is, I'm guessing is where the Hitachi (old) is located.

Still wondering if I am able to view all my files, I can just run a virus scan on the E drive and see if anything comes up, correct?

UPDATE:  I am able to view all my files, which is good.  Nothing seems to be missing, which is also good.  So, now my question still remains, since I am not able to connect to the inernet, should I install the reinstallation version of McAfee I recieved with my computer and scan the E Drive??  Also, if any viruses do come up, and I get them taken care off, should I transfer the files from the old drive (Hitachi), or just leave them be?

[dahlarbear]

1.  McAfee Software.  Is this a security suite or just the AntiVirus?  If you'll going to stay with McAfee, go ahead and install it; but the virus "definitions" will not be current.  Personally, I prefer to use other "free" alternatives for home use.

Yes, you may scan the "E:" drive with whatever security software you have.  You should also scan it using some AntiMalware products; e.g. MalwareBytes Anti-Malware, SuperAntiSpyware.

Get the internet connection going so you may download, install, and run the quality "free" security software that's available.  This might include AntiVirus, AnitSpyware/AntiMalware, and/or Firewall software.

If you're behind a home router (using Network Address Translation software to hide your Local Area Network addresses), you should be OK long enough to download the needed software and install it (along with the Windows Updates from Microsoft).  Just don't go browsing the entire World Wide Web before you get your security setup.

2.  Motherboard Drivers.  Are you attempting to use a network adapter that is integrated "onboard" the motherboard?  If so, you need to install the driver for it.  For that matter, I think you need to load the "chipset" drivers and all other motherboard drivers for the onboard components.  Install chipset drivers first, reboot, then install the other drivers.  I'm not sure if order is significant.  For what it is worth, here is the order that Dell recommends: Installing Drivers in the Correct Order.

Device Manager should indicate whether you're missing device drivers.  To access:
     a.  Select "Start" menu button
     b.  Right-click "My Computer" - context menu appears
     c.  Select "Properties" - "System Properties" window appears
     d.  Select "Hardware" tab
     e.  Select "Device Manager" button

Look for and report any Exclamation Mark", Blue "i", Red X, or "Other Devices" category.

3.  Online Data Files.  You may store them on which ever drive you wish.  As I've mentioned previously, some people like to separate the operating system from the data (including "My Documents" folder) using different partitions/volumes or drives.  This permits them to blow away the operating system partition and reinstall without affecting the data.

4.  Backup Data.  You should always backup "data" files that you can't afford to lose (but not in the same computer).  This is a "chapter" all by itself and beyond the scope of this thread.

[durango992007]

Yes, the Ethernet port is located on the motherboard.  Does the Intel website have downloadable drivers that I can download, put on a CD, and install onto the computer?  Granted, making sure I get the correct ones, of course.  I think that is the only thing keeping me from accessing the internet because, while the ethernet cable is plugged in, even going into the Network Places, nothing is coming up, unless I'm wrong?

Also, should I be able to download all the other drivers?  It seems as though I can, but will I be able to put them on a CD(s) and install them on the computer?  I don't need the video card drivers, however.

Yes, I will be using a more up-to-date version of McAfee as soon as I have internet connection and am able to access the Comcast website to download, but I will also be using the ones provided on this site.  One thing though, could I possibly use the setups from the old HD and install them onto the new HD without problems?

[dahlarbear]

If it's a brand name computer, e.g. Dell, you should get your motherboard drivers from the Dell support page for your computer (not the Intel website).  You should be able to use a CD or floppy disk to transfer driver files to the target Dell computer.  Not positive, but I think you could also use null modem serial cable and IEEE 1284 parallel cable via Microsoft Windows Direct Connection (should be in Help/Support documentation).  Probably cannot use USB flash drive until motherboard "chipset" drivers are installed.

You cannot use the network adapter port until its driver is installed.  Once you get the network adapter driver installed, you should be able to get internet access.  But it would probably be best to install the "chipset" drivers first.

Yes, you can transfer the "setup/installation files" from the old hard drive to the new hard drive or even execute them at their current location to install to the new hard drive.

[durango992007]

OK, I got the chipset drivers installed, the SATA driver installed (going off of the correct order to install them), the audio drivers (I have audio now), the video drivers still are not installing.  It goes to a black screen with a little flashing underscore like you are typing ( _ ), and also the network drivers.  I am currently using my computer that all this is happening to to send this.

There are only 2 things now in the device manager that have a yellow exclamation point next to them, and those are the Display Adapters - Video Controller (VGA Compatible), and the Other Devices - PCI Simple Communications Controller.

For the Video adapter, should I try using my driver CD from NVidia to install them, or should I try to get those off the NVidia website?

Also, what is the PCI Simple Communications Controller, and is it something important?

UPDATE: I did try the CD using the same file thats on the CD that is also on the other HD, and it still went to that black screen.  IS there a way I can just make a copy of the drivers that are installed on the other HD, and put them on the new HD?

[patio]

2 pages ago it was suggested you re-installl your MBoard drivers...
Have you tried that yet ? ?

[durango992007]

The chipset drivers off the Dell website that dahler... (can't remember your screenname sry) suggested?  If so, then yes I did.  If not, are there other drivers for my motherboard that I need.

Also, one of the updates Windows has for me is SP3.  Should I go ahead and let it update?

EDIT:  One thing I forgot to mention.  When its supposed to be installing the NVidia drivers, it unzips the files no problem, the NVidia logo appears, and it comes to the wizard, then it gets halfway through the first installation procees (I'm guessing) when it is installing the component drivers.

[durango992007]

Sorry for double post, again, but I ran a dxdiag, and the graphics card does not come up.  Could that be because the drivers are not installing, the fact that the PCI Simple Communication Controller still has a Yellow exclamation point next to it, or something else?

Also, when looking on the Drivers & Downloads page on the Dell website for, it has a BIOS update that they say is URGENT, and it was released in December of '07, and I got my computer in August of '07, should I got ahead and download that also?

[Computer_Commando]

1.  If not, are there other drivers for my motherboard that I need.
2.  Also, one of the updates Windows has for me is SP3.  Should I go ahead and let it update?
3.  When its supposed to be installing the NVidia drivers, it unzips the files no problem, the NVidia logo appears, and it comes to the wizard, then it gets halfway through the first installation procees (I'm guessing) when it is installing the component drivers.

1.  Service Tag points to the correct ones.  Can't tell you without the Service Tag.
2.  Yes.
3.  That's how nVidia does it's install.

4.  ...but I ran a dxdiag, and the graphics card does not come up.  Could that be because the drivers are not installing, the fact that the PCI Simple Communication Controller still has a Yellow exclamation point next to it, or something else?
5.  ...when looking on the Drivers & Downloads page on the Dell website for, it has a BIOS update that they say is URGENT, and it was released in December of '07, and I got my computer in August of '07, should I got ahead and download that also?

4.  Yes, one or both.  You must be installing the wrong one.
5.  They also list exactly what it corrects.  See if your BIOS number already matches (i.e. A08, A09, or something like that).

[durango992007]

I let my computer sit on the black screen, and it rebooted when trying to install the NVidia Drivers.  I'm pretty sure they are the right ones, the CD has them for Windows Vista 64, XP 64, and regular XP (which I have).  That's the only thing I have done so far.  I will do the other ones a little later, but that's all I have tried right now.

[dahlarbear]

I'd suggest you get the computer setup and working properly with the approved drivers from Dell support site before trying to customize it.

To do that, you must get the correct drivers for your machine.  Apparently, best way to do that on Dell website is by "Service Tag" number.  Can you provide it?  I'm not sure what to do with "Dell DXP061".

From your previous posts, I assume you have Dell Desktop XPS 410.

[durango992007]

The DXP061 was the model number, DHB0JD1 is the Service Tag.  I have already gone and looked up the serivce tag on the Dell support website, and some of them were new drivers, but the video driver still would not install.

I'm not trying to customize my computer yet.  I understand I need to get ALL the necessary drivers installed first before I go about doing any type of customizing.

[durango992007]

I'm guessing this is not good.  Started up my computer in Safe Mode to see if the video drivers would install there.  They did, but when I went to restart my computer, when it was starting to boot up, same thing happened that started this thread.  It froze on the Windows bootup screen.  Could it be a hardware problem now?  Or is there something else that could be going wrong with my computer?

[Computer_Commando]

There are 4 Diagnostic Lights on the front panel; are they all green?
Owner's Manual,  see p. 49-53

[durango992007]

Right, I was reading my Owners Manual that I have about those lights, but it doesn't say if they should still be on when Windows is booted up (non are on at that point), but when the computer is starting up, the 4 of them light up, then some of the lights keep flashing around.  I'll see if I can't get all the lights that light up during the boot up process. 

Also, I'm not sure if that manual says how they are supposed to stay on or if they are supposed to stay on if there is something wrong when Windows has fully booted up because it is a .pdf file and Adobe is not installed on here yet.  I've been mostly wanting to get everything sorted out on here before I started installing things.

[Computer_Commando]

... but it doesn't say if they should still be on when Windows is booted up (non are on at that point), but when the computer is starting up, the 4 of them light up, then some of the lights keep flashing around....

You didn't read it?  I did.  "When the computer starts normally, the lights flash before turning off.  If the computer malfunctions, the sequence of the lights help to identify the problem."

If the video driver is not working, maybe part of the video card has gone bad.

[durango992007]

I had an old ATI Radeon 9250 in my old computer, swapped it over, everything is crystal clear now.  I can change my resolution and everything.  However, I still have yet to try the old HD to see if it boots up.  I am going to try that now.

[durango992007]

Yup, everything fired right up.  Old HD is just fine, it was the video card that was the problem.  2 things are left to do now.

When it starts up, the BIOS is detecting a Floppy drive.  I went into the setup and deselected the floppy on startup but it still says it cannot boot it, so I have to press the F1 key to continue.

Last thing is, I now need to wipe the new HD clean of everything I put on it, which was not much.  Mostly just taking Windows off of it.  How do I go about doing this?  I know how to take the programs off, and I did not put any personal info on it, so nothing to much to worry about there, even though I'm pretty sure Best Buy might do a wipe of the HD if I say that I had Windows installed.  Or would it just be beneficial to keep it in the long run?

[Computer_Commando]

1.  Yup, everything fired right up.  Old HD is just fine, it was the video card that was the problem.  2 things are left to do now.
2.  When it starts up, the BIOS is detecting a Floppy drive.  I went into the setup and deselected the floppy on startup but it still says it cannot boot it, so I have to press the F1 key to continue.
3.  Last thing is, I now need to wipe the new HD clean of everything I put on it, which was not much.  Mostly just taking Windows off of it.  How do I go about doing this?  I know how to take the programs off, and I did not put any personal info on it, so nothing to much to worry about there, even though I'm pretty sure Best Buy might do a wipe of the HD if I say that I had Windows installed.

1.  Bad graphics card on a 2-year old computer (Ship Date:  8/23/2007)?  Seems unlikely, but it happens from time to time.
2.   F10 to Save & Exit BIOS.
3.  Format New HDD from Windows.  Open My Computer, Right-Click Drive, Select Format.