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I want to install a 160GB PATA HDD in my Dell Inspiron 9100 running Win XP Pro and the computer keeps cycling through the install phase and only shows info from the previous HDD . How can I get this hard drive to install?
Optional Information: Computer OS: Windows XP Browser: Chrome Already Tried: Just tried to install new hard drive using the original Win XP pro disc.
Hello and welcome to JustAnswer. I look forward to assisting you today with your question and providing the best answer possible.Did you replace the hard drive yet?Did you do the following: Please insert the Windows xp pro disk and then turn off the computer. Then turn on the computer, then press the key F1 (or could be F2, Del, or Esc key) when you see the computer logo appears on the screen in order go to BIOS/Setup menu. Then look for the Boot/Startup option and set the CD/DVD drive as 1st order and the hard disk drive as 2nd order. Then save and exit. Then press any key when asked to boot from the CD/DVD drive..., and continue installing windows?Thank you.
Did that on first attempt.
Was it able to boot from the cd/dvd drive? Thank you.
It booted from the CD and began installation of Windows...it showed options for partitions to install on but the information only showed 38GB available on partition with "C" drive designation. This is 160GB drive so I am thinking it still only "sees" the last drive in the machine/
You did have to remove the previous drive right?What it shows you the partition(s), can you delete it first? Thank you.
The new drive was in and the old one out. It did give the option to delete the partition designated "C" or to install Windows on that partition...I chose "install". Should I delete the partition?
Yes, please delete the partition, then install. Thank you.
I will t5ry to get this done now but have to go to work shortly...can I get back to you later if need be?
Yes, you can get back to me later via this web page . Thank you.Remember, if for any reason you are unsatisfied with my answer, we can continue the conversation until you’re satisfied and Accept my answer. I can address follow up questions at no extra charge and I’m always here to help. Thank you for using JustAnswer!
Great! I'll get started and, hopefully, get this completed...thanks.
You're welcome. OK, thank you.
Booted the computer to the CD drive "D" using boot order menu with Win XP pro disc in the drive. It went through the cycle installing the drivers, etc. It then went to the screen that gives options for selection of drive to install Win XP on and allows choice for deleting partitions. Deleted the partition showing for drive "C". It went through process to continue Windows installation but ended with a message that indicated the drive was "corrupt or damaged". It is a new drive. When I came home from work I tried to install again using the same process but without choosing the "delete partition" option and it went through the same cycle again. Each time the cycle goes to the partition options screen it shows information for the "C" partition indicating 3844MB of free space. This is a 160GB HDD. This was the case even after deleting the "C" partition. I believe this to be information for the hard drive that was previously in the computer but which now has been removed. What's going on with this?
Do you still have the old hard drive working that you can use to update the BIOS? Thank you.
Yes...I remember updating the bios but will check again on the Dell page to be sure.
Ok, thanks.