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could I be having a bios problem?

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13 replies

by timwireless

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A friend needed me to fix his computer that would'nt load windows, it perform's post as required and gives options for booting windows XP but after trying to select all options it still wont boot, so I opted to format but could'nt format, I replaced the hard disk but still would'nt accept,any one with a solution will be highly appreciated (both hard disk functions properly in another system)

13 replies

by markp24

You may want to check the jumpers on the hard drive (cable select, master vs slave)
If your using a SATA hard drive, the Bios may have an option for ACPI mode vs compatibility mode.
Check the default boot device in the bios.
I would say fix the MBR , but since you state it works fine in another computer, im not so sure that would be an issue.

please post more information aboutwhat the hardware is.

by smartacew0lf

How about the term, "known working field replacable unit"? Asking only because of the hard lessons I had to learn on more than one occasion of the critical importance of the 2 terms in what is PC Troubleshooting 101.

by thechas

Windows can be very picky about installed RAM.

Even RAM that passes POST can cause errors where Windows will not load or install.

Reseat all the RAM, and while your at it, make sure that at least pairs of RAM modules match. If in doubt, replace some or all RAM.

You did not state the system or version of XP. There is a known issue with some Intel CPUs and Windows XP service Pack 2. Check out this link for more details.

http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=7447

The last time I ran into this, I ended up installing XP Gold, then SP1 and went straight to SP3.

Please post specific details of the won't install and the system if you need further assistance.

Chas

by timwireless

but tried XP version 2006 and it didn,t install instead brought up a blue screen which I didn,t quite understand

by markp24

Hi

Did you try any of the ideas i posted?
regarding the Sata settings, etc

by thechas

What are the hardware details and specifications of the system?

Make and model or make and model of motherboard.

What CPU?

How much RAM?

Video card?

Other hardware?

Where in the installation process does it stop or hang?

What error messages do you get?

We need more detail in order to provide better answers.

Chas

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