Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (
More info?)
Hello Michael,
Thank you for your time.
I have followed your instructions to setup windows, but still come up with
the following message.
I have followed your instructions, but its NOT installing, its saying the
following:
To install XP on the partition you slected, setup must write some startup
files to the following disk: Unknown Disk
However, this disk does not contain a XP compatible partition.
To continue installing XP, return to the partition selection screen and
create a XP compatible partition on the disk above.
Does this mean anything to you, and can it be sorted.
I have returned to the screen before and pressed 'C' (to create a partition)
but nothing as happened.
It looks like I may have accidentally started to install XP on a new folder
(windows1), is this what is causing the problem and is there a way around
this?
On your second option (pressing R at the first chance), I am a little unsure
of what to do here (really deep stuff for me). Could you maybe write it in
(idiot proof) format, thanks.
Dave G
"Michael Solomon (MS-MVP)" wrote:
> I'm not sure of exactly what you've done from this post but below are the
> instructions for a repair install and it does not require the Recovery
> Console:
>
> NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data files intact, if
> something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be forced to start
> over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your data backed up,
> you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.
>
> Assuming your system is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive and you have an
> actual XP CD as opposed to a recovery CD, boot with the XP
> CD in the drive and perform a repair install as outlined below. If the
> system isn't set to boot from the CD or you are not sure, you need to enter
> the system's BIOS. When you boot the system, the first screen usually has
> instructions that if you wish to enter set press a specific key, when you
> see that, do so. Then you will have to navigate to the boot sequence, if
> the CD-ROM drive is not first line, set it first in the boot sequence. Save
> your settings and exit with the XP CD in the drive. The system will reboot.
>
> When the system boots, a few screens into the process you may see a message
> instructing you
> to hit any key in order to boot from the CD along with a countdown. When
> you see this be sure to
> hit a key on the keyboard, if you miss this instruction and the system fails
> to boot from the CD, it's too
> late, you'll need to reboot and try again.
>
> Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
> asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
> wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
> setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.
>
> Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
> with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
> using the Recovery console. ***The selection you want at this screen is
> "Setup Windows,"
> NOT "Repair Windows Installation.
>
> The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
> press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
> will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
> version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
> install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
> on, follow the screens.
>
> Note, in some cases, you won't receive the repair option, only an option to
> reinstall. We have discovered that sometimes this is caused by damaged
> boot.ini file that can be repaired as follows and also note, in the
> instructions, "K" refers to the CD drive in which you have placed the XP CD,
> replace that drive letter with the appropriate letter on your system, "K" is
> simply an example.
>
> Reboot, this time taking the immediate R option (this is the section I told
> you to skip above. In this case, you will need to get to the Recovery
> Console to perform the function below), and if the CD letter is say K: give
> these commands
>
> COPY K:\i386\ntldr C:
> COPY K:\i386\ntdetect.com C:
> (two other files needed - just in case)
> ATTRIB -H -R -S C:\boot.ini
> DEL C:\boot.ini
> BootCfg /Rebuild
>
> Once you've completed this function, reboot and see if you can access XP as
> sometimes, the problem is the damaged boot.ini. If you still cannot access
> XP, then reboot and re-run the repair install instructions at the beginning
> of this message.
>
> If you only have a recovery CD, your options are quite limited. You can
> either purchase a retail version of XP which will allow you to perform the
> above
> among other tools and options it has or you can run your system recovery
> routine with the Recovery CD which will likely wipe your drive, deleting all
> files but will restore your setup to factory fresh condition.
>
>
> --
> In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol.
>
> Michael Solomon MS-MVP
> Windows Shell/User
>
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/communities/mvp.aspx
> Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
> DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/
>
>
> "DaveG" <DaveG@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:A09A3A5C-07D9-445F-98C1-8569BD9A94DE@microsoft.com...
> >I have followed your instructions, but its NOT installing, its saying the
> > following:
> >
> > To install XP on the partition you slected, setup must write some startup
> > files to the following disk: Unknown Disk
> > However, this disk does not contain a XP compatible partition.
> >
> > To continue installing XP, return to the partition selection screen and
> > create a XP compatible partition on the disk above.
> >
> > Does this mean anything to you, and can it be sorted.
> >
> > I have returned to the screen before and pressed 'C' but nothing as
> > happened.
> >
> > It looks like I may have accidentally started to install XP on a new
> > folder
> > (windows1), is this what is causing the problem and is there a way around
> > this?
> >
> > "Free Net Jobs" wrote:
> >
> >> you have selected the windows recoveryconsole
> >> by pressing the 'R' key. recovery console is used
> >> to fix windows boot errors, mbr errors, edit services etc.
> >> but you can't reinstall windows using that. to do a reinatll
> >> first boot from ur win xp cd. in the setup selection screen
> >> press enter(do not press 'R'). in the next stage windows will
> >> search for previous installations of windows and will find and
> >> will list in the next screen. you can select your windows and
> >> then press enter. reinatllation will start then.
> >> DaveG wrote:
> >> > Hello,
> >> >
> >> > I am trying to re-install XP (repair), I have passed the password stage
> >> > and
> >> > I am now confronted with the following
> >> >
> >> > C:\WINDOWS>
> >> >
> >> > Please, what do I put in here, I have tried everything I know.
> >> >
> >> > Please Help.
> >> >
> >> > Thanks, Dave
> >>
>
>
>