Can't install or startup windows

I tried looking for help, but I don't even have a clue as to where the problem is, so I haven't had much luck. Any help, even just a push in the right direction would be very helpful. As of right now, I don't know if the computer overheated, the hard drives died, the cpu, motherboard, virus, etc, so I've had trouble searching for answers.

As of right now I think it might be a boot sector virus or a bad motherboard based on my searching, but I have no clue what I am doing.

I have a self-built Shuttle Computer with a AMD 2800 and 2 sticks of 512. I have 2 250gig hard drives, one maxtor, one western digital. I run Windows XP sp2, and I have norton antivirus and ad-aware and keep both updated and scan nightly. Sometimes my computer overheats a little, which may be a problem, but I think it stays below max temps for everything. Everything is about 2 years old.

Everything was working fine with no viruses or problems that I noticed. I shut down my computer. The next day, I go to start up the computer and everything before the Windows loading screen was fine. Right before the Windows screen, after it searches for a bootable CD, the computer just stops, with no lights or anything. No errors either. I restart and same thing.

I used the Windows disk to get to the C:\ prompt, and it says drive C:\ is my second hard drive, and my main hard drive with the OS disappeared. I try to repair and reinstall windows. It copies all the install files on the hard drive, and goes to restart to load up the main installation process, and after running through the bios startup it stops again. I then try to format and reinstall windows. Same problem, but now when it stops it gives me the error "Disk Read Error".

I think maybe the hard drive is bad, so I take out the "bad" hard drive and used my second as the main one. I format and try to install, this time getting an error that says "Error Loading Operating System" when it tries to boot up, still never getting to the main installation part. I tried another cable, other power cables that I know work from the DVD drive, checked the jumpers. I tried both hard drives, both independently and each as a master. No luck with anything. No cd will boot up besides the Windows CD. I also tried resetting the Bios. Last night also, in the bios setup, it said the CPU was running at 92 C when I was doing nothing, when normally it runs at 50-60. After restarting it went back to normal.

Any suggestions?

 

have you tried using the install disks for your hard drive? their quite handy at seeing if your hard drive is still there..They also have some very powerful utilities on them. the maxblast software from maxtor is fantastic.

 

I don't have a floppy disk drive. i will see if i can download them though and put it on CD. I tried the one from Western Digital and it wouldnt boot up. Not sure what to do. Nothing will boot up besides the Windows CD

Also, the hard drives are there.. I can read and write to them. The main problem is getting into windows / installing windows. The Hard drives also show up in bios and the disk management of the Windows Install where you format. I can even get into C:\ and see all the files.

 

When you format the drives to re-install windows...do you delete ALL partitions also...or do you just format the existing partitions?? Always delete the partitions, if you are not!!!!! Then re-partition and format the new partition!!

Also...are you sure your jumpers are set right...especially if you are switching the drives around trying to troubleshoot!!

BTW...90c is very hot!! I've always heard that you don't want to see it idling over 50c!!

Another thing...can you see the drives in the bios??

Roger

 

I deleted all partions and did a format. I didn't use the quick format option either. The 90 C i think is very bad, but that was only one time, and never saw that again. I think something went wrong. I am sure the jumpers and cables are right. I double-checked each time. I can see the drives fine in the bios and the Windows set-up.

Its almost like the drives are operating fine, except I can't get into windows or install it.

 

Cold start your computer go straight into bios and post the temp,then watch the temp rise for 10 mins,post the temp its at now,simultaneously do the same with your system temp