Installing XP over Vista

Hey everyone, the name's Chris and this is obviously my frist post. I'm trying to do a clean install of windows xp pro over vista basic but I'm running into a problem. Whenever the setup starts, it says this::

Setup did not find any hard disk drives installed in your computer.

Make sure any hard disk drives are powered on and properly connected to your computer, and that any disk-related hardware configuration is correct. This may involve running a manufacturer-supplied diagnostic or setup program.

Setup cannot continue. To quit setup, press F3.


--What's going on? What should I do to fix this?
thanks

 

Does the computer still boot into Vista? How are you trying to install XP, by putting the CD in while Vista is running or rebooting with the CD drive set as the first boot device?

Vista would not let XP install over it for me. No problems when I rebooted with the XP disk in the CD drive. If the computer will not boot in Vista, sounds like a hard drive problem. Could be a dead drive, but it most likely needs to be formated. I have had pretty good luck with http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2858. I have used it on several drives that were not made by Seagate. Or you may want to download the drive tools from the maker of the hard drive you have.

Welcome to MajorGeeks!

E

 

Are you trying to install XP with Vista still present, or have you formatted the hard drive first?

 

Does your computer have SATA hard drives?

 

I'm trying to completely get rid of Vista. The computer still boot's into Vista. I am rebooting with the CD drive set as the first boot device. It says SATA hard drive is enabled in the BIOS. The thing is, I just bought this laptop about a month ago and it's running way to slow with Vista. So, I just want to completely get rid of it. I already made the 7 recovery disks just incase something bad happends with the install. But, after the xp disk boots up with all the drivers on the blue screen, it says what I posted first.

 

The XP disk doesn't have drivers to run the SATA Drive, which is why you got that error message trying to boot from it. Does the laptop have a floppy drive? what is the exact make and model?

 

Try this: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Windows_Unattended_CD_Creator_d5104.html

I don't have a floppy in my PC, so I used this to add the SATA driver to my installation disc.

 

Thanks for the responses...the laptop doesn't have a floppy drive. It's a Presario C500. I'm at work now, so I'll try what you linked when I get home to see if that works. If this works, the only thing I'm worried about is that there isn't a Wireless LAN adapter Driver for HP Wireless Assistant with Windows XP on the Compaq site. Also, where I download the SATA driver?

 

I really cant figure this out. I guess I'm just going to have to keep running Vista.

 

The xp cd should boot, and give you an option for a sata driver disk, thats not the case, Are you using a legit windows disc or a burned one, does the laptop boot to any cds at all, try a linux live cd to test that if needed?