Windows not recognizing HD

Okay, I've got my new rig put together, and the BIOS recognizes that there is a HD there. BUt, when I go to install windows, it says that it cannot detect my HD.

HD: Western Digital Caviatr SE16 (model # WD2500KARTL
Mobo: ASUS P4S800D-x
OS: Win XP Pro SP2

Anyone have any ideas?

I have also made a floppy using WD's Data Lifeguard Tools, do I need to hit F6 when installing windows?

Thanks in advance for any help.
Shattered.likeness

 

OK, MA told me to go here: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=25831

Only problem is that this is a new HD, and and has not had windows previously installed on it. So, that link didn't provide much help.

Any more ideas.

P.S. Not bashing the help MA.

 

Use the WD disk to format the drive. It puts a tiny partition on the drive that Windows uses to map the drive. Once the install disk recognizes the drive you can partition and reformat any way you like.

 

Tried that. Formatted for SP1 or greater. Windows still not detecting hard drive.

Will my new WD HD with 16MB cache makes that much of a difference over my old IDE Maxtor with 8 MB cache? Or should I just reformat my old HD (Maxtor) and take it to my local shop for help with the new WD?

Thanks,
Shattered.likeness

 

I'm not that technically proficient to answer about the 8 vs. 16 cache question. But if you insert the Lifeguard tools disk don't you have an option to format the disk for Os install? Try formatting in FAT. Then when you use the XP disk it should analyze the HD and then when asked just delete the large FAT partition and create a large NTFS partition. I know this worked for me when XP install wouldn't read my disk because of a bad boot sector.

 

Thanks Sach2, I'll try that. Will post results.

 

I'm saying actually use the LifeGuard Tools Program to format not a boot disk that just gives you a command line.

 

Disk cache will make a difference in speed accessing of files and such. Buts its not a big differnce, would go with whatever disc is bigger.

 

Yes
You also need your SATA drivers unzipped & installed on a floppy disk. Directions are in the manual, drivers are on the Original MOBO CD or avaible at Asus Web, free (I'd check the Web for newer SATA/Raid drivers)

You also need your BIOS set up correctly
You have to make sure On chip SATA Controller is Enabled
Boot Order=
CD first
HDD/SATA second
Floppy third

When trying to load Windows
Run Windows Setup, Boot from CD
You will be prompted during Set up at the bottom of your screen to press F6 for third party drivers, Do so & do it Quickly, tap key, if you miss it you will have to run setup again.
Then follow prompts, it will ask for the drivers on your floppy during the install

Your MOBO manual should have details on the SATA HDD & drivers including how to apply then to a Floppy disk
Here's manual http://dlsvr01.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/sock478/p4s800d-x/e1753_p4s800d-x.pdf

Here's BIOS Guide to help understand most BIOS settings http://www.techarp.com/freebog.aspx

 

Thanks ASUS, I will try that tomorrow. Maybe after the LAN Party at the local shop. For now I have went back to my old IDE. Will switch everything around (Harddrives) and post pics of my new rig soon (which is my first build).

Thanks again for everything!
Shattered.likeness

 

Just an update, everything is now working. I'm still using my old IDE for my OS, and most of my program files. The SATA drive is being used for storage and some of my games. Also using it for my paging file.

So far here are my specs:
Mobo: ASUS P4S800D-X (socket 478)
Processor: Intel P4 3.0E (oc'd to 3.2 Ghz)
Memory: 1 GB Kingston HyperX PC3200
GPU: PNY nVidia GeForce 6200 (oc'd to 415/755)