Built Computer won't boot

[Bituser]

I’m having an issue with getting everything to work properly on a computer I built. It refuses to start off any of my Hard Drives regardless of if they are set as Master, Slave etc. It boots off the Ubuntu disk every now and then and will boot off the Windows XP Disc and won't boot off the Windows 7 Disk. I can successfully format and copy files to the HDD but when I restart the computer to finish the installation it won’t boot off the HDD, it just has a flashing _ . I have tried all sorts, switching out ram and different Hard Drives, DVD Drives, CD Drives. Only the basic components are installed:
CPU - Pentium Dual Core 2.2ghz
Heatsink - Stock Intel
PSU - 420W
HDD - 20GB IDE
DVD Drive
RAM -2x 512mb 533 DDR2


I just can’t pinpoint the problem. I have tried changing the IDE cables but that doesn't work either. When I plug a HDD that has Windows XP into it, it tells me there is missing files. I'm completely lost.

 

[Commodore Pet]

Have you looked in your BIOS settings to make sure your HDD is recognized properly and is your #1 choice for your boot order?

 

[Bituser]

Hello Commodore,

Yes I have checked. It is being recognized and is set as IDE Master. I have also tried reseating the battery and resetting the bios. Doesn't do a thing to help

 

[Commodore Pet]

Also I just noticed you desciption 20 GB HDD. Is this the correct size?

 

[Bituser]

Yes it is. I will be buying a bigger HDD when I get this working

 

[Commodore Pet]

Are you trying to install 32 bit or 64 bit Windows 7?

 

[gregrocker]

What is the SATA controller mode setting in BIOS? Set to IDE mode.

Plug in only the Win7 HD and set it as master, first to boot in BIOS.

Boot and run the HD' maker's diagnostics/repair extended CD scan using one-time BIOS Boot menu key given on first screen: HD Diagnostic

Next zero the HD using the same disk or Win7 DVD: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Partition using Custom install>Drive options illustrated Here: Clean Install Windows 7

If this fails, repartition using Step 2.2 in Optimize tutorial to mark partition Active.

 

[Shootist]

I suspect the hard drive is bad.
A 20GB HDD is OLD. They haven't made one of that size in 8-10 years. I doubt you could get a 20GB notebook hard drive 5 or 6 years ago. They just stopped making them.

If the drive is bad that will stop the PC form booting properly, I've had it happen to me.
Hard drive failing, system won't boot successfully to any device with the hard drive connected. Failed completely system won't even post.

Your problem is typical. Start an install and it seems to go OK. On reboot it can't read from the drive or can't read everything it needs from the drive. System does not load OS.

 

[Bituser]

Hey guys, I replaced the HDD with another one (unfortunately also a 20gb) and I managed to install Windows XP. I am getting errors on startup every now and then stating that I need to insert bootable media, a restart normally fixes that. Do you think this other HDD is bad as well?

EDIT: Second HDD Failed Seatools.

 

[DeanP]

Hi Sam,
Run SeaTools in the first HDD.

 

[Bituser]

Both Hard Drive failed Sea tools. Testing my SATA 120gb now.

 

[DeanP]

Sounds like if those HDD are in fault, I would RMA it.

 

[Bituser]

They are over 10 years old though. I think that might be the problem.

 

[DeanP]

That would explain the 20GB...!

 

[Bituser]

The test on the 102gb was a Pass. I will install windows on it and see how it goes.

 

[wilywombat]

Check your memory, from your initial post it looks like it could be a dodgy stick rather than the hard drive.

 

[DeanP]

Check your memory, from your initial post it looks like it could be a dodgy stick rather than the hard drive.

Good point.
For Sam, run Memtest: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html

 

[Bituser]

I have one broken ram stick and one working one. That puts me down to 512mb RAM, but I'm going to buy a 1GB stick. I just tried installing windows xp but it told me after it rebooted that there is "An error loading the operating system". This will drive me crazy.

 

[wilywombat]

Take out the busted stick and just run XP...limp along till you get your new RAM. Best to buy 2 1GB sticks if you want 32bit win 7, more if you want 64 bit.

 

[Bituser]

How come I keep getting problems installing windows even with the faulty ram out?