Solved XP install can't see previous Windows 7 partition (whole drive)

[xcr]

I have to install back XP to see something on an older machine (I know; not supported, but I have to check something). I completely wiped the Windows 7 with Gparted, including boot partition. XP install can't see a thing from the whole drive. Any tips? I tried to Google for a solution but to no avail.

 

[MilesAhead]

When you say "wiped" do you mean you wrote over it or just deleted the partitions?

Partition Wizard iso is bootable and may be able to undelete the partitions.

Free download Magic Partition Manager Software, partition magic alternative, free partition magic, partition magic Windows 7 and server partition software - Partition Wizard Online

See bootable CD at the bottom of the page

 

[gregrocker]

Would you please explain what it is that you are trying to do because it is not at all clear.

You said you need to reinstall XP to check something - what?

You said XP now cannot see Win7 since you wiped it from the drive? Why would it? What is it you're looking for?

Please explain fully and completely what you want to do and how you're being stopped from doing it.

 

[xcr]

When you say "wiped" do you mean you wrote over it or just deleted the partitions?

I mean I deleted the partition, the n formatted to a Linux partition then again to NTFS/FAT32 -and XP Install didn't see it (the whole drive in fact; which has 4 partitions on it)

Partition Wizard iso is bootable and may be able to undelete the partitions.

Free download Magic Partition Manager Software, partition magic alternative, free partition magic, partition magic Windows 7 and server partition software - Partition Wizard Online

See bootable CD at the bottom of the page

This software is on my Hiren's Boot USB - almost identical in functionality to Linux's GParted (at least to me). If you recommend it to do the above process with this one - I can give it a shot. Thanks

 

[xcr]

You said you need to reinstall XP to check something - what?

I want to see if the Bluetooth device is seen and works in XP on my ThinkPad X61 machine. (It's an issue on this hardware to make it work on Windows 7).

You said XP now cannot see Win7 since you wiped it from the drive? Why would it? What is it you're looking for?

Not exactly. I mean the boot media (USB) containing the XP Install can't see the partition (it can't see the whole drive with 4 partitions in total; in fact) which previously contained -now wiped; with it's 100 MB boot partition as well - the Windows 7 operating system.

 

[MilesAhead]

I think the old partition info is likely saved or backed up for one operation. I doubt it can "undo" in a streak like a text editor. Perhaps someone with low level disk format knowledge can give more detail. I know MBR disks have a backup MBR and that has the partition table. But I think that only gets you one undo per partition.

Have you tried installing the driver in compatibility mode selecting XP?

 

[gregrocker]

As suggested try installing driver in Compatibility Mode from Win7. As it's still impossible to tell from your writing if Win7 is on the drive now, reinstall it if necessary

If that fails look for a newer driver on the Device's Support Downloads webpage or by googling the device name + Win7 Vista driver.

Are you using XP with SP3 installation CD? Try shrinking the Win7 partition to unallocated space, then use XP CD to create and full format the partition for XP if needed.

Once XP starts, Mark 7 Partition Active then run Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times until Win7 starts. Install EasyBCD to add XP. EasyBCD (click Download - no Name or Email required)

 

[xcr]

Wait... If I understand correctly, do you suggest I have Windows 7 on the machine. No, as I said earlier the Windows 7 partition is wiped, there is nothing. I just want to install an XP to this SSD. On this drive there was never an XP, though.

Maybe I am missing something? Or could you pls. tell me like to a 5 year old?

(For example I don't get this whole deal about '" the driver", as you say. For me a driver is always a driver of something, like a video card driver. I install drivers from 2 trusted sources: Microsoft and Lenovo - as it's a ThinkPad.)

I truly appreciate you.

 

[Anshad Edavana]

Hi XCR

If i understand correctly, XP setup is complaining that it can't find a HDD in you machine and display a message simila to the below example. Is that correct ?.

If this is the situation, you need to change the SATA controller mode to IDE emulation mode. Enter BIOS setup and check whether there is an option to change SATA mode from AHCI to IDE is available. In most BIOS setup, the setting may look like this ;

 

[xcr]

If this is the situation, you need to change the SATA controller mode to IDE emulation mode. Enter BIOS setup and check whether there is an option to change SATA mode from AHCI to IDE is available.

And this did the trick. Thanks! I maked the thread "Solved". It was your solution.

 

[Anshad Edavana]

Glad to be able to help .