Computer not detecting hard drive

AlecWarland · 05-24-2008, 09:16 AM

First off, I am not a hardcore computer customizer so please don't flame me if there is a simple solution to my problem.

I have this old, old computer that I got from a friend that currently has no OS on it. When I turn it on and put in my Windows XP setup disk it gets to a point where it says there is no hard drive. I opened my computer up to check the connection and I reconnect them to be sure. When I restart I get the same message.

Even when I load up my Knoppix Live CD It doesn't detect any hard drive. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

**vladimirb** · 05-24-2008, 09:31 AM

What type of HDD your friend is using: SATA or ATA? You can try to replace cable that connects Motherboard and HDD. If it is SATA you probably need to provide SATA driver for XP so Setup can see your HDD. If it is ATA HDD, then you should replace the cable definetely.
But first, go to BIOS and check is it visible there.
When you check those things, post new message so we can continue with instructions.
Hope this will help mate.

**Deleted090308** · 05-24-2008, 09:33 AM

Hi,

What's the brand/model of the computer (or motherboard)?
Look in BIOS - is the drive detected there?

Check the data cable from motherboard to HDD - take it out, then put it back.

Is the HDD an IDE drive? If so, is it alone on the cable?

05-24-2008, 09:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
AlecWarland Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 4 OS: XP SP2, SUSE	Computer not detecting hard drive First off, I am not a hardcore computer customizer so please don't flame me if there is a simple solution to my problem. I have this old, old computer that I got from a friend that currently has no OS on it. When I turn it on and put in my Windows XP setup disk it gets to a point where it says there is no hard drive. I opened my computer up to check the connection and I reconnect them to be sure. When I restart I get the same message. Even when I load up my Knoppix Live CD It doesn't detect any hard drive. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

05-24-2008, 09:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
vladimirb Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina Posts: 3,079 OS: xp pro sp3, Server 2003, Windows 7 My System	Re: Computer not detecting hard drive What type of HDD your friend is using: SATA or ATA? You can try to replace cable that connects Motherboard and HDD. If it is SATA you probably need to provide SATA driver for XP so Setup can see your HDD. If it is ATA HDD, then you should replace the cable definetely. But first, go to BIOS and check is it visible there. When you check those things, post new message so we can continue with instructions. Hope this will help mate. __________________ MCP - MCSA

05-24-2008, 09:33 AM	#3 (permalink)
Deleted090308 Not... Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 22,277 OS: Xp	Re: Computer not detecting hard drive Hi, What's the brand/model of the computer (or motherboard)? Look in BIOS - is the drive detected there? Check the data cable from motherboard to HDD - take it out, then put it back. Is the HDD an IDE drive? If so, is it alone on the cable?