Harddrive not recognised on re-installing Windows XP

Smokey57 · 08-18-2008, 03:49 AM

Have a Compaq Presario Model C302TU currently running Windows XP Pro SP2.

I want to re-install Windows due to recent virus & spyware attack. When I reboot the laptop with the installation disc in, it goes thru the normal checking etc but when I get to the part to reformat the drive, it come up with a message that the hard drive cannot be located and with a message to check to see that there is power to the hard drive. There is hard drive there and it is working as I am currently using the computer.

Further, the computer came with Windows XP Home already installed and a recovery partition. I recall that after I got the computer, I tried to make a recovery disc, but was unsuccessful. Anyway, Windows XP Pro was installed over the home version. Well, have tried to use the PC Recovery program, but it cannot locate the partition with the rcovery file. It is there in the D drive.

Any clues as to how to reinstall Windows XP Pro or to access the recovery file to load XP Home version. I have tried restoring to the earliest restore point, but it did not help.

It appears that the dard drive is not being recognised.

HELP?????

~~wiseleo~~ · 08-18-2008, 04:30 AM

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00785281.pdf - recovery manual for your laptop

The reason why your XP CD is not finding it is because you have a SATA hard drive in your laptop. You need to follow instructions here: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...roduct=3246122

You will also need a USB floppy drive. They are about $30.

If you haven't backed up your data yet, there is still time.

Smokey57 · 08-22-2008, 05:42 AM

Thanks very much for your help. I was able to load windows OK, however, I have lost the drivers for the wireless connection and audio drivers.

Ant further advice as to where to get them from. I recall able to install them from the recovery file to the partition D, but do not now have the software to access this file.

Can you help???

**FreoHeaveho** · 08-22-2008, 05:49 AM

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...oduct=3246122#

08-18-2008, 03:49 AM	#1 (permalink)
Smokey57 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6 OS: xp	Harddrive not recognised on re-installing Windows XP Have a Compaq Presario Model C302TU currently running Windows XP Pro SP2. I want to re-install Windows due to recent virus & spyware attack. When I reboot the laptop with the installation disc in, it goes thru the normal checking etc but when I get to the part to reformat the drive, it come up with a message that the hard drive cannot be located and with a message to check to see that there is power to the hard drive. There is hard drive there and it is working as I am currently using the computer. Further, the computer came with Windows XP Home already installed and a recovery partition. I recall that after I got the computer, I tried to make a recovery disc, but was unsuccessful. Anyway, Windows XP Pro was installed over the home version. Well, have tried to use the PC Recovery program, but it cannot locate the partition with the rcovery file. It is there in the D drive. Any clues as to how to reinstall Windows XP Pro or to access the recovery file to load XP Home version. I have tried restoring to the earliest restore point, but it did not help. It appears that the dard drive is not being recognised. HELP?????

08-18-2008, 04:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
~~wiseleo~~ Troubled Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 461 OS: Win 2003 SP2 My System	Re: Harddrive not recognised on re-installing Windows XP http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00785281.pdf - recovery manual for your laptop The reason why your XP CD is not finding it is because you have a SATA hard drive in your laptop. You need to follow instructions here: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...roduct=3246122 You will also need a USB floppy drive. They are about $30. If you haven't backed up your data yet, there is still time.

08-22-2008, 05:42 AM	#3 (permalink)
Smokey57 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6 OS: xp	Re: Harddrive not recognised on re-installing Windows XP Thanks very much for your help. I was able to load windows OK, however, I have lost the drivers for the wireless connection and audio drivers. Ant further advice as to where to get them from. I recall able to install them from the recovery file to the partition D, but do not now have the software to access this file. Can you help???

08-22-2008, 05:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
FreoHeaveho TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 3,227 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate 64 SP2, Windows XP Professional SP3, Mac OSX Leopard My System	Re: Harddrive not recognised on re-installing Windows XP http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...oduct=3246122# __________________ PC Wizard-VGA 2009 Charts-Power Supply Info-Multi/Single Rail PSU?-Speedfan-Driver Sweeper