TriggerFinger

What BIOS level is currently installed?

About XP/Vista BIOS... AFAIK they are one and the same as the BIOS is hardware related. I thinking if WinPhlash.exe has a Vista or an XP version but I really doubt. Assuming this is only for Vista (and considering all the headache in forcing an update through DOS), I would try installing Vista and run the BIOS update for Vista.

But this is not what I am concerned about. Having read the thread again, the original problem is that BIOS does not see the correct hard drive or something like that, am I correct? Aside from updating the BIOS, what other things have you attempted or tried to do to resolve this issue? I am asking because, it seems that we have not addressed the initial problem.

I am assuming that before while still in Linux and even the OS before this, you have a good running system. This alone tells you that you have good working BIOS. It is only until recently when you tried to install back XP that it said there were no HDD found. You checked in BIOS and there it tells you it has 2 100GB hard drives. You ran CHKDSK and it gave you a report. This part confuses me because XP install says you do not have an HDD installed but CHKDSK gives a report that you have one. Hmmm, did you run CHKDSK using the same XP install CD that you used earlier to install Windows? Also, what XP install CD are you using?

If it is OK with you, forget about updating the BIOS first. Here's what I need you to do...

1. Physically remove the hard drive and use it on another PC (via a USB connected enclosure). There you will see if immediately if you have 2 100GB drives or 1 x 200GB(?) with 2 partitions. You will also know if you have SATA or PATA drive.
   
2. Format the drive as you please.
   
3. Reset CMOS and set BIOS to default.
   
4. Put the hard drive back in and try installation of XP again.

EDIT:
I came across some information that AR21S is using SATA (no wonder). Follow the steps in the page below to install XP..

http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...=RAID_AR21.htm

Also download ORIGINAL drivers and Utilities from here (near bottom of page):
http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...=VGN-AR&m=2418

SectorCluster

OK, I agree in not updating the BIOS as not only is it difficult but dangerous.

1. I have Physically remove the hardrives I have 2 100GB FUJITSU SATA HDD

2. I Then did insert them into another Sony laptop i am lucky to have (well only 1 of them as the other laptop only has one slot) I ran the Windows CD it found the HDD and not only found it successfully installed it and ran it on the other laptop.

3. I have reset the CMOS and set BIOS to default, I unplugged a battery fromthe motherboard and left it for 10 minutes. However i can only see one side of the motherboard so there could be a battery underneath that i can't get to. However i only think 1 would be on the motherboard.

4. Once reinserted nothing change what so ever.

Just a quick question just preparing for the worst case senario. What could a recyle from my laptop I am thinking HDD's Memory? Blue Ray drive? Even Screen?

BTW Trigger I am unbelieveable greatfull for your continuous help mate your a legend

TriggerFinger

Sorry for the late info... Please see EDIT part of my previous reply... I believe that would do the trick...

SectorCluster

Well I think it's safe to say I love you Trigger.

I am now the prowd owner of a removable floppy drive and i am currently loading windows onto my laptop!!

Not finsihed yet but this is the closet i've been for a long time!

I'll hopefully tell you the good news later today!

TriggerFinger

Good Luck. With a little bit of luck on our side , you will have a fully running system anytime soon.

If anything comes up, you know what to do...

SectorCluster

Yeah Full Running Indeed I am at this moment messaging you off my fully running VGN-AR21S!

dai

glad you have it sorted

TriggerFinger

Good JOB! Thank you for the update. I am so glad to hear you got it working again.

Some suggestions just in case...

1. Try nLite if you want to slipstream the drivers needed with XP (yes, I believe this include the SATA drivers. That way you do not need the floppy drive anymore. Play around with nLite, it's fun learning what you can do with it. Refer to this site for instructions:
   
   http://icrontic.com/articles/slipstreaming_windows_easy
   
   
2. If you want to keep using the floppy drive, make sure you save the drivers in CD just in case you will need it in the future.