[KingOmega]

I have an old IBM computer that my family use, while I have my laptop. It's nothing special and the specs are nothing to write home about but it has always been reliable for all the basic tasks and needs. Recently though I tried to install a replacement hard drive into the system because the space in the old one was minimal and becoming a problem with all the files on there.

The new hard drive is a SATA, 250GB Hard drive, and is brand new. I had to purchase a Serial ATA Raid PCI to install it, as the connections inside the case were outdated for it. All the necessary connections were made the hard drive was detected automatically by the system with no problems.

When using a Windows installation disc to install Windows XP Professional SP2 (Which supports the SATA drive with the correct drivers), everything seemed fine. The computer restarted and went to the windows loading image.

When the windows page with the different tasks for installation appeared everything was also working until about half way through the process - I was prompted to insert the CD and choose a directory to copy files; (It asked me to go to "i386," a folder on the CD). There were the options; "OK", "Cancel" and "Browse". I chose to browse, and went to the directory for my computer. When that opened, there was no CD present, even though the CD was evidently in the drive and in perfect condition. I got asked a second time, this time for an "IEXPLORE" file, I think. Once again the CD didn't come up and I was at a loss.

I tried the CD in my laptop, and the folder "i386" was there, with no problems. I pressed the cancel button on the installation and it went ahead. When it finalised everything and logged on, the appearance was of an older version of windows, and was missing most of the standard programs Windows XP normally has. I wasn't sure what to do about this, and as you can guess I was a bit worried.

Is there a way to install these files/fix this problem? Any help can be much appreciated.

[serverguy]

It sounds as if something went wrong during installation

First thing that I would do is right click on My Computer and click on properties. If you don't have a desktop icon for it you can right click on the start menu option.

It will open a windows that will tell you you're system specs. Does it say XP at the top?

Also, what was the OS before you reinstalled? Was it XP or a previous version of Windows?

Get back with this information.

[KingOmega]

The Operating System before hand was Windows XP Professional with SP 2.

The properties state this exactly:

Microsoft Windows XP

Professional

Version 2002

Service Pack 2

[serverguy]

OK, thanks for that.

The laptop does have XP installed but it does not sound quite right if it has the old style desktop. This may just be because it has reverted to the old style but I can't understand why this is.

What I suggest is that you reinstall Windows again. This may not be necessary but it will mean there are no problems down the line. I doubt you have many programs on it yet so there should be to much of a problem in terms of loosing stuff.

When you go to reinstall, make sure you to chose to fully format the drive before you reinstall.

Hopefully the install will go smoothly this time.

If you get the same problems please ask again.

[KingOmega]

Thanks a bunch, I'm just trying it now. Formatting is currently performing now. I picked the whole format, and not the quick option. Will report back with the outcome.

[KingOmega]

Okay while installing I've hit a snag already. It says there's a problem with the Windows Logo testing. I'm guessing it's the new hard drive I installed - It's the only new thing to the system. It's giving me the option to stop the installation or to continue. What should I do?

[Hybr!d]

Continue, if XP still installs and runs ignore it.

[KingOmega]

Will do, I'll get back to you whenever there's another message.

[KingOmega]

Regional Language options has come up. Next or back?

[Hybr!d]

Just follow all the menu options.