New/(re) installation - need info

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cooter
  • Start date Start date
C

Cooter

When I set up this computer two years ago I had to run a program / utility
from a floppy during the early part of the Windows installation, prior to
partitioning and formatting the hard drive. I don't know if this was because
the disk was over 137 GB (it is 160 GB), or whatever. Anyhow, I partitioned
the drive into four approx. equal logical drives.

Now I need to reformat the C: partition and reinstall Windows XP Home. My
question is: Should I, or should I not, run this floppy utility again?

Thanks for any help.
 
Cooter said:
When I set up this computer two years ago I had to run a program /
utility from a floppy during the early part of the Windows
installation, prior to partitioning and formatting the hard drive. I
don't know if this was because the disk was over 137 GB (it is 160
GB), or whatever. Anyhow, I partitioned the drive into four approx.
equal logical drives.

Now I need to reformat the C: partition and reinstall Windows XP
Home. My question is: Should I, or should I not, run this floppy
utility again?

Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q555375
 
Your subject line says it all - need info. More info is needed before anyone
can tell you the answer. Specifically what is the program/utility on the
floppy?

If it is a drive overlay program, which sounds likely given your
description, then the answer is maybe. XP doesn't play well with this type
of program. If you are just formatting the C: partition it should work
without using the overlay disk but I have seen cases where reinstalling XP
overwrote the drive overlay causing data loss of the entire drive. Make sure
you have backups of any important data.

If it was a driver for the hard drive controller then you will need to press
F6 to load the driver during the install.
 
Thanks for your reply. Maybe the following will give you a better clue. Any
further comments appreciated.

The diskette label simply states: "VIA SATA v.310E". It was my understanding
from the builder of the computer that this diskette was needed because the
drive was a Serial ATA drive. The contents of the diskette are:

(folder) PIDE
(folder) RAID
TXTSETUP.OEM
version.txt

The two folders contain other folders relating to verious versions of
Windows. The text file simply states "VIA SATA drivers v.310e"
 
That is a driver disk. Near the start of the install during the text phase
watch the bottom of the screem for a line that says something like Press F6
to load drivers. I can't remember the exact wording but the key point is
press F6 at this point and insert the floppy disk. You may also need to
insert it again later in the install if prompted.
 
Cooter said:
Thanks for your reply. Maybe the following will give you a better clue.
Any
further comments appreciated.

The diskette label simply states: "VIA SATA v.310E". It was my
understanding
from the builder of the computer that this diskette was needed because the
drive was a Serial ATA drive. The contents of the diskette are:

(folder) PIDE
(folder) RAID
TXTSETUP.OEM
version.txt

The two folders contain other folders relating to verious versions of
Windows. The text file simply states "VIA SATA drivers v.310e"
Click to expand...
Cooter,

You haven't explained the problem that you are experiencing that leads you
to believe that you must format. Many times that format process and all of
its attendant dangers and pitfalls can be eliminated by analyizing the
problem that you are experiencing and then correcting that specific problem.
 
As you are using a SATA drive you will need to install the drivers during
the Windows XP installation (second screen after boot hit F6) otherwise your
drive will not be recognised. for an illustrated guide to installing XO
visit my website link:

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp.htm

Is there a particular reason why you need to reinstall?

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

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