Windows HDD Limitations?

  • Thread starter Thread starter John M Carter
  • Start date Start date
J

John M Carter

I've purchased new base unit AM2 64X2 Athlon 4600, 2gb RAM and ASRock NF6G
Mobo. I have a new SATA2 320gb HDD and have been trying to instal WinXP Pro
using a 'contrived' boot CD which initially uses Win98SE ('start up' floppy
disc files) and then XP Pro CD files to transfer the XP Pro files. First
part of instal seems to go OK and allows me to create a Primary active dos
partition but it only takes 43099Mb of the 320GB for this purpose and won't
recognise the rest of the HDD. If I continue with the instal I get a message
saying that "at least ???????? Mb ( I cannot recall the exact figure) is
required on the partition to continue", - this quoted figure is obviously
more than the 43099Mb!! I have looked at BIOS and found that LBA is on Auto
and that HDD is recognised OK, SATA cables seem to be properly installed
using SATAII-1 socket on Mobo and jumper on HDDhas been removed to allow
30.GB/s transfer. My question is - what is causing this to happen and how
can I resolve the situation? Would be grateful for any advice.
 
Thanks for prompt reply. My WinXP cd is an 'upgrade' only so can only be
used on older Windows versions. As my pc is new it has no older version so I
either have to load Win98 completely or used this 'contrived' cd which
includes the basic files which will allow XP to install from same cd. Make
sense?

OK, I've managed to try again and have now gone right through to where WinXP
should boot from HDD and complete installation of hardware etc i.e the final
phase which pulls it all together and shows the desktop. Another problem! I
now get a message saying 'Unmountable boot volume'. I've checked the the HDD
which seems to have no bad bits and is fully recognized in both BIOS and
whilst installing XP files. I've run chkdsk /r, /p and fixboot, as suggested
in various places on the www and can think of nothing else to try. I've also
looked through the BIOS and can see nothing obviously wrong.

I'm now really struggling. All suggestions gratefully received .
 
That is immaterial; You use the winxp cd to prepare the hd, ie create
partition, format etc.
At some point during the instal win will complain that it cannot find a
qualifying version (or similar wording) at this point you replace the winxp
cd with the earlier version cd in order to validate, once done switch the
cd's and continue with the installation.

A winxp sp1 intregrated cd is required for large disk support, if your winxp
cd is earlier than sp1 you can only create a partition of 137gb
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;303013&Product=winxp
The only work around for this, assuming you wish to create a larger
partition is to create a slipstreamed (with latest sp) winxp cd

NB I didnt read your mobo manual but some mobo's have specific requirememts
for a new install using a sata hd, eg bios settings or jumpers or connecting
the sata to a specific mobo connector, and lastly using F6 to install
drivers from floppy.

I would start again and use the winxp cd to prepare & hope your contrived cd
is recognised as the qualifying version.
 
Have a copy of a Windows 98 CD handy (or other qualifying upgrade product)
Reboot the computer with the XP Upgrade CD
As it boots press any key to boot the CD
When prompted press F6 and install the drivers you have for the SATA drive
When that is finished you should get to an options screen. Select the option
to setup windows
Accept the License Agreement
When prompted for install type select the option for a new install.
You may be prompted for a qualifying product. At this point remove the XP CD
and insert the Windows 98 CD. Let the installer search for a few bits from
the Windows 98 CD and you will be prompted to reinsert the XP CD
Delete any partitions currently on the system, format as NTFS
Let installer run.

If you have made some 'contrived' CD do not use it. Use only a true Windows
98 CD and XP CD.
 
Thanks Harry but I've now got passed this stage but still have problems!
Everything seems to load fine and there's no problem until computer re-boots
to load the desktop. At this time WINXP PRO opening window loads (with the
little bar at the bottom indicating that files are loading), then it stops
and there is an Unmountable boot volume' error. It suggests re-booting which
I tried (both in 'normal' mode and 'safe' mode - same message appears.

I'm beginning to think there's a problem with hardware somewhere but none of
the help files I've seen indicate this. Any ideas please before I ring the
suppliers?

Many thanks,

John
Harry Ohrn said:
check here for instructions
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp_on_a.htm

--


Harry Ohrn MS MVP [Shell\User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


John M Carter said:
I've purchased new base unit AM2 64X2 Athlon 4600, 2gb RAM and ASRock
NF6G Mobo. I have a new SATA2 320gb HDD and have been trying to instal
WinXP Pro using a 'contrived' boot CD which initially uses Win98SE
('start up' floppy disc files) and then XP Pro CD files to transfer the
XP Pro files. First part of instal seems to go OK and allows me to
create a Primary active dos partition but it only takes 43099Mb of the
320GB for this purpose and won't recognise the rest of the HDD. If I
continue with the instal I get a message saying that "at least ????????
Mb ( I cannot recall the exact figure) is required on the partition to
continue", - this quoted figure is obviously more than the 43099Mb!! I
have looked at BIOS and found that LBA is on Auto and that HDD is
recognised OK, SATA cables seem to be properly installed using SATAII-1
socket on Mobo and jumper on HDDhas been removed to allow 30.GB/s
transfer. My question is - what is causing this to happen and how can I
resolve the situation? Would be grateful for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
That sounds like a serious hardware problem. The only times I've encountered
it was with failing hard drives.

--


Harry Ohrn MS MVP [Shell\User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


John M Carter said:
Thanks Harry but I've now got passed this stage but still have problems!
Everything seems to load fine and there's no problem until computer
re-boots to load the desktop. At this time WINXP PRO opening window loads
(with the little bar at the bottom indicating that files are loading),
then it stops and there is an Unmountable boot volume' error. It suggests
re-booting which I tried (both in 'normal' mode and 'safe' mode - same
message appears.

I'm beginning to think there's a problem with hardware somewhere but none
of the help files I've seen indicate this. Any ideas please before I ring
the suppliers?

Many thanks,

John
Harry Ohrn said:
check here for instructions
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp_on_a.htm

--


Harry Ohrn MS MVP [Shell\User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


John M Carter said:
I've purchased new base unit AM2 64X2 Athlon 4600, 2gb RAM and ASRock
NF6G Mobo. I have a new SATA2 320gb HDD and have been trying to instal
WinXP Pro using a 'contrived' boot CD which initially uses Win98SE
('start up' floppy disc files) and then XP Pro CD files to transfer the
XP Pro files. First part of instal seems to go OK and allows me to
create a Primary active dos partition but it only takes 43099Mb of the
320GB for this purpose and won't recognise the rest of the HDD. If I
continue with the instal I get a message saying that "at least
???????? Mb ( I cannot recall the exact figure) is required on the
partition to continue", - this quoted figure is obviously more than the
43099Mb!! I have looked at BIOS and found that LBA is on Auto and that
HDD is recognised OK, SATA cables seem to be properly installed using
SATAII-1 socket on Mobo and jumper on HDDhas been removed to allow
30.GB/s transfer. My question is - what is causing this to happen and
how can I resolve the situation? Would be grateful for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Its caused by the method you used to prepare the hd. ie using your contrived
win98 cd

John M Carter said:
Thanks Harry but I've now got passed this stage but still have problems!
Everything seems to load fine and there's no problem until computer re-boots
to load the desktop. At this time WINXP PRO opening window loads (with the
little bar at the bottom indicating that files are loading), then it stops
and there is an Unmountable boot volume' error. It suggests re-booting which
I tried (both in 'normal' mode and 'safe' mode - same message appears.

I'm beginning to think there's a problem with hardware somewhere but none of
the help files I've seen indicate this. Any ideas please before I ring the
suppliers?

Many thanks,

John
Harry Ohrn said:
check here for instructions
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp_on_a.htm

--


Harry Ohrn MS MVP [Shell\User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


John M Carter said:
I've purchased new base unit AM2 64X2 Athlon 4600, 2gb RAM and ASRock
NF6G Mobo. I have a new SATA2 320gb HDD and have been trying to instal
WinXP Pro using a 'contrived' boot CD which initially uses Win98SE
('start up' floppy disc files) and then XP Pro CD files to transfer the
XP Pro files. First part of instal seems to go OK and allows me to
create a Primary active dos partition but it only takes 43099Mb of the
320GB for this purpose and won't recognise the rest of the HDD. If I
continue with the instal I get a message saying that "at least ????????
Mb ( I cannot recall the exact figure) is required on the partition to
continue", - this quoted figure is obviously more than the 43099Mb!! I
have looked at BIOS and found that LBA is on Auto and that HDD is
recognised OK, SATA cables seem to be properly installed using SATAII-1
socket on Mobo and jumper on HDDhas been removed to allow 30.GB/s
transfer. My question is - what is causing this to happen and how can I
resolve the situation? Would be grateful for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
'Fraid not. I've also downloaded the MS file to create 6 floppy 'Start-up'
discs and used these in conjunction with my Upgrade CD and I get the same
result! I've also deleted all partitions on the HDD and started from
scratch trying various methods - all with the same result. I'm thinking my
sata ii HDD is faulty cos everything seems to write to it but it cannot be
accessed afterwards. Any other thoughts? Is there a way to test the HDD -
I've already scanned it and no bad sectors or any other probs show up. I'm
either missing something very easy or it's a very obscure problem!!

John


DL said:
Its caused by the method you used to prepare the hd. ie using your
contrived
win98 cd

John M Carter said:
Thanks Harry but I've now got passed this stage but still have problems!
Everything seems to load fine and there's no problem until computer re-boots
to load the desktop. At this time WINXP PRO opening window loads (with
the
little bar at the bottom indicating that files are loading), then it
stops
and there is an Unmountable boot volume' error. It suggests re-booting which
I tried (both in 'normal' mode and 'safe' mode - same message appears.

I'm beginning to think there's a problem with hardware somewhere but none of
the help files I've seen indicate this. Any ideas please before I ring
the
suppliers?

Many thanks,

John
Harry Ohrn said:
check here for instructions
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp_on_a.htm

--


Harry Ohrn MS MVP [Shell\User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


I've purchased new base unit AM2 64X2 Athlon 4600, 2gb RAM and ASRock
NF6G Mobo. I have a new SATA2 320gb HDD and have been trying to instal
WinXP Pro using a 'contrived' boot CD which initially uses Win98SE
('start up' floppy disc files) and then XP Pro CD files to transfer
the
XP Pro files. First part of instal seems to go OK and allows me to
create a Primary active dos partition but it only takes 43099Mb of
the
320GB for this purpose and won't recognise the rest of the HDD. If I
continue with the instal I get a message saying that "at least ????????
Mb ( I cannot recall the exact figure) is required on the partition to
continue", - this quoted figure is obviously more than the 43099Mb!! I
have looked at BIOS and found that LBA is on Auto and that HDD is
recognised OK, SATA cables seem to be properly installed using SATAII-1
socket on Mobo and jumper on HDDhas been removed to allow 30.GB/s
transfer. My question is - what is causing this to happen and how can
I
resolve the situation? Would be grateful for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
The HD manu will have a free utility

John M Carter said:
'Fraid not. I've also downloaded the MS file to create 6 floppy 'Start-up'
discs and used these in conjunction with my Upgrade CD and I get the same
result! I've also deleted all partitions on the HDD and started from
scratch trying various methods - all with the same result. I'm thinking my
sata ii HDD is faulty cos everything seems to write to it but it cannot be
accessed afterwards. Any other thoughts? Is there a way to test the HDD -
I've already scanned it and no bad sectors or any other probs show up. I'm
either missing something very easy or it's a very obscure problem!!

John


DL said:
Its caused by the method you used to prepare the hd. ie using your
contrived
win98 cd

John M Carter said:
Thanks Harry but I've now got passed this stage but still have problems!
Everything seems to load fine and there's no problem until computer re-boots
to load the desktop. At this time WINXP PRO opening window loads (with
the
little bar at the bottom indicating that files are loading), then it
stops
and there is an Unmountable boot volume' error. It suggests re-booting which
I tried (both in 'normal' mode and 'safe' mode - same message appears.

I'm beginning to think there's a problem with hardware somewhere but
Click to expand...
none
of
the help files I've seen indicate this. Any ideas please before I ring
the
suppliers?

Many thanks,

John
check here for instructions
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp_on_a.htm

--


Harry Ohrn MS MVP [Shell\User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


I've purchased new base unit AM2 64X2 Athlon 4600, 2gb RAM and ASRock
NF6G Mobo. I have a new SATA2 320gb HDD and have been trying to instal
WinXP Pro using a 'contrived' boot CD which initially uses Win98SE
('start up' floppy disc files) and then XP Pro CD files to transfer
the
XP Pro files. First part of instal seems to go OK and allows me to
create a Primary active dos partition but it only takes 43099Mb of
the
320GB for this purpose and won't recognise the rest of the HDD. If I
continue with the instal I get a message saying that "at least ????????
Mb ( I cannot recall the exact figure) is required on the partition to
continue", - this quoted figure is obviously more than the 43099Mb!! I
have looked at BIOS and found that LBA is on Auto and that HDD is
recognised OK, SATA cables seem to be properly installed using SATAII-1
socket on Mobo and jumper on HDDhas been removed to allow 30.GB/s
transfer. My question is - what is causing this to happen and how can
I
resolve the situation? Would be grateful for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Problem solved. Despite the fact that whilst loading, an incorrect HDD size
is shown, there is no need, in fact one must not, load the drivers for SATA
II during the install process. Once the install is finished Win XP
recognises the HDD for what it is. It's the drivers from the manufacturer
which not only loads the HDD controller but also loads the RAID files as
well and I think it's the RAID files which caused the problem because system
was expecting to run RAID when it was disabled in BIOS. RAID couldn't be
run anyway as I have only one HDD. Does all this make sense? At the end of
the day all that matters is the system is up and running. Many thanks for
all the suggestions and help received.

John


DL said:
The HD manu will have a free utility

John M Carter said:
'Fraid not. I've also downloaded the MS file to create 6 floppy 'Start-up'
discs and used these in conjunction with my Upgrade CD and I get the same
result! I've also deleted all partitions on the HDD and started from
scratch trying various methods - all with the same result. I'm thinking
my
sata ii HDD is faulty cos everything seems to write to it but it cannot
be
accessed afterwards. Any other thoughts? Is there a way to test the HDD -
I've already scanned it and no bad sectors or any other probs show up.
I'm
either missing something very easy or it's a very obscure problem!!

John


DL said:
Its caused by the method you used to prepare the hd. ie using your
contrived
win98 cd

Thanks Harry but I've now got passed this stage but still have problems!
Everything seems to load fine and there's no problem until computer
re-boots
to load the desktop. At this time WINXP PRO opening window loads (with
the
little bar at the bottom indicating that files are loading), then it
stops
and there is an Unmountable boot volume' error. It suggests re-booting
which
I tried (both in 'normal' mode and 'safe' mode - same message appears.

I'm beginning to think there's a problem with hardware somewhere but none
of
the help files I've seen indicate this. Any ideas please before I ring
the
suppliers?

Many thanks,

John
check here for instructions
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp_on_a.htm

--


Harry Ohrn MS MVP [Shell\User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


message
I've purchased new base unit AM2 64X2 Athlon 4600, 2gb RAM and ASRock
NF6G Mobo. I have a new SATA2 320gb HDD and have been trying to instal
WinXP Pro using a 'contrived' boot CD which initially uses Win98SE
('start up' floppy disc files) and then XP Pro CD files to transfer
the
XP Pro files. First part of instal seems to go OK and allows me to
create a Primary active dos partition but it only takes 43099Mb of
the
320GB for this purpose and won't recognise the rest of the HDD. If
I
continue with the instal I get a message saying that "at least
????????
Mb ( I cannot recall the exact figure) is required on the partition to
continue", - this quoted figure is obviously more than the
43099Mb!! I
have looked at BIOS and found that LBA is on Auto and that HDD is
recognised OK, SATA cables seem to be properly installed using
SATAII-1
socket on Mobo and jumper on HDDhas been removed to allow 30.GB/s
transfer. My question is - what is causing this to happen and how can
I
resolve the situation? Would be grateful for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
With raid/sata connected hd you need to read the specific instructions for
your mobo, as they vary.
1) Winxp has default drivers for *some* raid controllers
2) Some raid controllers require you to set up raid as JBOD if you are only
using a single sata hd
3) Some mobos require a specific sata connector to be used, resetting a mobo
jumper and or amending bios
It is ALL specific to the mobo

Anyhow its now all good to go

John M Carter said:
Problem solved. Despite the fact that whilst loading, an incorrect HDD size
is shown, there is no need, in fact one must not, load the drivers for SATA
II during the install process. Once the install is finished Win XP
recognises the HDD for what it is. It's the drivers from the manufacturer
which not only loads the HDD controller but also loads the RAID files as
well and I think it's the RAID files which caused the problem because system
was expecting to run RAID when it was disabled in BIOS. RAID couldn't be
run anyway as I have only one HDD. Does all this make sense? At the end of
the day all that matters is the system is up and running. Many thanks for
all the suggestions and help received.

John


DL said:
The HD manu will have a free utility

John M Carter said:
'Fraid not. I've also downloaded the MS file to create 6 floppy 'Start-up'
discs and used these in conjunction with my Upgrade CD and I get the same
result! I've also deleted all partitions on the HDD and started from
scratch trying various methods - all with the same result. I'm thinking
my
sata ii HDD is faulty cos everything seems to write to it but it cannot
be
accessed afterwards. Any other thoughts? Is there a way to test the HDD -
I've already scanned it and no bad sectors or any other probs show up.
I'm
either missing something very easy or it's a very obscure problem!!

John


Its caused by the method you used to prepare the hd. ie using your
contrived
win98 cd

Thanks Harry but I've now got passed this stage but still have problems!
Everything seems to load fine and there's no problem until computer
re-boots
to load the desktop. At this time WINXP PRO opening window loads (with
the
little bar at the bottom indicating that files are loading), then it
stops
and there is an Unmountable boot volume' error. It suggests re-booting
which
I tried (both in 'normal' mode and 'safe' mode - same message appears.

I'm beginning to think there's a problem with hardware somewhere but none
of
the help files I've seen indicate this. Any ideas please before I ring
the
suppliers?

Many thanks,

John
check here for instructions
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp_on_a.htm

--


Harry Ohrn MS MVP [Shell\User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


message
I've purchased new base unit AM2 64X2 Athlon 4600, 2gb RAM and ASRock
NF6G Mobo. I have a new SATA2 320gb HDD and have been trying to instal
WinXP Pro using a 'contrived' boot CD which initially uses Win98SE
('start up' floppy disc files) and then XP Pro CD files to transfer
the
XP Pro files. First part of instal seems to go OK and allows me to
create a Primary active dos partition but it only takes 43099Mb of
the
320GB for this purpose and won't recognise the rest of the HDD. If
I
continue with the instal I get a message saying that "at least
????????
Mb ( I cannot recall the exact figure) is required on the
Click to expand...
partition
to
continue", - this quoted figure is obviously more than the
43099Mb!! I
have looked at BIOS and found that LBA is on Auto and that HDD is
recognised OK, SATA cables seem to be properly installed using
SATAII-1
socket on Mobo and jumper on HDDhas been removed to allow 30.GB/s
transfer. My question is - what is causing this to happen and how can
I
resolve the situation? Would be grateful for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Oh yes Indeed!! Thanks for your input., Item Closed!!

John


DL said:
With raid/sata connected hd you need to read the specific instructions for
your mobo, as they vary.
1) Winxp has default drivers for *some* raid controllers
2) Some raid controllers require you to set up raid as JBOD if you are
only
using a single sata hd
3) Some mobos require a specific sata connector to be used, resetting a
mobo
jumper and or amending bios
It is ALL specific to the mobo

Anyhow its now all good to go

John M Carter said:
Problem solved. Despite the fact that whilst loading, an incorrect HDD size
is shown, there is no need, in fact one must not, load the drivers for SATA
II during the install process. Once the install is finished Win XP
recognises the HDD for what it is. It's the drivers from the manufacturer
which not only loads the HDD controller but also loads the RAID files as
well and I think it's the RAID files which caused the problem because system
was expecting to run RAID when it was disabled in BIOS. RAID couldn't
be
run anyway as I have only one HDD. Does all this make sense? At the end
of
the day all that matters is the system is up and running. Many thanks for
all the suggestions and help received.

John


DL said:
The HD manu will have a free utility

'Fraid not. I've also downloaded the MS file to create 6 floppy
'Start-up'
discs and used these in conjunction with my Upgrade CD and I get the same
result! I've also deleted all partitions on the HDD and started from
scratch trying various methods - all with the same result. I'm
thinking
my
sata ii HDD is faulty cos everything seems to write to it but it
cannot
be
accessed afterwards. Any other thoughts? Is there a way to test the HDD -
I've already scanned it and no bad sectors or any other probs show up.
I'm
either missing something very easy or it's a very obscure problem!!

John


Its caused by the method you used to prepare the hd. ie using your
contrived
win98 cd

message
Thanks Harry but I've now got passed this stage but still have
problems!
Everything seems to load fine and there's no problem until computer
re-boots
to load the desktop. At this time WINXP PRO opening window loads (with
the
little bar at the bottom indicating that files are loading), then
it
stops
and there is an Unmountable boot volume' error. It suggests re-booting
which
I tried (both in 'normal' mode and 'safe' mode - same message appears.

I'm beginning to think there's a problem with hardware somewhere
but
none
of
the help files I've seen indicate this. Any ideas please before I ring
the
suppliers?

Many thanks,

John
check here for instructions
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp_on_a.htm

--


Harry Ohrn MS MVP [Shell\User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


message
I've purchased new base unit AM2 64X2 Athlon 4600, 2gb RAM and
ASRock
NF6G Mobo. I have a new SATA2 320gb HDD and have been trying to
instal
WinXP Pro using a 'contrived' boot CD which initially uses Win98SE
('start up' floppy disc files) and then XP Pro CD files to transfer
the
XP Pro files. First part of instal seems to go OK and allows me to
create a Primary active dos partition but it only takes 43099Mb of
the
320GB for this purpose and won't recognise the rest of the HDD. If
I
continue with the instal I get a message saying that "at least
????????
Mb ( I cannot recall the exact figure) is required on the partition
to
continue", - this quoted figure is obviously more than the
43099Mb!!
I
have looked at BIOS and found that LBA is on Auto and that HDD
is
recognised OK, SATA cables seem to be properly installed using
SATAII-1
socket on Mobo and jumper on HDDhas been removed to allow
30.GB/s
transfer. My question is - what is causing this to happen and
how
can
I
resolve the situation? Would be grateful for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
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