DOS

[smithy]

I want to do a C:\fdisk and delete and create new partitions as I'm having problems loading an operating system on a PC for my mum.
After I get the error from trying to do setup from cd, D:\ , I try and change to C:\ but it says invalid directory..
THe C drive must be there somewhere..
Any ideas please?

[Psyber]

Does the drive show up in the white on black print on screen during the initial boot process? It sometimes goes past fast so you may need to be quick with the "Pause" button to read it and even re-boot a few times till you time it right.

If it does not show up there the BIOS is not finding it so check its connector and the power supply cable to it.

[smithy]

Doesn't show up.. just tells me the monitor and amount of RAM..

Just on my 1st post, it says invalid drive specification, not invalid directory.

[Psyber]

Doesn't show up.. just tells me the monitor and amount of RAM..

Just on my 1st post, it says invalid drive specification, not invalid directory.

So it does not find the drive at all. Check all cables. If it is still not found try the HDD in another machine and see if it shows up there. It could be a dud drive.

[smithy]

Thanks Psyber..
I think I might give it to the local PC expert.
A: comes up with a few directories even when there is no floppy in.......
I'm thinking WTF, then out of curiosity type B: and it reads the floppy drive.
I can't get into CMOS either..
I've downloaded partition recovery programs etc etc but it's time to give up..
He's only going to charge $30 so he can have the aggravation.

[Dissident]

Thanks Psyber..
I think I might give it to the local PC expert.
A: comes up with a few directories even when there is no floppy in.......
I'm thinking WTF, then out of curiosity type B: and it reads the floppy drive.
I can't get into CMOS either..
I've downloaded partition recovery programs etc etc but it's time to give up..
He's only going to charge $30 so he can have the aggravation.

A: might be the system tools RAM drive that windows loads when y ou boot from CD.

Why don't you let the Windows CD make the partitions?

[smithy]

I can;t load from XP or 98 cd.
XP keeps on freezing on the blue screen after it's entered all the drivers and WIN 98 comes up with a message saying unable to complete installation.

[Psyber]

I can;t load from XP or 98 cd.
XP keeps on freezing on the blue screen after it's entered all the drivers and WIN 98 comes up with a message saying unable to complete installation.

That is consistent with not being able to find the HDD as discussed above.

[Dissident]

Hard drive issue??

I would, if it was me, take out the HD, and perform a "mock" install on another PC with that HDD. See how far you get. That will tell you if the HDD is crook or if there is another issue.

[Grahaml]

Most likely going to be HDD or mainboard. Checking one or the other by either installing the OS on the same HDD on another system, or use a different HDD (if you happen to have something like that hanging around unused!) will lead you in the right direction I would have thought. And don't assume the ATA cable is working properly either. It might be as simple as that, but often it's the last thing you think of.

[smithy]

Thanks for all the tips guys.
I have plugged the HDD into another PC and did a mock install and it didn';t work.
I am now officially declaring after threatening to many times previously....NEVER, EVER, volunteer to take a look at someone elses PC again.

[Dissident]

Thanks for all the tips guys.
I have plugged the HDD into another PC and did a mock install and it didn';t work.
I am now officially declaring after threatening to many times previously....NEVER, EVER, volunteer to take a look at someone elses PC again.

There's ya answer - shagged HDD

[Strawb]

C:Dos
C:DOS RUN
RUN DOS RUN

[rod_rooster]

C:Dos
C:DOS RUN
RUN DOS RUN

ROFLMAO

I've got the t-shirt

[rod_rooster]

C:Dos
C:DOS RUN
RUN DOS RUN

ROFLMAO

I've got the t-shirt

Glaven