Installing XP Pro - can't see HDD
 

Hi, I am trying to install XP Pro as a dual boot with Vista, which is already there. I have created a XP partition and I can boot with an XP disk. I get to the part where you pick "Install", "Repair" or "Exit". Pick install and it tells me it can't see the HDD(s), check they are they are connected properly...

I have an ASUS M51Sn, Vista ULTI pre installed and a recovery partition and a recovery DVD. Could the recover partition be interfering with the install?

Cheers, appreciate any tips...

Very nice laptop!

You need to install the sata drivers on that partition so that xp can see the drives.(2.5" 9.5mm SATA harddrive specs)

Download the XP driver files for the Sata harddrive. and put them on a CD. Reboot with the XP installation disc and watch closely for the prompt..."Hit F6 to load any third party drivers.." press the F6 key and follow the directions!

You just might have major issues trying to find drivers for windows XP.

Here is your driver download page....

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-

that computer has no listing for any XP drivers at all so good luck with it.

Thankyou, I haven't had much luck yet getting an XP SATA driver. I did manage to install XP Pro by changing the BIOS setting for the HDD from "optimized" to "compatible". I got XP working, but I was uhappy with the way it was working; namely the video driver and a heap of other not 100% critical components like the fingerprint reader...
I'm starting again reinstall of Vista and 2 partitions...
I might have to accept defeat and just work with Vista...

Cheers
Kieran

set up your computer with an additional partition as you were planning on installing XP as a second system. Then down load GAG a freeware boot manager. GAG will be better suited for installing XP with Vista then using the built in windows boot manager
GAG, the Graphical Boot Manager
Now try installing the XP to the second partition using gag. play with what drivers that you can that will work with XP...then find the name/ID of the hardware and put it in a google search as name/ID XP driver files and see what you can find.

Also search through DriverGuide.com (printer drivers, cdrom drivers, modem drivers, sound drivers, mouse drivers, monitor drivers, etc.) - DriverGuide.com
this is a free site but you must register. has a nice tutorial for searching their site in various different ways...

also be sure to check the hardware manufacturer's site for drivers as well.

With GAG installed you can work seperately on finding the xp drivers without having to log in and modify the boot ini files and all that garbage!

Thank you again. I'll give GAG a go. Last night I got VistaBootPRO 3.3 to work for me. I the gave me the option of Booting XP or Vista, but when booting in XP is said the ntldr file was missing, Vista still worked.

To get things to work, for Work, I am going to go with XP in VMware, work are supplying. And I will keep investigating the Dual Boot and build a resource of XP drivers, if I can.

Cheers
Kieran

I gave an XP partition another go...

I like the look of GAG. But do you know how to stop Vista from making the XP boot loader file 'ntldr' from disappearing?

Cheers
Kieran

with GAG installed...the ntldr file will not matter. Gag will hide all boot files of one operating sytem from any other installed operating sytem. This keeps the boot loaders and Master Boot records clean from corruption by the other operating sytems files.

The XP ntldr file should install from the XP installation disc..If it doesn't then there is a work around to correct this problem. Mostly it is because of hardware issues.....ie, too many things moun ted to the motherboard. Try removing all but the basic pieces of hardware before installing XP then after the installation you can re-install it!