Member Avatar for Galdii

For some reason my old HD (40Gig) died and I bought a new one (80Gig) two or three days ago. I plugged it in, created the new partition and formated. But when I tried to install windows 2000 (because it's an relatively old, 1GigHerz Comp), it always says that there is an "error loading Operation System".
Since the Computer is some years old now I figured that it had something to do with the BIOS, so I checked the internet and found out, that Im not the only one with this problem. So here's what I could find out about my BIOS:
Thanks a lot in advance

AWARD MODULAR BIOS v6.00PG, An energy Star ally (blablabla)
P6VXA ve 2.0 04/12/2001 - 694X-686B-P6VXAC-00

System Specs:
80 Gigabyte HD
Pentium III processor (1000 Megaherz)
512 MB Ram
An Nvidia Geforce 2 Graphics Card
Integrated Sound Card
Trying to instal Windows 2K

I think that maybe you'll be missing some info so if some more is required, please let me know.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by caperjack

Dani AI

Generated

The pattern described by (new 80 GB drive, Windows 2000 setup copies files then reports "Error loading operating system" and later "NTLDR is missing") most commonly points to a boot-file or boot-record problem combined with BIOS/drive detection quirks. and are on the right track about the boot area; 's suggestion to run the drive maker's utility is also useful for a hardware sanity check before chasing software fixes.

Hardware/BIOS checklist (do these first):

  • Confirm the BIOS actually detects the full drive capacity and the drive is set as Master/Cable‑Select correctly on the IDE cable.
  • Use the correct 40/80‑wire IDE cable and verify pin 1 orientation.
  • Disconnect any other disks or removable media during install so the installer writes to the intended disk and the boot order is unambiguous.
  • On the first reboot during Windows setup, when prompted "Press any key to boot from CD", do not press a key; let the machine boot from the hard disk so setup can continue.
  • Only consider a BIOS update from the motherboard vendor if the board’s downloads page documents fixes for hard‑drive detection; follow vendor instructions exactly.

Recovery/repair steps (Windows 2000 Recovery Console):
Boot the Windows 2000 CD, press R for Recovery Console, choose the installation and run these commands (adjust the CD drive letter if needed):

fixmbr
fixboot c:
bootcfg /rebuild
copy d:\i386\ntldr c:\
copy d:\i386\ntdetect.com c:\
exit

Notes and cautions:

  • Verify the CD drive letter before copying (the Recovery Console drive for the CD is not always D:).
  • Rewriting the MBR/boot sector can affect partitions; proceed only if the drive contains no important data or after a backup.
  • If problems persist after these steps, run the drive manufacturer’s diagnostics (long test) to rule out hardware faults or try a different installation CD/optical drive.

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Member Avatar for Galdii

thanks man, I'll try that now.

Member Avatar for Galdii

Sorry for double posting but for some reason the edit button wont show up.
Anyway, looks like the comp is on it's way to working now, but now it says "NTLDR is missing
Press Ctrl Alt Del to Restart". Ok, I'll check the internet for answers. Thanks again, and obviosuly, if someone know the answer, please tell me :)

Member Avatar for bobbyraw

if u are getting "NTLDR is missing
Press Ctrl Alt Del to Restart" then there is no operating system, if u did install and get this message your MBR is mess up,

Member Avatar for Galdii

I made the first step of the Windows 2000 Installation (created partition, formated and installed core files). After rebooting the Windows installation should continue, but now it just throws that problem in my face.
Anyway, I have read some ways to solve this problem, but since I haven't even installed Windows completely, I can't fix it.

Anyone able to help?
I'll try installing with another CD, maybe the CD is corrupt or something.

Member Avatar for Galdii

Still can't Edit. I'm really sorry.

Anyway, the problem, even after formatting and reinstalling the core Windows files, persists, so \i wanted to know if there is soemone who could pleaes help me with this. Thanks a lot.

The Tutorials I've read so far aren't of much help, so if someone knows exactly how to solve it, it would be great.

Thanks and sorry.

Member Avatar for bobbyraw

i am not sure of what type of help u need this time. more details please

Member Avatar for caperjack

and the edit button only last about 1/2 hr or so .

you could try the hard drive manufacture web site for a utility to run and setup the drive before windows install , like maxblast for maxtor hardrive ,they all have one!

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