Hi,
I just installed a 160GB Hard Drive on my brother's computer, but I am having problems downloading the Windows XP: Home Edition OEM software. It starts with the blue screen and starts downloading the files, but when finished and I press ENTER to continue, it says I have the wrong software in the drive and to put in a Windows XP disc, which I already have in there. What is my problem and what can I do to fix this?

Thanks,
Ethan

Is it after the reboot that it is asking for the disk? If so when doing the install if given the option choose a full format of the drive instead of the quick one.

downloading the Windows XP: Home Edition OEM software
What/where are you getting the download from as I'm not familiar with ant Windows XP direct downloads ?

My guess is that your CD rom drive is dead or dying. If the drive is defective and can't read the CD, the install will keep asking for that disc it can't see.

My guess is that your CD rom drive is dead or dying. If the drive is defective and can't read the CD, the install will keep asking for that disc it can't see.

If thats the case, try unplugging and repluging in the CD connections at both the drive and the board. A poor connection can cause that type of problem. I was already to buy a new CD/DVD drive when someone suggested that on another board, I tried it and it has been working ever since.

My guess is that the CD key you are using is not the one that matches the OEM XP software. When you buy a PC with windows XP, you get an OEM CD, and you must use an OEM key to install it.

If you are using your OEM XP disk with HIS existing xp key it won't work.

I have never owned a legit copy of windows and I have never had any problems downloading or upgrading. Kinda nice to know how to get around the MS Key codes and SP updates.:D

Given above statements didn't hit it:

Are both drives on the same IDE channel/cable? If so, check your jumper settings. Cable Select selections can act screwy. Set hard disk to Master and the optical drive to Slave. Optimally you should have the hard disk and optical on separate IDE channels, (the hard disk should be on IDE1) both set as Master, of course. My bet is the optical drive is set to CS and you didn't change the out of the box jumper settings on the new hard disk.

If it boots from the CD ROM drive and starts downloading the installation files from the CD, the CD ROM drive is obviously working. If it won't recognize the CD to continue the installation it could be the OEM CD doesn't recognize the hardware change. The OEM CD's are generally tied to the OEM specs of the original system so it can be restored to its original status. With the hardware change, it's no longer an original system. It's rare that an *installable* version of Windows is supplied with a system, more often it's a *recovery* CD.

When you initially boot from the CD ROM are there options presented that give you a choice to create a new partition and format the hard drive before installation? If so, I agree with shep_77 on doing a complete format before copying the installation files. If there's already a partition on the drive you should have an option to delete it before creating a new one; I'd go with that. See http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operatingsystems/ss/instxpclean2.htm for more.

Are you using the larger drive just to gain space or did the old drive crash and you're upgrading because of that? If you're going with the larger drive just to gain space why not just use the 160GB drive as a second drive for storage - assuming the PC can handle more than one hard drive and one CD ROM.

I have never owned a legit copy of windows and I have never had any problems downloading or upgrading. Kinda nice to know how to get around the MS Key codes and SP updates.Stealing software isn't something I'd be particularly proud of. :sad:

I got past that blue screen and when the computer wanted me to format a partition (C: drive), I did and then when that was done, it started to download more files. When done, it restarted for me and when back to a blue screen and downloaded the same files I already did before. When to that darn blue screen where it wanted me to put the Windows XP disc in again and when loaded it mentioned do I want to copy Windows XP or an existing operating system. It wouldn't let me go past that part without formatting and installing more files all over again. Took the CD out, restarted and it says Operating System Not Found. What the heck? I did change the jumper on the CD drive to Slave didn't work and then Master and that didn't work either. Maybe it is the CD drive. I don't know. I gave it to a local computer shop and they'll do it for me. I appreciate all your help guys though.

Ethan

I bet you computer is still trying to boot from the CD rom? That is why it is saying no operating system found?

If it boots from the CD ROM drive and starts downloading the installation files from the CD, the CD ROM drive is obviously working. If it won't recognize the CD to continue the installation it could be the OEM CD doesn't recognize the hardware change. The OEM CD's are generally tied to the OEM specs of the original system so it can be restored to its original status. With the hardware change, it's no longer an original system. It's rare that an *installable* version of Windows is supplied with a system, more often it's a *recovery* CD.

When you initially boot from the CD ROM are there options presented that give you a choice to create a new partition and format the hard drive before installation? If so, I agree with shep_77 on doing a complete format before copying the installation files. If there's already a partition on the drive you should have an option to delete it before creating a new one; I'd go with that. See http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operatingsystems/ss/instxpclean2.htm for more.

Are you using the larger drive just to gain space or did the old drive crash and you're upgrading because of that? If you're going with the larger drive just to gain space why not just use the 160GB drive as a second drive for storage - assuming the PC can handle more than one hard drive and one CD ROM.

Stealing software isn't something I'd be particularly proud of. :sad:



The guy should not have said it, but you could also leave the self righteous attitude at home too.

Give me a break!

Cant help it when the cd's are sent to me via mail and they work...:D

I hate to tell people how to hack but the CD your using is not Labeled "CORRECTLY" nor is "Microsoft Corporation" the Mfgr and Application embedded on the CD. Copy the XP SetUp files to a Directory on your hard drive labeled "what ever version of XP your using - look it up on line" and preferably located on a different partition. Point to that location when the UpDate request for the Installation CD.

This thread is getting locked due to talk of piracy, sorry guys :( We can't have MS lawyers coming over here.