Installing windows..

[M|x]

I got my new 320 gb hard drive the other day, and decided that is was time to retire my 40 gb disc. The problem I am facing now, is this:
In the windows installation, where you choose what partition to install, i get an error message I am not familiar with. It says the partition does not contain Windows compatible blablabla (I am not at home, so I can't really remember the exact message). No matter what combination i try, I get the same message. Even though I format the partition, create a new one, try to install on an old one, I still get the same message. Anyone got an idea about what this is?

[Jammrock]

I can only assume it's an IDE drive since you're retiring a 40 GB drive. Does the mobo have 48-bit LBA? If push comes to shove you could set the HDD to split into 120 GB ... most larger IDE drives have alternate jumper settings for this problem.

Or so that's what I would think is the problem. If that don't fix it I would guess a physical problem with the HDD.

Jammrock

[Claymonkey]

What version of windows are you installing? I'd recommend slipstreaming your windows disc to SP2 if XP and SP4 if 2k.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sp2_slipstream.asp

It should include drivers and settings allowing you to get around new hardware....issues.

[Admiral]

The only time I got this error was when the partition wasn't set to active. So use partition magic and make a primary/active partition of 10gb or whatever for the OS.

[Marshmallowman]

The only time I got this error was when the partition wasn't set to active. So use partition magic and make a primary/active partition of 10gb or whatever for the OS.

I agree, you can also make active with fdisk.

[schmosef]

I recently replaced my cousin's dying HDD in a rush and was having problems until I realised that I had it jumpered incorrectly. Windows install worked for a while, then borked. It took me a few minutes to figure out the problem. So I recommend checking the jumpers. Also, update your mobo firmware to the latest version to ensure that you've got any 48bit LBA patches in place. You can also try creating a smaller partition for installing XP, then using Partition Magic to expand it after you've got it running and fully service packed, etc.