Installing Windows - Help !!!!!!

06/30/2009 12:05:02 AM · #1

I've had a new computer configured with a Raid 1 array. Now I'm trying to install Windows XP Media Centre Edition. I keep getting an error which causes the computer to shut down.

Can the mirror only be set up after windows is installed? If so, how do I remove the mirror so the two drives are detected separately? Is this something in the BIOS?

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

06/30/2009 09:58:22 AM · #2

All sorted as to what needs to be done.

I need to install the RAID driver during the Windows install but there's a glitch. The driver can only be loaded from a floppy and my computer doesn't have a floppy .... yet.

My old, old computer has a floppy that hasn't been used in a while so we'll see if I can connect it temporarily for this purpose.

RAID array disabled to get windows installed initially. Motherboard CD has a function for creating the RAID driver floppy.

Why does microsoft insist on a floppy for this install anyway? :os

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

06/30/2009 11:26:13 AM · #3

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

Why does microsoft insist on a floppy for this install anyway? :os

It might actually be possible to use something other than a floppy... I *know* it is with Vista and Win7, I've done it, recently (used a USB flash drive). With XP, it is a possibility that you will be stuck with creating a floppy. Keep in mind that XP was released almost a decade ago, and floppies were present on almost all systems then.

Message edited by author 2009-06-30 11:26:37.

06/30/2009 11:34:48 AM · #4

I'm waiting for Win 7 anyway so could hold off on installing RAID until then.

Now, the MOBO CD has a function to create a floppy. I wonder if it will let me create something else.

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

06/30/2009 11:36:04 AM · #5

Another question:

I have 4GB of RAM installed but on the properties of My Computer shows only 3.25. Could this be a restriction of the version of XP I've got?

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

06/30/2009 12:03:02 PM · #6

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

Another question:

I have 4GB of RAM installed but on the properties of My Computer shows only 3.25. Could this be a restriction of the version of XP I've got?

It is a restriction of 32-bit Windows. Windows can address only 4GB, and some address space is reserved, so what is finally reported as usable is usually around 3.5GB, maybe a little less.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

06/30/2009 12:05:27 PM · #7

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

I'm waiting for Win 7 anyway so could hold off on installing RAID until then.

Now, the MOBO CD has a function to create a floppy. I wonder if it will let me create something else.

Why wait for Win7? I *think* the release candidate is still available (?). I'm running it (the 64-bit version) on my daily-use system at home, and I am pleased with it. If you can still get the release candidate, it is good until early next year, then you need to purchase or revert to previous OS. Now would be a good time to make the jump, since you are doing a clean install.

ETA: It might be possible to "make a floppy" using a USB flash drive, but the question then is whether XP will let you use that drive as the source for the driver. I don't know the answer to that question. I've not installed RAID drivers under XP in years, and only from a floppy.

Message edited by author 2009-06-30 12:07:11.