Computer won't load from hard drive

[imryn]

Hi Folks,

I just installed windows xp on my home computer and it works just fine. I removed the hard drive an put it back into the original computer case, and it(other computer) can't seem to make it pass the memory check the hardware to see what is there then it Freezes... and thoughts how to fix or at least what is wrong?

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[pcrtech]

imryn

QUestion. Why would you install OS on your home computer and then install the HD on another? Is the hardware identical? That is the main way you could get it work- unless you do a reg hack. Next step troubleshoot the 2nd computer by verifying the following steps. System board, cpu, video, power supply, and memory can boot. If you still have the same problem swap the memory. I'm assuming your memory is compatible with your system.

pcrtech

 

[CreamCake]

Is this XP home or pro?

 

[wolluf]

echoing pcrtech - why install on one machine then move HD?

This gives you 2 potential problems:

1. XP may just not boot with HD in new system (this may be what's happened to you - though your description 'can't seem to make it pass the memory check' suggests problem is before it even tries to load XP. More details - and exact error messages, if any, exact behavoour if not would help us help you.

2. XP can only be activated on one machine with a single licence - if it boots in new machine it will need to be re-activated - so probably a phone call to MS explaining your situation (which machine are you intending actually running the copy of XP on).

 

[imryn]

Hey Guys,

The reason for swapping the HDD was i could not get it to work in the second box. So I wanted to make sure the HDD drive was working before I put it in. And it was, Here is a question for anyone, Why would it take so long to complete the memory test and "Varifiing DMI Pool" ?

Ry

 

[pcnetgeek]

Well I think you just figured out that your HD is ok and your other machine has some unknown hardware issues

 

[imryn]

pcnetgeek,

Yes, the HDD is fine now, it seems as if the issue maybe the controller on the board... but I am not sure at the moment. I kicked the PC and then came back to it later, and it booted up, it just took a very long time to do so... that's why I was wondering why?

Ry

 

[pcnetgeek]

A swift kick always does it.

Get a new board, they are extremely cheap these days.

or

Try the 2nd IDE channel until you can get by.

 

[imryn]

pcnetgeek,

Thank You ... any suggestions for where to buy an older motherboard? One for a AMD K6/2 450MHz?

Ry

 

[pcnetgeek]

eBay

 

[imryn]

pcnetgeek,

Okay one more thought, I installed SP1 for XP Pro. and restarted the system and it said, System failure, please insert System Disk and hit enter. So I put the XP cd in rom and rebooted, now it is booting normally. And it saved all my settings. What does this mean ?

Ry

 

[pcnetgeek]

As said before, all you have is a PC box full of problems.