W2k Install Error "Couldnt open boot partion"

[Raven9321]

Ok here is my problem Iv'e been trying to install XP pro on the PC. XP reads the disk and installs the basic drivers then reboots then a quick message flashes on the screen "Couldn't open boot partion to inspect for signature" there are no partions just a NTFS C: drive.
and instead of rebooting and picking up where it left off it just starts the whole install over again. This is KILLING ME.

 

[Jocsta]

The NTFS c drive you mention is considered to be a single partition.
As to the problem, just guessing here - it might be because of the "boot sector virus" protection in the Bios. Try disabling it and see if it helps...
Did you format the drive as part of the initial setup?

<< JOC >>

 

[Raven9321]

I did format the drive numerous times. I also reset the Bios to see if this helped. And I tried 2 other hard drives no luck same problem.

Problem: After the initial set-up XP reboots itself (Like its suppose to) then instead of picking up and continuing the install it starts the install all over again.

 

[wolluf]

but did you try Jocsta's suggestion about disabling any virus checking in the bios (standard practice when installing any operating system, because its known to interfere with the process sometimes).

 

[Raven9321]

My Bios has no virus checking capabilities. By the way thanks for the help folks I do appreciate it.

Error Message Qick flash on screen: &quot;Couldn't open boot partion to inspect for signature&quot;

Then the install starts all over again.

 

[khood]

Raven9321,

Are you booting up under another operating system before attempting to install XP, or installing directly from CD?

 

[khood]

oops, meant to say &quot;booting directly from CD&quot; above.

 

[Raven9321]

I'm booting directly from CD no other O/S is on the drive ALTHOUGH XP has said it has found another O/S would u like to overite it? which I dont get because I just formated the drive twice. (7GB drive partioned as C 8mb unpartioned space? maybe its the cd-Rom not picking up where it left off and not the Hard drive.

 

[wolluf]

Is there anything unusual about your PC? (eg, are you using a normal IDE connection for hard drive or is it SCSI or controller card?) - that might require proprietary drivers (is it F6 key?) during install.

You could try booting a win98 boot floppy, using fdisk to remove all partitions on the drive and running fdisk /mbr just to make sure it has a standard mbr.

 

[khood]

Raven9321,

I agree with wolluf - that's where my question was heading. I would recommend booting with any other operating system from floppy (2k or 98), then running any drive prep (scandisk, format, etc.), then running the setup program manually.

 

[Raven9321]

Alright we fixed it!!!!!

Problem: Trying to install W2K Server it would start the basic set up files then when it came time to reboot it would not pick up where it left off. Instead it started the basic install again ERROR MESSAGE: &quot;Couldn't open boot partion to inspect for signature&quot;

FIX: I changed the IDE cables the primary cable was connected to the CD-Rom and the secondary cable was connected to the HDD. After that the bios saw the changes and now windows seems to know where to look to complete the O/S install. Thanks for all the input