OS cannot detect HDD

[note235]

Im trying to install xp on my friend's gateway laptop but it says xp cannot detect a drive.
On the bios screen the hdd is detected though.

[GORANKAR]

You are most likely in need of the F6 floppy drivers for the sata or pata controller on his motherboard. Especially if it is a newer laptop. If his laptop does not have a floppy drive you will need to slipstream the drivers into the Xp install disk.

You may be able to go into his bios and alter the settings for his hard drive controller. Look for settings like "AHCI" (disable this one) or "EIDE/PATA compatibility mode" (enable that one). That may allow you to install Xp without slipstreaming drivers. See if the manufacturer has drivers or utilities for the laptop for Xp on it's site.