More problems installing Windows

[donahue]

On my new SATA drive, I install RAID drivers from disk that came with motherboard, which is the only way I can advance in setup process. After formatting the drive, it tries to install the same SATA drivers but cannot find them. I have tried this both with the floppy in and out, and both times the files were not found. So, I skip about 7 of these drivers and move on installing windows. The rest of the installation goes ok after that. Then on the reboot with both the Windows install and floppy disk removed, I get an error saying that there is a corrupt hard disk and that I should make sure all disk are connected properly! I have spent about 5 hours setting this drive up and any advice on this issue is much appreciated.

P.S. Do I connect SATA drive to motherboard and PSU only? What is that long third port for?

[Crosshairs]

I dont know what setup your using, but it sounds like you only have one drive, so you cant install RAID. So DO NOT install raid drivers . Also, I am assuming you are using legacy power, so that "long port " you are refering to, would be for power if you were using the SATA power adapter. You only need one power, so you should be ok there. Post some more specifics, and Im sure someone can help

[Tigerbiten]

P.S. Do I connect SATA drive to motherboard and PSU only? What is that long third port for?

On my SATA drives I have a long SATA power connector, then a short SATA data connector, then a molex power connector.
If your useing the molex to supply power to the drive then you dont need the SATA power connector attached.
And visa-versa.

As for the install problem.
Try running Memtest86 to test your ram for errors.
Try running a drive checker to test your drive for errors.
Both dont need an OS installed to run.

Luck......... :D
http://www.mentallyretired.com/h/index.cfm/u=Tigerbiten.gif

[donahue]

I am installing the RAID/SCSI drivers, and Windows does not recognize a drive if I don't install these drivers. I am only using one drive and am very inexperienced with SATA. Should I only use one power connector? Which is better, legacy or molex?

[donahue]

Try running Memtest86 to test your ram for errors.
Try running a drive checker to test your drive for errors.
Both dont need an OS installed to run.
http://www.mentallyretired.com/h/index.cfm/u=Tigerbiten.gif

Is there a way I can pause boot to do this? I do not have memtest currently on a floppy, and the RAM is from my previous setup so its good. How do I run a disk check? The error I keep getting when windows loads tells me to run chkdsk /F or something, but I don't know how.

[donahue]

Help? Anyone?

[Tigerbiten]

How to chkdsk. (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/using/productdoc/en/default.asp?url=/WINDOWSXP/home/using/productdoc/en/bootcons_chkdsk.asp)
Hope that helps.

Use one or other power connector.

Luck......... :D
http://www.mentallyretired.com/h/index.cfm/u=Tigerbiten.gif

[donahue]

My dad noticed that it was trying to load SATA drivers from CD and not floppy. So when I reboot it doesn't have the drivers installed. :rolleyes:

[donahue]

Its a Silicon Image 3114 SATA RAID driver that is giving me problems. I googled it and found a whole bunch of sites reporting bugs with it. So I am going to conclude that SATA is not compatible with my motherboard. :( I guess I have to RMA the drive back to newegg.

[Leadman584]

I'm still using my SiI 3114 controller, till I can get the Raid 5 card in (waiting on backup drive to erase). You still need the controller driver installed or windows can not recognize the drive itself. Windows doesn't care how many drives are connected, or in what configuration. It has to negotiate with the controller. Be sure you aren't trying to install the 3112 driver during F6 portion of windows install. UltimateBootDisk has a system performance test that will check you're HD ouside of windows, and will handle this controller (Done it dozens of times). If this test doesn't check the drive, you may have to go into bios and enable this controller. Set it up as if you were doing a Raid install, because the controller has to be active.

This controller most definitely is SATA. Windows doesn't really care if it's SATA or not, it get all it's info from the controller.

[donahue]

I QUIT! This is the first time I have ever left a problem unsolved, but this is beyond me. I am going to buy an Intel motherboard and 2.8C processor and sell my current AMD and mobo. I have failed, Windows has defeated me! :eek: Anyone wants dibs on my motherboard for $75?

[Leadman584]

Don't let it beat you man. I had to try and make 4 HD's work in RAID0+1 configuration with this controller, and eventually succeeded. The Moderator here is the best, and can enlighten you in ways beyond imagination. The rabbit hole is infinitely deep, and I wonder, why the heck did I take the red pill. If you have to have it right here, right now, there are tons of sheep solutions. IF you wanna be l33t, suck it up, read you're ass off, and keep trying. I got a RAID 5 controller to install tomorrow with 5 Raptors, my gear, my money. I will find a way, 1st or hundredth try, I will find a way.

PS. With all the crap I've gone through setting up an onboard Raid solution (same board you have by the way), I am positive I could get you up and running in less than an hour (minus the windows install tiime). I only charge a case of beer for service calls (over 600 already, cheaper than calling HP, or Dell). I'm a drunk, but a knowledgeable drunk. Never fear learning, or be afraid of being wrong. I learn from my own mistakes daily.I've seen so many blue screens of death, I consider them learning tools , and move on. I've met hundreds of folks willing to pay to resolve these issues, and I've gotten drunker for they're lack of knowledge. Are you sheep or l33t?

[Leadman584]

I'm not a hacker, I leave that to the professionals, just trying to goad you into making more tries. You will get it. You're coming here, this place is better than any customer service I've ever heard of.

[donahue]

Sheep I guess. I ordered the new board and processor in my sig last night, if I have any problems with the new one, I will come to you.