Unable To Format SATA Drive

[[PQ3]RogeR]

The Windows XP install is unable to format my SATA harddrive. It does pick it up though. Does XP still need the SATA drivers even though it sees the drive? Any other reason why it might not work?

My Mobo is the MSI K8N Neo2

 

[[PQ3]RogeR]

Going crazy here... Installed XP using the SATA drivers that came with the mobo... Still no luck.

 

[MaMMa]

from the floppy?

 

[[PQ3]RogeR]

Yes.... I partition the drive, it formats, but when it finishes the format it comes up saying "setup was unable to format the partition"

 

[MaMMa]

do u leave the floppy in the drive? I've noticed when i take the floppy out during the installation it messes up occasionally

 

[[PQ3]RogeR]

I leave the floppy in Ya

 

[MaMMa]

this is wierd. unplug all ur cards expect video.

unplug replug the SATA cables, make sure its in the right slot and try agian. make sure its in nice and tight

 

[The_Mage18]

It sounds like a bad drive to me.

 

[MaMMa]

It sounds like a bad drive to me.

I was hoping to say that last if not at all

 

[[PQ3]RogeR]

I can exchange it for another pretty quick (bought it at bestbuy). I'll try a few more things first though.

 

[Thuleman]

I have been formating a couple Raptors using PM6, and at one point (same point for both drives) the format process appeared to have stalled for long enough for me to decide it was screwed up and shutdown, and try again.

The third time around I was pretty miffed and decided to run down a couple blocks to grab some coffee, by the time I returned the format process had completed.

So I guess what I am saying, let it sit there for a while (15+ minutes), and if it doesn't finish then you probably really do have a screwed up drive.

Best of luck.