Best way is to boot straight from the windows XP CD. You'll need to go into the bios to set the first boot device to cd and the rest to none. Don't forget to reconfigure this once the setup is done.
Otherwise, boot from a windows 95/98/ME floppy, then run the setup from the i386 or winnt folder (if memory serves, it's been a while since I haven't just booted from disc).
When the computer first starts, look for a key that allows you to access the CMOS; usually F1, F2 or DEL. It'll say something like "Pess DEL to access the CMOS" or something.
Depending on what BIOS you have, you enable your computer to boot using the CD-ROM first. this may be found under "boot options" or "Advanced BIOS Features". Look for something that says "First boot device" and set it to CD-ROM using the keys at the bottom of the screen that tell you how to change values.
If you don't see anything along the lines of "First boot device", "second...", etc., you might see something like "Boot using the following: " and it'll display Floppy Drive, IDE Harddrive, CD-ROM.
In either case, your CD-ROM needs to take precedence over HDD-0/IDE Harddrive.
go to bootdisk.com and download the DOS boot disk files that contain CD drivers (the CD will be named F: and you boot with the floppy)
assuming you've partiioned your HDD, copy the I386 folder from the XP CD onto the c: drive and then type setup while you arein the active directory I386 on the hard drive.
Originally posted by Morning_Wood assuming you've partiioned your HDD, copy the I386 folder from the XP CD onto the c: drive and then type setup while you arein the active directory I386 on the hard drive.
"Setup" doesn't work in DOS mode, you have to type 'winnt'
you were having problems installing the heatsink right? you may have fried the chip if ANY power got to it with the heatsink off or incorrectly mounted.
Originally posted by funckore Whenever I turn my computer on, my monitor says "No Signal", as if it weren't plugged in. Building it was so easy, but this is so hard...:(
I had to build two computers and transplant another one to a new case. It's not difficult if you take your time.
First let us know what hardware your using. Motherboard - CPU - Ram - HD - Videocard - Power Supply (with Voltage & Amperage specs 12v 5v 3.3v)
Originally posted by funckore Whenever I turn my computer on, my monitor says "No Signal", as if it weren't plugged in. Building it was so easy, but this is so hard...:(
Seems to me that installing XP is less a priority right now. You have a problem with your VGA card if you get the no signal message. It take it that the system powers up, fans run, and do you hear a beep or a number of bleeps after a few seconds?? If you do. Take out the VGA card and clean the contacts with a pencil rubber or mentholated spirit and re-insert. Have a good look at the seat of the card in the slot. Is it level, does it lift at the case rear. Not the first time a badly designed case messed up a good electrical contact with PCI/ AGP cards.
BTW, the XP boot disks are online, if your Bios does not allow you to boot from a CD??
Hey, I just had what seems like the same problem. (*I also posted in these forums) For me it was the motherboard. I sent it back, got replacement, and boom, I could see the light! What happened to me was there was no video at all when the monitor was plugged into the card and when it was unplugged it said "No signal" If you don't hear any beeps, even if you once did, I recommend replacing Mobo.;)
Originally posted by funckore Whenever I turn my computer on, my monitor says "No Signal", as if it weren't plugged in. Building it was so easy, but this is so hard...:(
I think you're just having a bios settings problem, that's all.
Unplug the power cord, open the case, look for the CMOS jumper and move it over to the next pins for a few minutes, put it back in the original pins, plug the cord and turn the power on.
Press and hold the "insert" key while booting and as soon as you see the screen then press 'delete' to enter the bios. Now you can set your CPU values, booting order, etc.
btw: I agree with Omega, you need to post your hardware in order for us to help you.
well... when you say you just built it... I assume it is new and the os is not installed yet (which you probably said but I am forgetting). CMOS won't do a darn thing then!
Originally posted by yagga I assume it is new and the os is not installed yet...
CMOS won't do a darn thing then!
Don't be so sure, it happens all the time and it doesn't matter if the OS is installed or not.
The "no signal" could easily be the board powering up but not loading the bios due to a number of reasons.
Let me give you some examples:
1. Most Abit boards will behave that way if "Shutdown when CPUFAN Fail" is enable and the HS fan is low RPMs
2. The KD7 line of boards will behave that way if "CPU Command Decode" is set to "FAST"
3. The AT7 line of boards will behave that way the first time you install a 333MHz FSB CPU
I can go on and on but I think you get the picture.
Originally posted by yagga well... when you say you just built it... I assume it is new and the os is not installed yet (which you probably said but I am forgetting). CMOS won't do a darn thing then!
I agree with EQuito, dont be so sure, I have had to reset CMOS with a brand new ABIT motherboard
Comments
Otherwise, boot from a windows 95/98/ME floppy, then run the setup from the i386 or winnt folder (if memory serves, it's been a while since I haven't just booted from disc).
Depending on what BIOS you have, you enable your computer to boot using the CD-ROM first. this may be found under "boot options" or "Advanced BIOS Features". Look for something that says "First boot device" and set it to CD-ROM using the keys at the bottom of the screen that tell you how to change values.
If you don't see anything along the lines of "First boot device", "second...", etc., you might see something like "Boot using the following: " and it'll display Floppy Drive, IDE Harddrive, CD-ROM.
In either case, your CD-ROM needs to take precedence over HDD-0/IDE Harddrive.
go to bootdisk.com and download the DOS boot disk files that contain CD drivers (the CD will be named F: and you boot with the floppy)
assuming you've partiioned your HDD, copy the I386 folder from the XP CD onto the c: drive and then type setup while you arein the active directory I386 on the hard drive.
It should then walk you through.
I had to build two computers and transplant another one to a new case. It's not difficult if you take your time.
First let us know what hardware your using. Motherboard - CPU - Ram - HD - Videocard - Power Supply (with Voltage & Amperage specs 12v 5v 3.3v)
Seems to me that installing XP is less a priority right now. You have a problem with your VGA card if you get the no signal message. It take it that the system powers up, fans run, and do you hear a beep or a number of bleeps after a few seconds?? If you do. Take out the VGA card and clean the contacts with a pencil rubber or mentholated spirit and re-insert. Have a good look at the seat of the card in the slot. Is it level, does it lift at the case rear. Not the first time a badly designed case messed up a good electrical contact with PCI/ AGP cards.
BTW, the XP boot disks are online, if your Bios does not allow you to boot from a CD??
Windows XP Bootdisk Sets
XP Home
XP Pro
Unplug the power cord, open the case, look for the CMOS jumper and move it over to the next pins for a few minutes, put it back in the original pins, plug the cord and turn the power on.
Press and hold the "insert" key while booting and as soon as you see the screen then press 'delete' to enter the bios. Now you can set your CPU values, booting order, etc.
btw: I agree with Omega, you need to post your hardware in order for us to help you.
The "no signal" could easily be the board powering up but not loading the bios due to a number of reasons.
Let me give you some examples:
1. Most Abit boards will behave that way if "Shutdown when CPUFAN Fail" is enable and the HS fan is low RPMs
2. The KD7 line of boards will behave that way if "CPU Command Decode" is set to "FAST"
3. The AT7 line of boards will behave that way the first time you install a 333MHz FSB CPU
I can go on and on but I think you get the picture.
I agree with EQuito, dont be so sure, I have had to reset CMOS with a brand new ABIT motherboard