MizK
Member
Reged: 11/12/05
Posts: 179
Loc: East Allen, TX. USA
|
|
OK, I think I've really messed something up. The kids have their own computer and the hard drive was chock full (only 18Gig). So, I thought I'd buy bigger one, make the smaller one a slave, load Windows XP on the larger and use it as the main drive and just store data (music and pictures) on the smaller. Sounded like a good plan to me. I installed the hard drives, and loaded XP on the larger one. Everything seemed fine at first but then the comp kept getting slower and slower and then the other software programs I loaded started popping up with error messages and eventually quit working. So I figured I freaked my computer out and decided to detach the slaved hard drive and just work with the larger one for now. But, all my programs were still being flakey (yes, I tried uninstalling them and re-installing) so I put in my XP disk to repair Windows. When I go into repair mode, it shows me the Windows that is installed on C drive and asks which one I want to repair. I type '1' (only choice) then enter, then it asks for an administrator password. Huh? I never set up an admin password, or any password. I did set up three users, but no passwords. So then I tried just reloading XP, but it goes through the entire installation process and hangs when it gets to the screen that says, "Thanks for installing Windows XP, now it's time to set up your computer...". What have I done!?! How do I fix it!?! I'm about ready to chunk the computer out the window.
|
vrs
Member
Reged: 04/20/00
Posts: 1290
Loc: Allen, Texas
|
|
Mizk -
Let me say right from the gitgo that I have never seen anything exactly like you describe and this advice is worth every penny you are paying for it (which is to say - nothing.) But since 2 days have passed and better minds than mine remain silent, I'll offer a thought.
(And I am hoping hoping hoping you already got around this!!)
It looks as if the computer still regards the original C drive as the primary operating system. It is now hopelessly confused because of having 2 operating systems installed - both in various stages of disrepair.
Why do you need the bigger drive to be the main drive and the smaller one to be the slave? Could not the bigger drive be the slave? I would disconnect the big drive, reformat the small one, reinstall windows and all software and get your system happy at that point.
Then reconnect the big drive and restart your computer in safe mode and IMMEDIATELY reformat the big drive (because it has this very confusing OS installed on it) and then come on up.
If you really really want the big drive to be the main drive, then do this same thing in reverse order. I am just not sure you got a good enough install to even boot in safe mode with the new drive only.
See previous threads about all the cautions on backups of software, files, drivers, etc. before doing a reformat.
Unfortunately my experience leads me to believe that reformatting the hard drive is the only way out when the system is this messed up.
Good luck. (I am looking for a shamrock emoticon.)
PS - I have a friend who builds computers for a sideline. If you want me to forward your post to her, let me know.
--------------------
When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this - you haven't.
|
MizK
Member
Reged: 11/12/05
Posts: 179
Loc: East Allen, TX. USA
|
|
vrs, thanks for responding to my plea for help. Your post gave me the answer I needed. I disconnected the new hard drive, made the old one the master, started the computer, shut down, made the new hdd the slave, started the computer, then in went to My Computer and right clicked on the new hdd and formatted it. Then, from there I disconnected the old hdd completely, made the new one the master and started from scratch. Is that not confusing or what? But, it seemed to work. I almost have everything loaded onto the larger hdd. Then I'll connect the old as a slave, drag over some files that my kids don't want to lose, then format that one and be on my way to the next big computer issue in our house. There always seems to be one. (Yeah, I know, back-up, archive, and save.....  )
Thanks for your two cents, it was worth more than you know.
--------------------
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. -- Aristotle
|
vrs
Member
Reged: 04/20/00
Posts: 1290
Loc: Allen, Texas
|
|
I am glad you got it working  and how sweet of you to let me know. 
--------------------
When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this - you haven't.
|
sun
Member
Reged: 07/21/05
Posts: 38
|
|
was just curiously looking for working reply! great work u both! Nice advice and followup 
|
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
