Fresh install with a SATA drive - Hang up?

[rpf717]

Ok, I'm starting a fresh install. I'll take you through the steps that led me to this point. My IDE drive busted, so I replaced it with a Seagate 320g SATA drive.

I installed the drive on the motherboard and gave it power, I booted the computer and placed my Windows XP SP2 disk. The Drive spun to life and was recognized, The Windows installation program started and got to the point where it asked "press enter to install, Press F3 to quit, etc". Unfortunately I was using a wireless USB keyboard and it wouldn't recognize any of my keystrokes. So I got a standard keyboard and plugged it in. It still wouldn't recognize when I pressed "enter". So I restarted the computer. This time and all subsequent times the computer will not boot. It stops at a step that says "Verifying DMI Pool Data. . . . . . "

If I unplug the SATA drive the computer will boot and go to the installation but obviously does me no good as there is no drive to install to.

All I did was restart and plug in my keyboard - nothing else changed!

what can I do - My blood pressure is rising to dangerously high levels - please help - my health and my sanity depend on it!

Thanks in advance!!

 

[mechBgon]

First of all, you're not really supposed to hot-plug a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. Secondly, check to be sure your keyboard is plugged into the purple PS/2 port, not the green one. They're function-specific for keyboards or mice respectively.

Also, remove the USB keyboard for now.

 

[PowerEngineer]

I'm guessing that as a result of your first attempt the machine now sees the new SATA drive and is trying to boot from it. I'd try resetting the boot order in your BIOS so that the CD drive is first.

Good luck!

 

[rpf717]

PowerEngineer,

I could kiss you! You were right on the money.

thank you for taking the time to reply!

rpf717

 

[PowerEngineer]

Originally posted by: rpf717
PowerEngineer,

I could kiss you! You were right on the money.

thank you for taking the time to reply!

rpf717

I think I'll pass on that...