Problem installing xp over vista..help me!

Ok..I need some help here.
So my problem is this. I have my boot sequence set to the following:

CD ROM
HD
HD
HD

I've tried other configurations to no avail.

I get the following error everytime:


Setup did not find any hard disk drives installed in your computer.

Make sure any hard disk drives are powered on and properly connected to your computer, and that any disk-related hardware configuration is correct. This may involve running a manufactrer-supplied diagnostic or setup program.

Setup cannot continue. To quit Setup, press F3.

I have one drive partitioned into 3. C, D and E. I have Vista installed on C.

I want to remove it, as in delete the partition,format it and install XP Pro.

My system is an AMD 3400 with an ASUS A8 VE motherboard.

Another problem I'm running into is it may need a RAID disc created, I'm not sure. I have tried to make one during the start of the XP Setup process, but it won't allow me to do so. I'm at a loss here. Any advice?

You could have conflicting bootloader errors. Vista and XP use 2 different loaders, so getting rid of one and putting the other (especially with Vista first) is a pain in the ass. I can't really give any more info, but search google, you'll find something easily.

Reduce the array to a single HD, the one you want the system files to be on. Replace the array after installation.

Have you wiped vista clean off the system?
And you won't need RAID for just having the HDD's there..
Unless you want them in 0,1 or something.

It's the install.

Basically, the MS windows installs hate having multiple OSes running on your computer. At least with the XP install (I don't know about vista) You *have* to install XP first. At least, this is so in my experience. I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure this is your problem.


You don't need anything related to RAID unless you have the hardware to support it. Some motherboards have RAID built in, but you probably need a PCI or PCIe card, which I doubt you have.

Nope. Vista's still on it. I see no way to delete the partiotion with the OS. Now when I just booted up the PC it says Disk Boot Failure, Insert System Disk and press Enter.

I'm hooped...

partitionmagicplzthxzbai.

Or any of the manifold free bootdisks out there which also have partitioning capabilities.

Have you tried to do it on only 1 disk?!