New hard drive - can't get any OS to install, endless loop [ Edited ]

[MrKrispy]

Hi there,

I have an older Compaq Presario R4012us (r4000 series).   I bought a new larger hard drive and tried to install my OS from the original HP disc.  After formatting and installing the system files, it reboots but then goes back to the initial install steps.  I then re-formatted the drive, and tried to install the full XP 64 Pro OS and it also gets stuck in an install loop.   I tried the Windows 7 beta (since it was the only other OS I could get) and it says it can't install the OS to the disk.    I try doing the main setup and taking the CD out during the reboot and the system hangs at a black screen.  

I put the old drive back in, formatted it, and I get the same results with all 3 OS.  

I disabled the network adapter in the BIOS, tried switching around and disabling the boot orders, no luck.    When I try to do the Hard Drive Test in the BIOS setup it says "no ide drive" but it said that when the computer was working.  The OS install discs will format and partition the drives.

*edit*  yeah my new drive is IDE/ATA as is the original.

What am I missing?    Do I need some weird driver for the laptop?   Why won't the HP OS discs work then?

Thanks for all the help, I am going nuts here.

Message Edited by MrKrispy on 01-26-2009 12:22 PM

[MrKrispy]

anyone?   Bueller?

After doing a lot more reading I am wondering if the stock hard drive had some hidden BIOS stuff needed for boot/OS.   I talked to HP support and they didn't have a clue.    That wouldn't make sense as people couldn't replace the hard drive, so it should be on the OS disk.   I have a Recovery/App disc but it doesn't seem to want to work before Windows is installed.

 Help!!

[Huffer]

You should have no problem with a new hard drive. There is no secret stuff that prevents you from installing a new drive. If the hard drive is not showing up in the BIOS I hate to say it but it has all the earmarks of a bad ide controller on the motherboard. My only other question is whether the drive is larger than the limits of the BIOS. Is it 160 gigs or bigger? I guess it is possible the old drive is bad and the new one will not work right with the motherboard.  Other than that I think it is time to consider a new motherboard for the laptop or a new laptop. 

[MrKrispy]

The computer was working just fine before I took the hard drive out and I was very careful with every step.  

The drive connector seems to be hardwired to the motherboard, so that rules out a cable.   I don't see how I could have fried the mobo.

Message Edited by MrKrispy on 01-27-2009 02:41 PM

[Tartersmell]

Two things:

Make sure your RE Partition the Drive.  It must Show up in the BIOS for any OS to install.

RAM -  Sometime having Two different branded ram sticks can cause Crazy things to happen while installing windows.

Try one stick if you have two. If you only have one, Your Ram stick may be on its way out.

You must get your BIOS to see the Hard disk tho,  Make sure it shows up in ther!