New HDD, where to start.

Ok, I just upgraded my HDD. Should I start by installing windows and then follow up with ThinkVantage Update to install all system software and drivers? Is it really this easy? Or do I have to install the bios on the HDD first? If so, how exactly do I do that without an OS? Should I just download this or this and put it on a disk?

 

You don't install the bios as far as I know (flash it sure). The bios is on EPROM ( I think or something like that) with out a bios where would your computer start? You start with Windows then install drivers!

 

yup just put the windows disc in and format the drive. The bios is not on the HDD its on a ROM on the mobo i believe.

 

Great! Thanks for the good news, 250GB, here I come!

How about partitions, would 2 be enough, or since I have a lot of space I should go for more. Like 5 or something

 

I don't know to much about this but what are you trying to accomplish? 5 seems extreme to me, I always thought you did things like have the OS on one, and or program files. Things that might not change so much. Then you have data on another (changes alot). How deep you go is up to you but 5 seems like too much but hey if it works for you go for it!

 

I could get different OSs on different partitions and get multi boots Vista, XP, Ubuntu, OSX Tiger and OSX Leopard. That's just a thought. I'm actually going to format it into 2 partitions, 50 for windows and programs and 200 for other stuff.

 

Yes you could and if multi booting I think you have to. But do what you need from the start if you can, I think.

 

Please bear with me. OK, so I started the installation and got an error already. I got this strange message, it's a brand new hdd .. how could it be infected?

"An error has been detected and windows has shutdown to prevent damage to your computer.

If this is the first time you've seen this stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screen appears again follow these steps.

Check for viruses on your computer. Remove any newly insatlled hard drives or hard drive controllers . Check your hard drive. Run chkdsk/F to check for hard drive corruption, and then restart your computer. Technical information:

***STOP: 0X0000007B (0XF78E2524, BXC0000034, 0X00000000, 0X00000000)"

HELP PLEASE!

 

No Idea I tried Google. Could it be the protection MS uses, new hardware makes it think new system? To prevent piracy and screw the common user! I would suggest following the instructions, then we could go from there. Don't panic it can be figured out. Oh yea Vista Sucks so could be a problem!

 

I'm installing XP Pro from an original XP Pro unused, brand new disk. How do I follow the instructions? I no longer have an os to run chkdsk/f ... ?

 

I have not done in many years but you don't need a disk to wipe, if using DOS commands? But really use the disk and follow the commands and it might work. In Win 98 I used to wipe in DOS but since then I have not. try again. Let Windows start fresh. Then go for it!

 

Eureka! It's working

All I did was enter the bios, go to configuration, then to sata drive and changed the option to read compatibility. Rebooted and ta da .. It's formatting right now.

 

Sounds good! Let us know if it worked! Good luck Bro and Merry Christmas!!!!!

 

Have you thought about using Acronis to image across your old drive to your new drive?

 

Yeah I think he has tried...he had another thread asking about how to transfer data

 

Yeah, until I got bored and fresh installed