Windows install problem

[twest17]

I formatted my HD and now I want to install windows, but when it tries to load the CD it says Failure: Invalid system disk, replace disk and press any key. I tried everything, I think.

[enigame]

Major question - what OS are you trying to install?

In any case, you may need a bootdisk.

Also, access your bios and make sure that your computer will automatically run by your CD-DRIVE first then your HD, etc.

You can go to www.bootdisk.com and download the correct bootdisk you may need pertaining to your OS.

Since you did not share much information in your inquiry.. these are just thrown-out options.

[twest17]

i tried 98 se and XP pro. I had a boot disk, but when I tried to use it said there was an error in one of the files.

[LPMiller]

XP should just load from the CDrom, it doesn't need a boot disk. Make sure in the bios, that you disable floppy boot, and make the CDROM drive the first boot device.

[twest17]

I made CD-rom my first boot device, disabled floppy and it still doesnt work.

[billxp]

But are you watching the screen?

Some bios require you to hit any key during cd boot.

So if your walk away it wont happen.

[twest17]

I watched the screen, don't need to press a key.

[enigame]

If you can get the Win98 disk or CD-ROM to work choose the option that will allow you to boot with CD SUPPORT. Then manually access your CD-ROM drive (d: <enter>) and type (setup.exe <enter>).

If you can't even access your CD-ROM drive, then I suggest you download the DOS drivers for your CD-ROM drive from your MANUFACTURER's website. It should be a tiny self-extracting exe file. You will need to have command.com and general system files on your C:\DRIVE, with this you can access your CD-ROM manually.

I can e-mail you a setup batch for WIN98 that you can copy to floppy disk.

[twest17]

do I need a boot disk to do the boot with CDROM SUPPORT?

[twest17]

Also, when I try to load the CD there is a drive A: which is my floppy, C: which is the HD, but when i try C: it says invalid directory.

[enigame]

twest 17,

e-mail me with your address and i'll send you the files you'll need to put on a floppy disk.

otherwise, take the simplest route by using the system recovery CDs that originated with your pc.

[twest17]

...system recovery CD?

[enigame]

TWEST17 check your E-MAIL

[evil-will]

Im assuming that you blew out everything so here we go:
use a boot disk and go into fdisk
set primary drive
and if you want secondary drive
reboot
format
then install from cd

hope this helps

[twest17]

:) I finally got it to work, all I needed was a simple boot disk that actually worked, after 2 weeks of not being able to use my computer... :)

[Heihachi]

Originally posted by twest17
I formatted my HD and now I want to install windows, but when it tries to load the CD it says Failure: Invalid system disk, replace disk and press any key. I tried everything, I think.

Almost positive you don't have cd-rom as your first boot device.

BOOT DISKS!!! people still use those??? All windows cd's are bootable anyways!!!

I'm just bitter because I don't have a floppy drive.. i'm against such caveman technology!!!!

[twest17]

I had cd-rom as my first boot device..... unless "First Boot Device: CD-ROM" is wrong....... hmmm.......