Can't even install Windows!

[Jay T]

Everytime I try to install windows XP (Service Pack 1 version) I get as far as the screen that lists the drives and it stops responding. This is the same if I use a single drive connected to my Raid card or a Raid 0 array. This sux, I feel like snapping this board over my knee at the moment. I'll go and try the built on IDE, although how I'm going to fit 7 IDE devices this way, god only knows. HELP.... PLEASE.... :nervous:

Jay

[DingleBerry]

Are you loading the drivers for your controller during setup? doesnt sound like it. If you are, maybe try a differant build of your controller drivers. NT systems are very picky about controller drivers during setup. Even if Xp says it has drivers, dont use them use the manufactorers drivers.

[SteveI]

XP instal requires a floppy disk of the RAID controller since the RAID is newer than the OS.. the same would hold true for the IDE connectors as well since it is controlled by the Nvidia southbridge.

Do you go through the F6 command at the beginning, and does XP recognise the drivers on the floppy as it is installing?

[Jay T]

Thanks Dingleberry,

its an Eio AP-1680 ATA 133 RAID Controller (PCI slot 5)the only install methods I've tried are with the manufacturers disc and with an updated one I downloaded. Maybe I should see if windows can deal with it without any help.

I can now install windows on the Onboard IDE 1 channel but with all these drives I can't give up one RAID. Is there anthing in the bios I could change or should I try this beta bios?

[Jay T]

Cheers SteveI,

yes the drivers on both floppy discs I've tried are recognised by XP and yet the thing hangs on the partition menu just before you get the chance to format.

[DingleBerry]

Try removing Soundblaster Audigy 2, TV & DVD Cards, and the Hayes ISDN Card, and than try installing XP on your raid array. Removing these also makes it easier to try differant slots for the controller (It may not like slot 5) Are you filling up 5 slots?
When you get XP installed, add one card at a time and hopefully all will be happy.

Yes, I would try the other bios.

[SteveI]

If your are filling out a lot of PCI slots, you should read the manual about the resources. Rule of thumb... alternate PCI slots if possible. AGP often shares with the first PCI, 2nd with the 3rd and so on. I've been fortunate with my TV tuner, but often, they can be finicky when you share resources.

Follow DingleBerry's suggestion... Install with minimum HW, then after it's all set up, you can add components and let XP detect them one at a time. Seems like you're throwing everything but the kitchen sink at it all at once.

[Jay T]

On this board:

AGP shares with PCI 2 & 6
PCI 1 shares with 5
PCI 3 & 4 have their own interupts

As I have nothing in PCI one I thought I would be ok but I guess I might have to try some swapping around.

Thanks for your suggestions guys