Can't format C - help please

Ernie · 1 Oct 2006 at 01:01

I built my first new PC.

Installed XP pro sp2, got to the Installing windows process (39mins) and got a fatall error 800b0100 - product catalogs could not be found. So basically can't do anything except enter bios or the system automatically tries to install xp with this error appearing.

I thought I'd try and format c to start from scratch again, but from the A:\> prompt (is that the right prompt?) format c:, but it just says Bad command or file name.

I guess it just can't see the c drive.

Anyone help - I'm pretty desperate after spending all this money.

Thanks

Ernie · 1 Oct 2006 at 12:04

That's the problem, when I boot from the cd - it automatically tries to start installing windows and then the fatal error, hence the system is locked with this error on screen.

Ernie · 1 Oct 2006 at 14:41

Great! thanks for the help. Must have had my head in my hands everytime that flashed up, tried the floppy approach only after a couple of times.

I formatted and loaded all the drivers etc again, then when the PC rebooted to prepare itself to install windows i get the message

A rpoblem has been detected and windows has shutdown to prevent damage to your computer.

Run CHKDSK /F to check hard drive corruption

technical info 0x0000007B (0xF78A2524,0xC000034,0x00000000,0x00000000)

Where do I type CHKDSK /F?

Sorry for the basic questions, but it is m first time for all this

Ernie · 1 Oct 2006 at 17:35

Intel Core 2 DUO E6300 "LGA775 Allendale" 1.86GHz (1066FSB) - OEM

Gigabyte GA_965P_DS3 (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard

Geil 2GB (2x1GB) PC6400 800MHz Ultra Low Latency DDR2 Dual Channel Kit

Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 160GB ST3160811AS SATA-II 8MB Cache - OEM

Connect3D ATI Radeon X1900 XT 256MB GDDR3 AVIVO TV-Out/Dual DVI (PCI-Express) - Retail

Compatabiltiy issues?

Ernie · 1 Oct 2006 at 22:06

It appears my XP pro oem was causing the problem. I eventually managed to install my XP home upgrade cd, however, now windows is all installed, it has prompted me about an activation within 30 days.

Does this mean that when I try and activate it it is going to fail, because I've us the cd key on my old PC.

I've got 2 XP home licenses, the upgrade one and one from a Preinstalled PC.

What's my options, or will it be ok?

Thanks