Trying to install Vista - unable to find system volume to install on.

[John Squire]

Hello
I've been trying to install Vista on my Xp machine, when I get to the final stage before it actually installs and where I pick which drive to install to. No matter what drive I pick it comes up with the error:-

"Windows is unable to find a system volume that meets its criteria for installation"

I've formatted 2 seperate partitions - still came up with same error message. Deleted the partitions and created new partitions - same error message again! I've tried on both a primary & logical patition & they both give the same error.

So (stupidly) I've deleted Windows Xp & can't install Vista to replace it.

My system is:-

P4 3.4GHz HT
1.5G RAM
2x250GB SATA Hard Drives

Anyone got any ideas?

Cheers

 

[UniqueID]

what model of hard drive do you have?

 

[John Squire]

what model of hard drive do you have?

I'm not sure off the top of my head, I know the 2nd one I bought was a maxtor. The 1st came originally with the pc.

 

[gary996]

What vista you installing?

 

[charltonfan1]

Vista needs a partition at least 25Gigs i've found

 

[John Squire]

What vista you installing?

Vista Ultimate, and both the partitions I've tried to install on are over 45G.

 

[deadite66]

i've had a situation like when when i have sata and pata drives installed.
had to unplug the pata drive so i can install on the sata drive.