Not sure what forum this would go under but i figure it is a hard drive issue. Anyways here is my situation:

Brand new computer specs are:
intel 630 P4 / 3.0ghz / 800 FSB / L2 2mb cash
2 gigs of dual channal ddr2 ram (pc 4200 / 533 mhz)
DVD Burner 16x8x16
250gig sata drive (in microsoft terms 203 gigs)
600 watt power supply (to much but i want it for future upgradability)
radeon x800

I think that is it. I quadrouple checked everything is compatible, and it is becasue it turns on and as far as i know everything works. The only thing i can think of is wrong is that since the HD is not formatted maybe that is it, but putting in windows CD or boot disk doesn't work. I also though maybe that the DVD burner wasn't working, but i checked that and it is all plugged in and good to go. So i am going to ask a very hard question... What is wrong?!?!?! Can anyone please help me!

Welcome to PCHF

Nice PC , now lets get it working

You will need to enable the sata controller in your BIOS if it isn't already enabled. Also check the boot order in your BIOS and make sure it is set to boot from CD first.

You should have received drivers with your motherboard, you may have to copy the SATA drivers from the CD to a floppy disk, then when you boot the computer with the Windows XP CD press F6 when it prompts you and follow the instructions.

If you need extra help with your BIOS then post the exact make/model number of your motherboard.

i don't have a floppy disk...

edit: i will just pull one out of an old computer i have see if that will work.

still have to go into your bios and tell it to boot from cd-rom..

I have it set to boot up like floppy or cd (depending which on i have plugged in), HD, LS120.

I tried a boot disk on floppy, i tried Fdisk on floppy, and i tried sata drivers on floppy all still the same error. I have done the same thing as this on cd to no avail.

Motherboard is this one http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...887&CatId=1865 but the bios isn't confusing me (i think).

FIGURED IT OUT. So turns out i had the uhh. floppy drive ribbon... in the cd drive rubbons place... I am smart... i am going to leave now before i embaress myself even more