That could quite possibly be the case but it's a new CD and it managed to copy the files to the hard drive without error so I'm not gunna put money on it. Could be though.

Hi I ran the test as you said using the UBCD and it says NO HARD DRIVES FOUND......But I don't know how that is because it copied the files.

It may be because it's not a seagate/maxtor drives, try one of the other diagnostic tools on the disc

ok here we go............I ran another diagnostic test and got this info...........

Primary Master: IBM-DYLA-28100 459KB 8.20GB
Second Master: MATSHITADVD-ROM sr-8

The Advance test gave these results.......Completed Successfully disposition code= 0x00

ATA Compliance: ATA-3
Ultra DMA
Highest Mode - 2
Active mode - 2

Settings

Sorry I hit the enter button here is the rest.....

Settings
Write Cache - Disabled
Read look-ahead - Disabled
Auto reassign - Enabled
S.M.A.R.T. operations - Disabled
ABLE - Enabled
ABLE Value: 128 (80h)
Security Feature: Supported
Password: Not Set


I hope this helps please let me know.
Thanks!

when you bought this laptop, you state it did not have an OS on it. What make/model laptop is it? It could be that it's vista set, and you need to d/l some drivers for the chipset, but unless it's a really new machine, like the hp6910p, that shouldn't be an issue. I've had several laptops that came in with vista, and had to downgrade to xp, and they didnt' like it one bit. One of the errors I get is that there is no hd found.

We've already proven the drive works fine, so I'm leaning towards a faulty cd as well. If it were to finish the install, then error out, that would be a different story.

Using the ubcd, see if you can remove all partitions and reformat the hard drive. Or, you can download dban, and nuke it then try reloading it. 8.2 gigs also seems like a rather small hd these days, but again, curious as to the make/model of the machine.

thanks,

v

Its an older one a Dell Inspiron 7000. I bought it for my son whom is 11 I didn't want to spend alot on one for a child...(I guess thats where I went wrong huh..). Let me know if you can help.
Thanks