http://support.microsoft.com/kb/255867 is the detailed M$-KB all about Fdisk etc., from which it will noted that one types fdisk at the a:>\ prompt from a suitable boot-disk... Then if a hard-drive is found one can run thru' the fdisk routine/s; be that/they simply checking the partitioning if present, or (re)partitioning etc. afresh...

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The computer was completely redone-all new parts-new hard drive, etc-so in order for me to install the OS, I need to partition and format the hard drive-I know how to do that, but got stuck on the "no fixed disk present" error.... still learning....

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Ensure the drive is connected properly - both power and ribbon cable - the latter at both ends... But first perhaps decide how you wish to set the jumper on the drive; either set the drive as Master with no Slave; or using cable-select. It may be that you have decided to use the Master no Slave method... and have the jumper incorrect; perhaps check what it ought to be and ensure it is? If using cable-select method - again ensure you have set the jumper correctly; and that the drive is at the end of the ribbon - see: http://www.pchell.com/hardware/mast... Also enter the bios and ensure the drive is detected there. If it isn't then there's no way you can go further with configuring/formatting the drive - until it is.

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Ok- I tried changing the drive to C:\...still nothing....went into CMOS utility and it said the following- IDE Primary Master-(NONE) IDE Primary slave-OMEGA ZIP100 IDE Secondary Master-CD-RW/CDR-6552 IDE Secondary Slave-(NONE) and in advanced BIOS it said- 1st boot device- (A:) 2nd boot device- (CDROM) 3rd boot device- (C:) Now what?? HELP! still learning....

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Presuming this a is a new drive and that is OK... then the drive is either not found - because you haven't told the bios what it wants to know. There is some critical bumf/info you can manually enter, or you set the bios to auto-detect the drive... What make drive? What bios do you have on the system; there will be a little bit (a few lines) of info on the screen when you boot up initially - usually near top left? It will say something like Phoenix, or Award, or AMD etc.? Equally... you have a (Primary) Slave device attached (a zip-drive). How have you got this zip-drive and hard-drive connected to the ribbon; and how are the jumpers set for each device? Perhaps - power down etc. (remove the mains-cable too); open the case; look at the hard-drive and see how the jumper is set; then check the zip-drive similarly. Also note where each device is on the riboon connector. Then post back. You could also initially disable the zip-drive - remove it from the ribbon and remove its power-connector too. Then ensure the hard-drive is set as Master - NO SLAVE; and connected correctly on the ribbon depending on which method you use (cable-select or Master/Slave setting). **************** Some tutorials on installing/configuring a new drive etc. http://www.directron.com/how.html http://www.dansdata.com/sbs1.htm http://www.5starsupport.com/tutoria... http://www.pcstats.com/articleview....

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Ok-well I guess I have no choice but to open her up-huh? I tried auto detcting the drive in BIOS-still telling me "none", and when it booted up, it said "Phoenix Award Bios v6.00PG." Where to now?? still learning....

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There is information on the drive (on the affixed label - usuallly) that tells you about it; what the cylinders etc. are; and this you enter into the bios - manually. If auto-detect doesn't work... I'm a little inclined to think the drive is toast - unless you do NOT have the drive installed as follows: Master only (no Slave; disable/remove the zip-drive from the ribbon connector entirely; ensure you have the jumper correctly set and drive in the correct location on the ribbon if using cable-select mode. And that the power connector is properly seated/installed. Also ensure the ribbon is connected the correct way round at both ends. If the connector is not keyed (has a locater "bump" on one side of the connector - it can easily be installed the wrong way round. (Pin-1 coloured edge of cable goes next to power socket - and that pin-1 is usually evident on the drive too.) More on this and also installing etc. a new drive at: http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgradin... If this drive is new - and a has never worked... it is possible it is duff. Drives can/do arrive dead-on-arrival from time to time. You might do worse thatn to return it to vendor and get him/her to check it out; providing it's a local store? Or get a chum locally to help you with checking it out - slave it a working system and see if can be found via Fdisk etc. from a dos/'9x bootdisk... That you say tried auto-detect already and it didn't work (and presumably it is reasonably current drive) doesn't sound altogether good; but you may not have actually done what you think in that area? Go into the bios again and ensure you have set it to auto-detect etc; then try again. Failing which enter the numbers manually? Also most/all drive manufacturers make/provide a utility that allows you to test out their drive(s) fully. It either arrives with the drive, or can be downloaded off their site; save to a floppy and follow their instructions...

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Are you going to install 98 on a P4? Life's more painless for the brainless.

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'IDE Primary Master-(NONE) IDE Primary slave-OMEGA ZIP100' try disconnecting the zip drive and set the Hard drive to master only and see if the drive will show up in BIOS. I ahve a feeling it is the zip drive is giving you the problem

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mmm - could be the zip drive... which is why it's one of the otpions I suggest (s)he tries...

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