Windows vista raid format to Windows Xp

[izaic3]

So I have a computer in which someone has Windows vista on. It is a raid configuration. He wants me to format everything, and install xp on it. Would it be easier to format everything, and then put xp on, or to put in the xp disc, and then use the xp disc to format everything following the directions here:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=313348
and then installing xp?

[izaic3]

Ok, so I popped in the XP cd, and pressed enter, but it gives me a weird error, it says, "Setup did not find any hard disk drives installed in your computer. Make sure any hard disk drives are powered on and properly connected to your computer (they are properly connected), and that any disk-related hardware configuration is correct. This may involve running a manufactuer-supplied diagnostic or setup program. Setup cannot continue. To quit Setup, press F3."

[MitaDC]

When the setup starts you have to press F6 and have the RAID driver floppy ready. Without that Windows can't see the HD's because they are on a Controller Card.

[demon_wolf]

Not only must you install the correct Drivers from a Floppy using F6 during installation, but you must have XP with SP2. Before SP2 Windows did not support Raid.

If you have XP with SP2 then you are fine. If not, you need to build a Slipstreamed CD. Look online on how to do this, but basically:

Copy all files from the XP CD.
Download SP2 from Microsoft.
Install SP2 into the same folder as your XP.

Burn a New CD. You will use the same Serial Number, but install XP with SP2.

[MitaDC]

I don't believe that is true; if it is hardware raid, then windows wouldn't even know it is RAID because the controller is controlling what Windows sees and the controller is telling windows that there is one hd.

[izaic3]

I'll try the slipstream idea, because I was pushing f6, and windows was recognizing it, and everything was going great. Then I deleted the partition, formatted, and installed xp. I restarted the computer, and vista loads up. So now I'm kind of confused.

[izaic3]

Ok, I tried the slipstream idea. It said to put in the windows sp2 cd so, I did (the slipstream one), and formatted and put on a new partition, and installed windows xp on it, but when I restarted the computer, vista came up yet again (this happened several times). Any ideas?

[Mickwish]

Sounds like you are installing windows XP into another partition, and leaving vista intact. When you choose to "format" the drive during windows install, you have to delete the partition vista is in and create a new one (unless you want to dual boot... then you'll need to set up a boot manager of some kind).

Cheers
Mick

[demon_wolf]

Mick hits it on the head

It does sound like you are installing XP on a different Partition than the one Vista is on.

The easiest way is to do a LOW LEVEL FORMAT. This will wipe all from the Hard Drive, then do a complete new installation using the Slipstreamed CD.

[izaic3]

Alright guys, I think I've got it all figured out now. The computer actually had two raids. That made things really confusing. I had the floppy with the drivers for one of them, but not the other. Finally I got the other floppy, and formatted it, and am currently installing xp pro. Thanks for all your help.

[demon_wolf]

Well Done!

Glad you got it all sorted out.

Raid can be a right pain in the a**

No need to thank everyone for their help, thats what everyone is here for

[MitaDC]

mmhmm, and who did u call to find out that information

lol ok well maybe I can't take much credit all I told u to do was make sure the raid in the win setup was the same size as the raid u were trying to wipe. . .