Windows Vista Problems installing Windows Vista (build 5342)

Hello,

I have Windows XP (SP2) installed on my C: partion on a 300GB HDD which has another 3 partions. Then a have a raid 0 array of 3 80GB HDDs unpartitioned which is my H: drive.

This is what I did:

From within windows xp I put in the Vista dvd and clicked the 'install now' button, the setup started, it asked me if I wanted it to check for updates before installing which I did then I chose to install it on my H: drive (the raid 0 array) and it got to 'step 2' and installed for about 5 minutes and then rebooted. So as it was booting it showed a grey 'load line' (just like the winxp blue one) with 'windows 2006 copywright' underneath with nothing else (just a black screen) This was strange as i expected some Windows vista logo. Anyway the blue/green background/wallpaper came up with the text 'Installing windows...'. I left it for about 30 minutes. Nothing changed. it wasnt reading from the dvd drive or anything. So I manually rebooted(mistake???) Then it boots to the same backgroud with the command prompt window (cmd.exe). Nothing else happens.

So I thought if i disconected my H: drive (were it started to install) then it might boot into windows xp as normal. but the same thing happend!(cmd.exe prompt) this is very strange to me!

I then tried to change 1st boot device to cd-rom and try to start the setup again but it just says ''begining instalation...'' and never progresess.

I can't get vista to continue installing or boot into XP! All I want to do at this point is boot into xp and backup my data.

what can I do?

The Hard drives are sata and I dont have another machine with supports sata so i cant get my data off!

What are my options? I am scared that I chose H: and its put it on c: or something...please help

thanks alot! (I tried to make it as clear as possible)

 

First thing to try is replacing the XP partition boot record (PBR) from the XP CD Recovery Console. You’ll need your raid controller drivers on floppy of course for the CD to see the SATA disk. My guess is this will cure your problem, if not post back.
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=55829

 

I just booted from the XP CD and used the repair option and it got xp working. This is the first time this 'repair' option has solved any problems

Anyway thanks for the help...I'll try Vista again on a fresh disk/system

 

Glad it worked and thanks for letting us know. If you are planning trying again I would recommend booting from the CD as opposed to installing from within Windows. Perhaps the raid controller drivers were missing on reboot by installing the way you tried. From the CD they will have to present before you can begin the install. Were you asked from within Windows to supply the drivers?