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johnkirin

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Laptop Harddrive Problem -- "Operating System not Found"

Please help me with this problem:

1.  I have a Compaq Presario Laptop Running XP Pro
2.  When I boot up the computer, I receive the "Operating System Not Found Error"

Additional notes:
1.  When I check the bios, the harddrive is not detected.
2.  When I plug the harddrive into another computer, as a slave, it is detected and loads up correctly.
3.  I am able to boot up with a XP installation disk, but when I attempt to repair or reinstall windows, I receve a "No Harddrive attached, setup will now exit" error.
4.  I have reattached and reseated all components.

Help?
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johnkirin

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Sorry, that did not work
Setup did not detect and hard disk drives installed on your computer
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Note Hassan_Chops post.  He's on the right track.

If the BIOS doesn't see it then the Windows XP CD isn't going to see it either.

It's possible that the IDE cable has become disconnected at the laptop motherboard end and this is why its not being seen.

Its a repair shop job for them to dismantle and examine.

But if its under warranty use it.
Ok guys, I went through and took the laptop apart.  There is no IDE cable.  Instead, I have a regulator board that connects the battery and the hard drive.  For a better idea, see http://www.laptopking.com/boards/958952.jpg

Because the battery charges the unit, I would not suspect that the entire board is damaged-- do you suspect something else?

thoughts?  suggestions?
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I have tried a different laptop harddrive in the computer.  It did not work.
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I wuld like to fix this myself....  if I were to order a part, the regulator is the best bet?
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humm... the problem there is getting in contac with someone at Compaq who knows anything about computers....
They probly out source their service to different companies just like all the rest, order the part from their spare parts dept (if you cannot get in contact with them, there is a real issue).
First of all, you have to make sure the hard drive detected in BIOS, then you can do installation or repair. The issue you described indicated that the hard drive is not detected yet. Are you able to get in BIOS? Do you have other laptop hard drive, if so, plug in your compaq laptop see if you could see it detected?
Oop, sorry I missed reading other posts regarding using other laptop hard drives.
Thanks for the great effort in solving this problem.