New Harddrive wont load windows xp

[depiscopo]

Hi, this is my first post and also my first time building a pc.

I am building a pc from scratch and am having trouble installing windows xp. The system boots up, reads the cd, windows then starts with a screen that says "checking system configurations". then the screen goes black.

windows loads up fine without hard drive plugged in.
my hard drive shows up on bios.
i have tried switching the cables.

and now i'm frustrated. i have a feeling it might be the hard drive, but i've already replaced it once, so i want to be absolutely sure i'm not leaving some other variable out.

 

[raybay]

Can you put it in another computer as a slave, then run the drive fitness test downloaded from the manufacturers web site?

I suspect you are missing something critical, but so simple you have overlooked it. Check all cables and connectors by removing and reinstalling them. Then check your jumper on the drive (if EIDE) or the Sata drivers setup (if SATA)

 

[depiscopo]

thanks ill try that and get back to you soon.