I got a hp compaq 6910p notebook from a friend I have installed windows 7 on it and I decided I wanted to put xp on it and when it goes to choose the drive to install it on it says there is no hard drive deteced. I can't figure out why any ideas?

Cables? BIOS boot order error? Formatting issue? SATA or EIDE? If SATA, the Compaq SATA connections are often problematic... especially if Western Digital or Samsung drives.
When you first get to BIOS screen, what are you using? F2, F10, F12?
You may have to format it in another person's machine...

Considering its XP, my best guess is just that you're using an old XP disc that doesn't have SATA drivers slipstreamed.

I think it goes "PRESS F8 TO INSTALL DRIVERS FOR SATA HARDDRIVES" or something when you first initialize XP setup

F6 sounds spot-on. I hope his motherboard handles USB sticks, otherwise he'll need a...
*shudder*

3.25" floppy

You mean 3.5" floppy, right?

Chances are, he doesn't have one...

Follow this guide to slipstreaming your sata/raid drivers to your Windows CD.
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/How-To--Slipstream-your-XP-installation

I was gonna recommend using N'Lite, but it seems their site is down. Anybody know anything about that?

Jcharmaine,

On some laptops there is a configuration in the BIOS that needs to be changed under hard drive to "Compatibility Mode." Are you performing a dual boot or replacing Windows 7 with Windows XP?

If you are planning on performing a dual boot installation, you might like to check the forums at Microsoft for additional assistance and guidance. Microsoft does have an official Windows 7 RC Support Forum located here http://tinyurl.com/9fhdl5 . It is supported by product specialists as well as engineers and support teams.

Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team

Hi..
I think you should check your system when you re boot the computer it may happen in BIOS problem or also you have to install your driver CD so its conform that where exactly the problem comes.. Thanks for sharing the post...