mailpup said:
Okay but maybe I'm misunderstanding something about the procedure you are following to install Windows after you've set up the RAID array. You leave the CD in for the whole process until after you've configured Windows and it finally starts. If you hit F3 early in the process, you're exiting setup.
Ok I will break it down a little easier. You've even lost me. Here is my process.
1. I setup RAID in the BIOS
2. I configure RAID using F10 for the kind of ARRAY and which drives.
3. I reboot and put in the XP installation CD
4. As the CD does it's think, it installs general drivers then starts the windows portion of the install. (this doesn't mean windows has started)
5. After it finishes with a few kernel file installs it comes up at the bottom of the screen "Press F6 to install SCSI or RAID drivers"
6.I press F6 (nothing happens)
7.The next thing that comes up after step 5 is done, is the "Press F2 to run recovery"
What I was trying to explain is that when I hit F6 nothing happens. (so we can assume that maybe the keyboard isn't working, fine) but when I try the keyboard (to see if it works) on the "Press F2 to start recovery" it will actually start the recovery process. That in turn, means the keyboard works.
When I mentioned pressing F3, that was for you to observe exactly as I have been telling you. TO see exactly what I'm talking about, follow these steps:
1. Put in XP installation CD
2. Reboot the PC
3. Motion like you are in fact going to reinstall the OS (don't worry you won't complete it or harm any files)
4. As it installs and says starting Windows you will come to the screen that says "Press F6 to install SCSI or RAID drivers"
5.If you press F6 where does it take you? If you don't press F6 what options come up next?
6. This is where you'll get the "Press F2 to start recover" or whatever the recovery option is.
7. After you get to see exactly what I'm talking about. Eject the CD, then press F3, then press F3 again, then press enter.
8. Remove the CD. The computer will reboot itself.
9. Your OS will startup as if nothing happened at all.
Magical,
Tah-dah. This should give you a good idea what I'm seeing.