Problem with HP Laptop HDD

**Chintam** · 31-03-2009

I am facing strange problem with my laptop. I am having hp laptop and it is having some issues with it's hdd. The problem with laptop is when i try to enter bios to format, the drive is seen but no install cd can be viewed . It prompts a message saying that it can be booted only with a live cd. I am actually not able to install OS on the HDD.

Please provide some suggestion regarding this problem

**Bon-Z** · 31-03-2009

If the latest BIOS doesn't fix the problem then it suggests that you recreate the MBR (Master Boot Record)....

How to recreate the Master Boot Record using FDISK.

1. Boot the system from a boot disk that has the same level of operating system that is installed on the hard disk drive.
2. At the A: prompt type C: and press the Enter key.
3. Type FDISK/MBR and press the Enter key.
4. After the command runs you will come back to the C: prompt.
5. Remove the boot disk and reboot the system.

**Gonzo** · 31-03-2009

I have a DELL latitude CP that came with a 2GB hard drive, and it's 8 years old, and it is running an 11GB hard drive no problem. So, I don't think size is really an issue hear. I would check to see if there are any pins missing on the hard drive connector AND the hard drive it self. If there are pins missing, that will mess you up very badly. If there are no pins missing, try flashing the BIOS with an upgraded version. If you don't know how to do this or if you're not to good with computers, get someone at a tech store, or maybe a friend that is great with laptops do it, that may fix your problem.

**Pugsly** · 31-03-2009

It looks like a hardware error to me. Might be some thing wrong with mother board as your system is not detecting the hardware attached.

BIOS can be a problem but i don't think so.

Anyways, just send it back to hp and tell them to fix it for you. You might not want to fix all the hardware issues with it. But is it on a warranty?