when iam trying to install xp on my dell vostro 1310 iam getting a error message that the setup is unable to find the hard disk or there is no hard drives installed
BH, I guess you've realized by now that Dells aren't very popular around here. Have you had any luck in the past 4 days? I have often run into problems that left me completely stumped for days, then get (another) idea--and this time it actually works! (Of course, getting help from a venue like this isn't bad, either.) You didn't give much information with your question, which may be another reason for no reply. Let me start by saying that it sounds like you're starting with an existing, built PC (Dells usually come that way), removing the old hard drive and starting fresh with a brand new hard drive. The first question that comes up here is: does your BIOS detect the new drive? If not, start by checking your power and data cable connections and trying again. After that, if you bought the drive locally by all means take it back and get it checked out. If this is not possible, you might try testing it in a different PC. Another thing to check is the Dell website, to see if your model has an updated BIOS that might resolve the problem. The drive manufacturer's website may have something to offer as well.
