first build problems installing windows

[darkside]

Hi, my specs:

ADM 64 3000 (754)
Asus K8N-E Mobo
512 crucial ram
Radeon 9550
cd/floppy drive
WD 80gb SATA (i think im havin problems with this)
Hiper PSU

I put my XP installation cd in (its an upgrade one although im doing a fresh install) and i select new install, it asksk me for another windows disk so i put my ME disk in and then i can partition the drive. it asks me for the xp cd again and it copys the files fine. it then reeboots itself and goes back to the screen where it asks me to do a new install, a repair or exit and it just stays there until i pick something.

I have my cd setup on primary master and my HDD on the 'RAID_1' slot on the mobo. there is a nvidia (i think) controller whioch is sata 1/2 and a silicon controller wich is sata raid 1/2/3/4. i have my hdd conected to the nvidia controller which is built into the mobo.
I read the sticky in the storage forum that says dont use the sata power connector and the 4-pin connector at the same time......the word 'oops' does come to mind when i think of that because i didnt know until i read that thread.
it says nothing in the mobo manual about it and the drive is OEM so i didnt get a manual with that.

I can partition the drive so i know i dont need to press f6 and use a driver floppy during installation.

I have tryed taking the xp cd out before the computer reeboots but it just gives me some error about not being able to read the boot disc or whatever. ill get a bit more deatil on the exact error in a bit.

any ideas why it wont go to the nice blue screen and install?
would connecting both the 4pin and sata power to the drive damage it THAT badly? the drive is a WD 80gb caviar SE

[Thurrdome]

No, my build has a four-pinner and a power cable going into the HDD, and the HDD is fine (even though the rest of it isn't working).
Also, Windows XP Pro requires an NFTS partitioning for your type of HDD. Have you updated your BIOS to receive this option? XP likes NFTS for partitioning an HDD above 32 gb. Then again, if your HDD is trash, it won't do that much good . . . are you sure you are partitioning it correctly? Just wondering - that probably isn't the culprit of your problem.
The nice blue screens . . . lol !

[darkside]

i did eventually get it working. i had to remove the xp cd before it reebooted or it would just boot back to the cd even if HDD is first in the list :/ very strange

i had tryed this previous to posting but it didnt work so i installed another xp over the top and it works now (im even writing this message fom that comp)