"No Valid Device"

[Nerdman]

So I built a computer but im getting the message of "no valid devices" when I boot. I can continue to a windows installation, but right before it actually starts, it gives me a message about by HDs and terminates the installation. (BSOD): Error code: 0x0000007b

It DOES recognize the HDs, (it lists the model number) but says they are not valid. Any suggestions?

I have tried upgrading the BIOS and fomatting the two harddrives. However, I still get the same message. I have also tried just one hard drive to no avail.

Thanks in advance.

This is a Intel BOXD975XBXLKR Motherboard, better known as D975XBX.
If you need the full specs let me know...

[tetsuo]

The microsoft site says this about 0x0000007b (note I only used 7 zeros):

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324103

Also, make sure your cables are connected properly and that the master/slave jumpers are set correctly and that the boot drive is on the primary interface. That's what "Building the Perfect PC" by Robert and Barbara Thompson recommends.

Or, maybe look for the master drive settings in BIOS and make sure you have it booting from the right drive if you are using cable select.

I am not an expert.

[Nerdman]

Thanks for the quick reply. When I go into the BIOS, it says that no hard drives are connected. However, it says they are recognized when it starts up. I have looked at the Microsoft page, and tried most of the things on there.

BTW, it is 7 zeros, sorry about that.

[tetsuo]

I am at a loss. I suggest using an IDE cable you know is good, just because that's what I would do.

That's the end of my knowledge, at this point I would come on here and ask for help.

[Nerdman]

Thanks. I have worked on this problem for at least 6 hours and can't get it figured out. They are SATA HDDs, I guess I forget to mention that.

[tetsuo]

I still don't know really. But since it's SATA I would wonder about my controller device. I think that is what it's called. I guess you have already re-installed your drivers 'n stuff that came with the mobo?

[flanzig1]

What level of service pack does your XP install disc have?

[Nerdman]

tetsuo: I tried using the F6 method when installing Windows XP but I still got the error message.

flanzig1: It's Windows XP Home Service Pack 2, just ordered it from Newegg about a week ago.

Edit: update: I plugged in the SATA cables into the black ports on the board, instead of the blue ports. Now, I do not get the message about "no valid devices" but Windows, still does not want to install. Also, If I go into the BIOS, it recognizes that hard drive.