I just got an HP Omnibook XE with no HDD or Operating System, and when I try to install Windows XP on an IDE hard drive, it says no hard drive detected. Is there a connector I'm unaware of, or could this be the hardware? I've tried 3 separate HDDs, all of which I know are good...

After changing the hard drive, you simply insert you windows disk and follow the prompts. You have been given my advice as far as what operating system to install, so I imagine you were seeking a second opinion. Just to reiterate Windows XP if it originally ran 98.

You may be able to get a computer to install an operating system other than what was intended for it, however if the hardware is not complimenting the software or vice versa performance is compromise and may not be worth using. All you can do is try.

Good luck and thanks
Questions? Just ask! Mr.Mike

If you are trying to install Windows XP then -
The problem is that XPinstallation CD does not have a SATA driver, unless you have a SATA drive on adisk etc. and can install the driver when XP asks for a hard drive driver then,XP cannot detect the hard disk and therefore won't install XP.The FIX.Go into the BIOS anddisable the SATA drive (enable IDE emulation), this will make XP think it is aIDE/PATA hard disk. Then you can install XP normally. When Windows hasbeen installed then install all the device drivers (including the SATA driver),then shut down and boot up and got into the BIOS and enable the SATA drive.http://www.fixya.com/support/r4335035-installing_windows_xp_sata_hard_drive

You can't see any HDD's when trying to install because your BIOS system was set the IDE controller to an AHCI, you can set this to native IDE and windows XP setup will read a HDD's..
If you need set the IDE controller to AHCI you need Intel AHCI controller driver for your system, you can see it during installation process to press F6, you must use floppy diskette and put the driver onto it.
Another way to install AHCI driver is Integrate the driver into Windows Installation directory..See here for more details..

The Windows XP disc you are using doesn't that the Hard Drive Controller Driver for that system native to the operating system. Since the system is a Mini and has no floppy drive the only option is to slipstream the HDD controller drivers into the OS CD.
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4439741-integrate_slipstream_sata_drivers_into

I had the same problem with my HP when l put vista on it and overcame that problem with using my XP driver. It worked for me no harm in trying your XP driver.

Hi,

The type of hard drive you want is a 2.5 inch IDE (ATA) hard drive.

As for the HDD capacity I've worked on an Omnibook 6100 which had a 100GB hard drive so i expect it can possibly take up to 320GB but don't quote me on that.


Regards.

the HDD best to use is an SSD.
the HDD was a standard, 2.5? PATA drive for laptops

why would you want such a small drive, they dont make them now. (40 smallest?) new.

this PC is not supported by HP now, its too old a Pentium III no less.
why would 20gb be and upgrade.?? 10 now? omg , it is 10GB...then... and worse its PATA (IDE) harddrive.



its 17 years old now, most are in the recycle bin,
it came with windows 95 or 98, (hopeless that OS)
the laptop has zero value now, so is putting a new
$50 to 100 dollar drive,is wise,?
what if there are more problems, (endless when that old)

you can not use modern, SATA drive (
just 2.5" PATA (IDE) (pata is wide parallel interface with wide ribbon cable)
here are some

http://www.pricewatch.com/price/hard_removable_drives/notebook_40gb

To install Windows XP on SATA or advanced IDE hard drive, you will need to insert a driver diskette at the time of starting the installation process and pressing "F6". For more details visit the link below:

http://ufixitnow.blogspot.com/2009/04/oem-driver-support-during-windows-xp.html

try to change HDD to IDE from ACHI in BIOS, then you can normal install xp. if there are no this option in BIOS, then you have to make a installation CD included ICH 7M driver to install.

Before you did the install did you make sure that you set your CMOS setting to check for a cd disk first before booting straight to the hard drive? When you do an install, you must make sure that the computer knows to look for a bootable disk otherwise it will look for an operating system to boot to first. If this is the problem, after you have installed your operating system you must go back and reset your CMOS settings to look for a hard drive or operating system. Hope this help and if it doesn't let me know for further assistance.