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operating system not found

post #1 of 4
1/27/04 at 6:30pm
Thread Starter 
i am trying to install windows xp pro on a sony laptop (pIII, 500mhz, 128 mb) that formerly ran win2k. when trying to load the new os, i get 'operating system not found' on a black screen. i have tried using a bootable cd (no floppy drive on this laptop) but get the same message. the bios is set to boot from the cd first and i can get to the setup screen, but nothing else. i have also tried using the win2k system recovery disk, booting using a win98 disk, but nothing will get me past the error message.
does anybody know how i can fix this problem?

thanks for any suggestions anyone can give,
steve
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post #2 of 4
1/28/04 at 8:27am
I don't think I'm going to be much help at all, but I'm going to relate a similar experience.

I'm using a PIII 700mhz VAIO (FX-120) that came w/ WinME installed on it. There were times when I'd power the unit on and I would get the Operating System not found error. Drove me insane as I'd bought it used and the guy that I bought it from (who'd promised to send me the receipt so I could use the warranty if need be) quit responding to my queries.

I traced it down to the hard drive connector. If I removed the panel above the keyboard and fiddled w/ the connector, that would often get me going. It was a pain, though.

Earlier this year, I got an "Imminent HD failure" warning. Not even sure where it came from. But I got it. I wasn't going to chance anything, so I got me a new 40gig IBM to replace the older 20mb Hitachi. I haven't had a single problem since then. Works beautifully. I've not ONCE had that "OS not found" error since replacing the HD.

I mention this because you're running the same generation VAIO that I have, so I figure it wouldn't hurt to pass along.

I'd suggest opening up the little cover above the keyboard (where the mail/sleep, etc. keys are) and snugging up the harddrive to the connector. That might get you going. There's only one screw holding the cover in place (on the left). The HD is a bit more grumpy to fiddle with, but it's definitely do-able.

If you plan on keeping the machine, you might want to try putting in another HD to see how that works. It's a 5~10 minute job. Piece of cake.


Oh, btw- if you want, I'll trade ya my VAIO for your 8890
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post #3 of 4
1/28/04 at 2:39pm
Thread Starter 
friedtoast, thanks for the response. i had actually already tried the hard drive connection and even was considering getting a new one. after playing with the hard drive, i just tried re-starting over and over. i tried to boot up, got the error message, shut the computer down, unplugged everything, waited a few hours and tried over again. after about the 25th time, and about 8 hours between attempts, it finally booted up. i was able to load the os and now the computer works fine. now, all i need is the driver for the pcga-dvd51 dvd rom drive (external).
thanks for the offer, but i would not trade my 8890 for anything less than a car (which i would sell and buy more sagers).
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post #4 of 4
1/30/04 at 2:31am
That's really really odd. Controller being wonky perhaps? Driver got stuck sideways somewhere? Aliens?

And hey- if you ever decide that you'd rather trade your 8890 for a 700mhz VAIO instead of a car, LMK
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