Laptop will not load a tall.

[andyj2008]

Hi there,

I'm attempting to install UBUNTU 9.04 on to an old laptop, I have a live CD but cannot get it to work. I'm not bothered about saving any data or having windows on it at all. I have more than the system requirments.

 

The first problem I am faced with is that windows will not load at all, I get the error:

 

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt - Windows root\system32\hal.dll" and to reinstall it,

 

I have a reload disc but when that is run it suggests that it is the wrong version, even though i have used it many times before.

 

I have had a play with the setup (del) and boot (F8) menus but I'm not sure what I'm doing with them, and often just get the error:

 

"boot failure from previous device, select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device"

 

When the UBUNTU disc is run it allows me access to the setup page, but whatever option I choose, be it install or run from disc I get multiple and repeat errors, such as:

 

"ata1.00: status: (drdy err)"

"ata1.00: error: (UNC)"

"buffer I/O error on device SDA, logical block ( any number)"

 

These errors appear over and over with different numbers.

 

Ive googled most, if not all of the errors I have got and not got very far with a resolution.

 

Firstly I appreciate any help I can get, I could also do with some guidance as to what the boot and setup menus should be set to as I have changed everthing I can find.

 

I hope Ive given enough info for my problem, if anything else is needed, ill try and provide it.

 

THANKYOU

[Jelly Bean]

Hello there.

 

Firstly please do not make multiple threads on the same issue as this can confuse help given.

 

The ATA error appears to be the hard drive error.Possibly if you have a SATA HDD the CD is looking for IDE HDD or vice verca.Or your hard drive is damaged.

 

To fix the XP error you receive try:

 

Error message: "Windows could not start because of a computer disk hardware configuration problem"

 

Error Message: Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt

 

Also XP maybe running a newer service pack than what is on your XP disk..........Slip streaming the latest SP may help fix the issue.

 

The for Ubuntu install maybe due to damaged HDD,or problems with CD drive,the live CD may of not been burnt correctly.

 

Enter BIOS and set CD/DVD drive as first boot pop in disk then save and exit.

 

I am not the uBuntu expert but I did a search and it appears your hard drive is the problem.I maybe wrong so if you can hang on and I am sure one of the boys will help further....