Date:    Fri, 23 Nov 2001 00:38:22 -0800
From:    JM SUDELA <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Keyboard Hangs when attempting to Fdisk with a new mobo & HDD

I am trying to upgrade a PC with a new mobo/processor and HDD.  I am using a
WIN ME startup diskette to boot to an A: prompt.........................

Thus far, I have received  two (2) replies to my subject post above.  1.
Suggested that I disable any Virus protection in the BIOS of my mobo.  I
looked throughout my CMOS and BIOS setup screens for this mobo and there was
no "virus protection" option available.
2. Suggested that I use a WIN 98SE boot disk to attempt the FORMAT of the
HDD. as WIN ME did not support the FORMAT command structure.
   I followed that suggestion and ended up with the same results.

I am able to get as far in the FDISK program as Creating Active DOS
partition and setting the size of that partition. I am not able to get to
the point where I create the extended DOS partition.  If the keyboard has
not locked up by then it wont let me proceed any further.

I guess I should ask the question "Do I really need DOS partitions to
prepare the HDD for a clean install of WIN XP Home Edit?"
Perhaps I'm trying to accomplish something that is, in fact, redundant to my
goal.

If anyone has any input on the process that I should follow to format a
"new" HDD to prepare it for WIN XP I would appreciate any feedback.
Thanks to my fellow list members for their suggested fixes thus far.

Jim Sudela

               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
              Mandrake Linux or Red Hat Linux CD sets along
         with our NOSPIN Power Linux CD...  at a great price!!!
             http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml