Windows XP-2000 install problem on X20

[bed]

Hi to everybody,
I hope somebody can help me.
I've just got an used IBM Thinkpad X20 model 2662.
It's equipped with an internal IBM 20GB hard disk and an external usb floppy disk drive.
I've update the bios and control program to the latest available yet.
I have to install Windows XP or W2K on it but i have'nt got CD or dvd drive.
I've:
1- formatted the HD (1x 2GB FAT bootable partition)
2- installed dos system
3- copied the I386 folder of W2K or XP install cdrom in to c:\
4- lauched the c:\i386\winnt.exe program

Once the setup reboot for theh first time the thikpad i get this:
-w2k .. no messages on the display only a blinking cursor
-wxp .. ntldr missing

I think it's a MBR trouble.

I've tried also to install W98/W2k/WXP on another desktop pc into the laptop hd. I can boot regularly the OS from the desktop. As soon as i move the HD to the notebook i can't boot anymore.

I've tried with a second HD (Fujitsu 30GB HD) with no news.

Anybody can help me please??

thank you in advance to everybody

Cristiano

[gazingwa]

What i did, was started the install on my a20... which is almost the same internally as the x20.... another option is to get a docking station and a cdrom drive... i got mine on ebay for 25

If you think it is the mbr.... get hitachi's drive fitness test... or the fujitsu equivalent and perform a low level format on the disk.

[bed]

What i did, was started the install on my a20... which is almost the same internally as the x20.... another option is to get a docking station and a cdrom drive... i got mine on ebay for 25

If you think it is the mbr.... get hitachi's drive fitness test... or the fujitsu equivalent and perform a low level format on the disk.

I think nothing change if i start the install process from the cdrom or from the hard disk itself..

I'll try to low level format the HD.. Is it dangerous with "new generation hd". I think it's a old generation way of format hd..but i'm not sure.

The problem is that teh same hd on another machine boot up correctly so i think it is not an hd surface or cluster danaged problem...

[gazingwa]

when you do the install off of the cd, it allows you to delete and create partitions... therefore it sets the machine up for its future arrival.

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when you do the install off of the cd, it allows you to delete and create partitions... therefore it sets the machine up for its future arrival.

Solved!
I had to install a system boot manager like GAG

http://gag.sourceforge.net/

immediatly discovered and removed by XP!
Now the system boot ok without boot manager.

Thank you!
Everybody know if X20 Ati Rage Mobility M is supported by DirectX ) or 8?
Thank you

Bye