Cannot install OS in empty Snapshot

[Bob_McCarty]

I have followed the instructions I found in the Raxco FAQ to the tee and I cannot install the OS to the empty snapshot. I get the "NT Loader Missing" error upon every re-boot. I already have the Bios set to boot to the CD Drive and the Windows XP install CD is in the drive. Any idea as to what may be wrong?

[sukarof]

Have you read this at Raxcos FAQ?

How do I install a "fresh install" OS system?
If you wish to install a "fresh install" of the Windows OS without disrupting your current snapshot use this procedure. It is very important to follow the steps outlined below in the order given:

From within the program, set up your data anchoring if you wish to have your current data files available to this new snapshot (recommended).
From the ‘Tools' pull-down menu, select 'Create Empty Snapshot'. Follow the instructions given in the Wizard (name your new snapshot Original XP Load, or OEM Build, etc.).
At the completion of creating your new (blank) snapshot, right click on the newly created snapshot and select ‘Boot to Snapshot'.
During the re-boot, you will see a message on your screen as follows: "NT Loader Missing." This is normal because there are no operating system files in this newly created snapshot.
Locate your Windows CD and place it in the CD drive. Reboot your system again.
If you see the message, "NT Loader Missing" again, you will need to enter your BIOS program to set the Boot Sequence to boot from your CD drive first.

Windows will ask you if you want to format the NTFS partition. Answer NO.

[Bob_McCarty]

sukarof,
Yes I have read the FAQ at Raxco and I followed the instructions.
I created an empty snapshot, booted into it and received the "NT Loader Missing" message, I then placed my windows CD into the CD drive and re-booted and then received the "NT Loader Missing" again. I double checked in the bios and yes I have it set to boot from the CD First. I then tried it all again and had the same results.
I get the "NT Loader Missing" message every time I re-boot.

[wilbertnl]

Originally Posted by Bob_McCarty

I then placed my windows CD into the CD drive and re-booted and then received the "NT Loader Missing" again.

Did you press any key in order to boot from CD?
The CD does not boot by itself, when you don't press a key it will continue with booting from harddisk, where the NTLDR is missing.

[Bob_McCarty]

Originally Posted by wilbertnl

Did you press any key in order to boot from CD?
The CD does not boot by itself, when you don't press a key it will continue with booting from harddisk, where the NTLDR is missing.

wilbertnl
Thank You!
I actually had done that but exited out, as I wanted confirmation from someone here that I would not be overwriting my current OS.
I have now successfully installed XP in my empty snapshot. I was just not willing to take that leap of faith at this point as I have loads of work and cannot afford the down time re-imaging my drive.

Thanks again!

[starfish_001]

Originally Posted by Bob_McCarty

wilbertnl
Thank You!
I actually had done that but exited out, as I wanted confirmation from someone here that I would not be overwriting my current OS.
I have now successfully installed XP in my empty snapshot. I was just not willing to take that leap of faith at this point as I have loads of work and cannot afford the down time re-imaging my drive.

Thanks again!

Just make sure you don't format the disk - choose leave file system intact.


Everything should then be fine - the installer should not be able to see other snapshots

[wilbertnl]

Originally Posted by Bob_McCarty

I actually had done that but exited out, as I wanted confirmation from someone here that I would not be overwriting my current OS.

Yes, it looks scarry, since you can't see what your harddisk looks like when you are in the blue setup screen.
As long as you don't format the partition, but select leave filesystem alone it's safe to proceed.

The great thing is that you are able to finish a fresh installation, while at the same time your other snapshots still exist.
In case you have anchored data, you will find that available right away (handy for downloaded drivers, etc)!

Just install FD-ISR and your can boot into any snapshot you like, without having to complete the fresh installation to 'work state'.

(@starfish, you typed just a little bit faster. )

[Bob_McCarty]

Thanks again everyone! All is well here and I have a shiny new Windows install to play around with.

[Acadia]

Originally Posted by Bob_McCarty

... and I have a shiny new Windows install to play around with.

(This FD thingie sure is fun to play with, isn't it!)

Acadia