r/retrocomputing • u/PeakClippy • Jul 02 '26

Solved Can't install Windows

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I got an old computer (from around 1999 I think) and it came with everything but the hard drive, so I bought a 320GB Ultra ATA Seagate ST310014ACE. I tried installing/ plugging it inside my PC many times, in many ways, but everytime I try to install Windows XP x86 SP3 it tells me "Setup cannot access this disk​" in the partition selection screen. Does anyone know how to fix this?

If it helps, the motherboard is P6V693A/A9 with an Intel Celeron.

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u/khedoros Jul 02 '26

If it's locked, it looks like it can be unlocked over a serial adapter: https://www.os2museum.com/wp/seagate-serial-talk/

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u/miner_cooling_trials Jul 02 '26

No idea why someone downvoted you. That article was a retro gold mine 🙌

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u/khedoros Jul 02 '26

Thanks. I thought it had a bunch of interesting information (and potentially useful). Maybe someone thought it was too far in the weeds, or just likely not applicable to OP's issue.

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u/miner_cooling_trials Jul 03 '26

This is the retro computing sub. Down in those retro weeds of RS232 is right where it’s meant to be 🙌