computer shows: media failure: check cable

[hansel]

Hi there

Very new to this, I have always bought pre packaged computers, now I am building my first computer: here is the computer specifics, if it helps:
Asus A7N8X motherboard
AMDxp 2600
3D prophet 9700 pro video card
1G 433 ddr
Mag LCD monitor
1.44
WD 80G HD no OS installed yet
Sony Plextor CDRW

Got everything into the case and all the little bells and whistles seem to work fine. Now I go for the initial boot and it tells me "Media Failure; check cable. I cannot get past this and the cable works fine or how could I read the information off the screen. I have put the OS disk in the CDRW when the system is powered off, but during boot it does not get far enough to start reading it. What have I done wrong.

Thx
Hansel

[Budfred]

Welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif

The reference to "Media failure" doesn't necessarily refer to the video. It is probably worthwhile to make sure the video card is seated well and that the cable is connected properly, but it may be referring to another cable such as the IDE cable that goes to your CD drive or hard drive, or even your floppy. I would check all cables and make sure they are seated well and in the right direction. Also check power connections.

If this doesn't work, I would try booting with just the basics: CPU, power, video, and keyboard. If it works ok, add the floppy drive and try a boot disk. If that works, add a drive and so on. You will have a better idea of what the problem is if it fails at any point of the testing.

One other thing, this thread may get moved because the suggestion box is a place to leave suggestions for the forum, not to ask questions. This would probably fit better in core hardware, but don't start another thread. The moderators will move it if they think it needs to be.

Good luck,
Budfred

[Whyzman]

I think the message you are receiving happens during POST when you've no Operating System installed.

You would need to use a boot disk to be able to load drivers for your CDROM and utilities to be able to partition and format your HardDrive and then load the OS.

If using XP I think the process is a bit different as the CD is bootable..sorry I can't take you there...as I don't use XP :confused: But, I suspect you may need to enter the BIOS and set the CDROM as the first boot device...