XP Pro install failure: SCSI devices not properly terminated?

Question

I have a dell xps 200 that's running xp media edition. I had to get the Windows reinstallation DVD from Dell b/c they do that whole OEM/bundled-softwar thing. Anyway, they sent me an XP Pro reinstallation DVD. Well, when I try to use it I get a blue screen saying that it can't continue b/c SCSI devices haven't been properly terminated. I've been googling for hours and can't find an answer. Please help.

Answer 1

1.Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer
2. TRY again
3 Presume you have not deleted the earlier installation of OS. If so, press F8 as soon as you start the computer.
4.
http://www.smartcomputing.com/Editorial/article.asp?article=articles/2004/w1510/10w02/10w02.asp&guid=Para two :


5. If you are installing a Seagate drive in a system that has other SCSI devices installed, terminate only the end devices on the SCSI chain. A SCSI "device" is any disc drive, scanner, tape backup unit, or other piece of hardware connected to your system using the SCSI bus.

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The example above shows an internal hard disc at one end of the SCSI bus with the SCSI controller at the other end (both are terminated). The bottom example shows two additional SCSI devices connected externally-this means the SCSI controller is no longer on the end of the SCSI chain and should not be terminated.

Note Some controllers prefer to remain terminated even if they are in the middle of the chain. Also, some controllers treat the internal and external chains as separate logical buses. This means you may need to terminate both the first and last devices on both logical buses to achieve proper termination. If necessary, refer to your system or controller documentation to see how this is handled in your particular system.
For information about how to terminate your specific drive, refer to our drive encyclopedia.

Answer 2

y r u using the cd to begin with? do u have scsi devices installed? unless u installed them then chances are you have none. scsi is older technology and would not have been pre-installed by Dell. if you are running the cdrom at boot and pressing a key to search for legacy devices including scsi drivers then that is what i suggest you do not hit any keys while booting. until prompted with a [F3] or [enter] choice of key entry at some setup menu. once you get to this setup menu i believe you will have passed the area which you have described is giving you the problem.

more specific to the error message however -- each end device in a scsi chain/bus must be terminated in order to work properly. if u r using this cdrom given by dell to restore your windows because you are unable to boot into it. i suggest trying to use a different windows xp setup cd. i dont suggest running through the entire setup or even installing it. but instead just to use it as an alternative to c if u get the same error msg.

If you do infact have scsi devices then terminate all those at the end of any cable (internal and external) and if connected to an external scsi devices then many times there are dip switched to enable termination or an extra scsi port where u can attach a terminator.

this answer mite be over kil and i am very tired at the moment but i do know my scsi so if u need additional assistance feel free to contact me.