Cannot Install Windows 2000 After You Use a Windows Me Startup Disk to Format Your Hard Disk (279700)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
This article was previously published under Q279700

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install Windows 2000, you may receive the following error message:
Setup was unable to install Windows Boot Loader. Ensure that your C: drive is formatted and that the drive is not damaged. Setup cannot continue. Press ENTER to exit.

CAUSE

This issue can occur if you originally formatted your hard disk with a Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me) Startup disk.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, boot your computer with a Microsoft Windows 98 Startup disk (so that you can access your CD-ROM drive), and then run Windows 2000 Setup. If you continue to receive the error, format your hard disk with a Microsoft Windows 98 or Microsoft Windows 95 Startup disk, and then run Windows 2000 Setup.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/4/2003
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb kbsetup KB279700
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