Installed the software and windows XP SP2. Was running XP fine for a while with no problems, but the computer crashed and I was forced to reset the machine. I turned it on and got the folder+question mark of death. "No problem, I'll just reinstall the OS or repair the hard disk." WRONG! The hard disk is gone. The computer can't recognize it at all, won't allow me to install from the DVD, can't target disk mode it, nothing. Simply gone. I'll be taking it to the Apple store tomorrow to see what else can be done... Always back things up when trying out new software!
Have you tried booting from the DVD and then reformatting the HD first? Or else booting from the Hardware Test CD?
I have, and to no avail. It won't even recognize that there IS a hard drive. Even when booting from the OSX install disk, system profiler shows no hard drive at all.
Have had similar problem. One minute there was a HD, next minute gone and forever. Replaced the HD with a new one and then never had any problem anymore.