I'm trying to install XENIX/86 2.1.3 onto an old PC/XT Compatible
Laptop, specifically a Toshiba T1200. However, the installation fails
when it tries to start the HDD initialization process, telling me that
it couldn't read it and listing the data. The system then becomes
semi-unresponsive; that is you can type things in and turning off the
HDD confirms it was alive since it panics when you flip the switch.

Is there any hope of getting this installed?

"Payphone Ed" wrote:

I don't have direct experience with 2.1.3, but judging from later
releases, I wouldn't be very optimistic. The "wd" driver was rather
fragile and bound to pretty specific hardware. Laptops have always been
sort of weird; the older, the weirder.

Do you have a similar vintage desktop machine to try? Something along
the lines of: 8088 processor, 8-bit bus, "standard" XT hard disk
controller, ST506 interface hard drive.