i was having massive boot issues, Windows was hanging at "Starting Windows"
fixmbr, bootrec, bootsect, repair, system restore, run from previous good config.. nothing worked.
so i completely wiped my HDD clean to do a fresh install and the install hangs on the last phase (completing installation)
is this because i'm retarded and only have the upgrade disk or is my HDD hosed?
You can clean reinstall with Upgrade version. If you install to new or wiped HD, leave the Product Key blank initially then use the quick registry workaround given here after install to activate: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
Boot the DVD, select Custom Install, use Drive Options to Delete all partitions, Create New ones as you wish, then format before installing Win7 to first partition after 100mb boot partition installer will create: Clean Install Windows 7
Sometimes the installer will hang on last phase while loading drivers. Try entering Device Manager using this method to uninstall Devices in error (likely the display driver - try it anyway) to complete install, then Update driver from Desktop: Device Manager - Access During Windows 7 Installation
Next reset your CMOS, while in BIOS setup set SATA controller to AHCI to try install, unplug all other HD's and peripherals: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS
Test your HD using maker's diagnostics/repair extended booted CD scan: HD Diagnostic.
Next from the HD CD Clean the HD.
Next test your RAM for 5-6 passes or overnight. RAM - Test with Memtest86+ Remove all but 2gb to try install, swap RAM sticks.
When I run out of time to troubleshoot installs, I move HD to another computer to installed with all other HD's unplugged, then SysPrep to remove all drivers before moving back to problem machine where it will start like a new install: SysPrep to move HD to another computer
i can't even get to where i enter the product key
my HD is wiped CLEAN right now. i boot from the upgrade CD and do a custom install on my brand new partition, it goes through all the steps and hangs at "Completing installation"
i have no access to regedit and can't do the workaround because i completely wiped my HD.
so, is it hanging because of faulty hardware or because it's an upgrade cd?
I would Check the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic tools.
Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.
HD Diagnostic
For better help with problems, Can you post your specs.
Filling out System Specs
Dont Know What Hardware You Have..??
VistaForums SysInfo Tool - Vista Forums
All of the steps I gave you above are to troubleshoot a failing Win7 installation. Did you even read through them or just read the first comment about how to activate Upgrade version on a blank HD when the time comes?
You'll need to work through the steps one-by-one, asking back any questions if necessary and reporting the results of each. There may be other steps to give you.
These failures have nothing to do with using Upgrade version on formatted or cleaned HD, but require thorough step-by-step troubleshooting until the failure is overcome as it has been in every one of thousands of cases we've helped with here.
memtest and hd diagnostic didn't work, resetting CMOS did nothing.
for this, when i create a 2nd partition, i end up getting 3 total, with the bulk of my HD as "unallocated space"Sometimes the installer will hang on last phase while loading drivers. Try entering Device Manager using this method to uninstall Devices in error (likely the display driver - try it anyway) to complete install, then Update driver from Desktop: Device Manager - Access During Windows 7 Installation
it looks like this
Disk 0 Partition 1: System Reserved 100.0 MB 86.0 MB System
Disk 0 Partition 2 9.9 MB 9.9 GB Primary
Disk 0 Unallocated Space 586.2 GB 586.2 GB
fixed it
video card
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