Windows 7: Windows Will Not Boot After Hardware Installation. HELP!

spazzyfry123 · 10 Apr 2012

I can't say that I'm the most computer-literate person out there, so I apologize for the ignorance. Quick recap of where I'm at right now:
My original hdd that I am trying to get information off of before I do a clean reinstall of Windows 7 is still in the computer. I have an external hdd that I have reformatted for the copy/paste.

Now, where do I go to load the drivers? I went into the "Launch Startup Repair" and do not see anything of use since "System Restore" has done nothing for me. Do I need to go into the BIOS by pressing "del" immediately after it starts up?

essenbe · 10 Apr 2012

Use the installation DVD. The link will give you pictures and step by step instructions. Just find your current hard drive, highlight and copy the info, then go to your new drive from the Mac and paste it. Once that is done, cancel out of everything. Then you can do the clean install I linked to above. That also has instructions step by step. You will get your drivers from Gigabyte's web site under downloads when you find your specific board. The Video drivers can be foung on the manufacturers web site.

essenbe · 10 Apr 2012

This is the link to Gigabytes web site. Click downloads and select your OS and download the drivers. You can download them from your laprop and put them on a USB drive or a CD. just make sure that is your board. You will then have them ready to install after you do the install.

spazzyfry123 · 10 Apr 2012

Ahhhhhh.... It's all making sense now. One thing that I just now noticed while I wait for it to paste over... "Files of type" says "Setup Information". Should I have chosen all file types or something similar?

EDIT: Nevermind; it just finished I I realize that there are no other options ha! There was about 70gb worth of information that needed to be copied over to the external hard drive, yet it looks like only 3gb worth got pasted over...?

essenbe · 10 Apr 2012

I honestly don't know about that. Most of your personal information will be in C users/yourusername/ documents, pictures, music, videos. You can copy the individually or just copy the entire user files at one time. It may take a while for it to paste. After the install, you can go back and replace your documents, pictures etc.

spazzyfry123 · 10 Apr 2012

Right now I'm trying to paste over things individually.... Hopefully all is well since it is taking much longer this go-round.

essenbe · 10 Apr 2012

Good, I hope it works out well. Don't worry about asking questions. No problem. When you do the install, follow the tutorial I linked to which will give you step by step instructions. Also, before you do the install, disconnect the cable (either power or data) to all hard drives except the one you are installing Windows to. It will prevent any problems. After the install install your drivers from gigabyte and your Graphics drivers. Then install your programs beginning with a good anti virus program asap.

spazzyfry123 · 10 Apr 2012

Thanks a ton; you've been exponentially better help than anyone else. Any recommendations on anti-virus? I was using one from Microsoft's website before (free).

spazzyfry123 · 10 Apr 2012

Quick question: I'm getting ready to install Windows and it asks "Where do you want to install Windows?" I have two options, my hard drive that I have on the computer (partition 2) and another area that is only 100mb in size labeled "System Reserved" (partition 1).

essenbe · 10 Apr 2012

Try Partition 1 first. For A/V I use Microsoft Security essentials and free Malwarebytes. But the best anti virus is to pay attention to what sites you visit and make certain you know what you are downloading and from who.

Windows 7: Windows Will Not Boot After Hardware Installation. HELP!

Windows Will Not Boot After Hardware Installation. HELP! problems?