Windows 7 tells me to format hard drive...?

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  1. Posts : 53
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
       #1

    Windows 7 tells me to format hard drive...?


    Hello, all.

    Last week I found out that my computer wouldn't boot. I was trying to do system restore, it said it was complete but it wasn't moving. So, then I turned the computer off. After that, Windows 7 (or 8) wouldn't start up.

    I've searched a few different websites, and I read that it means that Windows somehow became corrupted or that the file system became damaged.

    I know that the hard drive itself didn't become damaged, because I know that if it did, it would be saying "Non system disk or disk error" or something like that. Plus, startup repair wasn't showing any Windows installations. I clicked "Load driver", went to "Computer", found "Local Disk C:\", and clicked on Properties, only to find that it said that it needed to be formatted. I also know that this means that Windows probably doesn't really recognize the file system while the laptop does, and it really has me confused.

    Please don't say that I have to format the hard drive, because I know it just means that Windows became corrupted in some way.

    Well, any help, anyone? Sorry for the horribly long post.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #2

    Your previous threads and your specs are very confusing.
    --------------------------
    System Manufacturer/Model Number HP
    OS Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Windows 8 Enterprise
    Memory 2 GB
    Screen Resolution 1280x800
    --------------------------
    If I read your previous threads correctly you were trying to install a Mac operating system on your computer and now you are trying to dual boot with Windows Enterprise. I'm I understanding things correctly?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 53
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
    Thread Starter
       #3

    ...I'm not still trying to install OS X. I'm just trying to figure out why Windows is telling me to format my hard drive. And yes, you're understanding it correctly.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
       #4

    Can't put Mac OS on anything but apple HW:

    D. System Requirements; Apple ID. Please note that the Apple Software is supported on only
    Apple-branded hardware that meets specified system requirements as indicated by Apple. In
    addition, use of and access to certain features of the Apple Software and certain Services (as
    defined in Section 5) may require you to apply for a unique user name and password
    combination, known as an Apple ID

    There's more legalese in the agreement, but System Requirements is a good summation.

    Layback Bear said:
    Your previous threads and your specs are very confusing.
    --------------------------
    System Manufacturer/Model Number HP
    OS Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit, Windows 8 Enterprise
    Memory 2 GB
    Screen Resolution 1280x800
    --------------------------
    If I read your previous threads correctly you were trying to install a Mac operating system on your computer and now you are trying to dual boot with Windows Enterprise. I'm I understanding things correctly?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #5

    This might help concerning Windows Enterprise.
    You must have a legal copy. There/their for you should contact your IT department and they might be able to help you.
    --------------------------
    Windows 7 Enterprise
    This edition targets the enterprise segment of the market and is sold through volume licensing to companies which have a Software Assurance contract with Microsoft.[1] Additional features include support for Multilingual User Interface (MUI) packages, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and UNIX application support.[1] Not available through retail or OEM channels, this edition is distributed through Microsoft Software Assurance (SA).[1] As a result it includes several SA-only benefits, including a license allowing the operating of diskless nodes (diskless PCs), the running of multiple virtual machines, and activation via VLK
    ---------------------
    Please read rule #4
    https://www.sevenforums.com/misc.php?do=showrules
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 53
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
    Thread Starter
       #6

    I get it, I get it! Windows 8 ISN'T why it's asking me to format the hard drive! I downloaded it on MSDN, so it isn't pirated.

    It asking me to format the hard drive has nothing to do with Windows Enterprise, but I don't know what it has to do with.

    Why don't any of you understand?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
       #7

    People around here get it. They don't know how to help you because they lack the information needed to direct a resolution.

    As for my comments, I saw that you tried to load a MAC OS, which is against Apple Licensing, on your system and that you had two Windows OSes. If the original OS (Win7) was corrupted in your attempts to do these thiings, then your best bet is probably a clean install. It is difficult to troubleshoot an issue like this when the other person provides ample information.

    That being said, take a look in the tutorial section. I looked and found four that might help.
    1. Startup Repair
    2. Startup Repair - run 3 seperate times
    3. Repair Install
    4. Clean Install
    At the bottom of the tutorials, there might be related threads. If the above tutorials don't fit your problem, please look around (search) for one that does.

    Good luck, the tutorials are well written.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 17
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #8

    What is with all the software licensing police?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
       #9

    General Rules:

    4) No discussion of piracy or anything illegal is allowed at all. Such as software, music, videos and other intellectual property violations.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #10

    ParkerB said:
    What is with all the software licensing police?
    To answer this is simple. We do enjoy helping people but we also insist that things are done in a legal fashion. We do not help people to do illegal things. That is why Slartybart and I have mentioned and given links to the Forum Rules. I will follow the rules and recommend that you do also.
      My Computer


 
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