Windows 7: Compatibility Report?

Hi all, this is my first post, glad to be here.

I am currently working on a laptop for a close friend. I installed windows 7 Pro for her, and everything went great. Now, a few months later, I find that a reinstall would serve her computer well. It has had some booting issues, and some startup repairs, but it just isn't as stable as I would like it to be.

In any event, today I attempted to reinstall using the upgrade option, so I could keep all her files intact. (keep in mind, I am using the exact same disc I used last time to install).

When it boots the Windows 7 installer, everything goes according to plan, until i receive a blank Compatibility Report. The report just tells me something like, "This computer started using the installation disc. Remove the disc and start Windows normally, then insert the disc and continue the upgrade". I don't understand this.

I have ran the Upgrade Advisor, and everything seems to be in check.

I'm thinking that if I can't get this issue straightened around, I'll just manually move all the data off the drive, wipe the disk, and do a complete, fresh install.

I appreciate any guidance you can give me.

If you need any more information, please just ask.

Thanks so much,

Abe

So you are trying to upgrade a windows7 with a windows7 - that might be your problem. I would do a completely new installation (after saving all user files).

If you're trying to do a clean install, then you don't want to choose "upgrade" ,

Here's a couple tutorials to explain it,

Repair Install

Clean Install Windows 7

A litte add-on.
Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

I see what you mean, you can't choose the upgrade option from boot.

If you want the upgrade install, start windows and then insert the disk and run

it from there, the repair install tutorial explains that.


P.S. Thanks, theog for the add-on.

Thanks a lot for all the replies!

Now there is a different issue. It seems to be stuck at 45% during the "transferring files, programs, etc...". It is stuck on file 88,000+. out of 259,000. If anyone can shed a little light on this, I would be very grateful.

Thanks,

Abe

Are you trying a clean reinstall now from boot?

If so, try wiping the HD first to get a cleaner slate: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...tallation.html

Test your RAM with memtest86 CD, swap RAM sticks.

Test your HD with maker's full diag/Repair CD scan: Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.

Is there a newer BIOS version update? If not, try clearing the CMOS: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixthe.../clearcmos.htm

Try install with SATA controller set to AHCI, then IDE if necessary.

Check cables, swap cables, blow dust out of case, make sure fans are spinning.