Windows 7: Issues when installing Win7 to Dell Mini

Hi all, I have just registered here as I am having some issues installing Windows 7 to a friends Dell Mini netbook.

I have previously installed the copy I have to my Samsung N110 netbook which has pretty much identical hardware as the Dell Mini. I had and still have no problems with it on my Samsung.

I am pretty computer literate but this error has left me stumped. I have never came across this before.

When installing to the Dell, it completed the copying and expanding files and then completes installing features. After this, it is as if it freezes and then I am presented with the error,

"Could not set the offline locale information Error code 0x80FF0000"

This confused me so I did a search (as you do) and tried various methods on solving this issue to no avail. The BIOS is up to date and the time is set correctly as well. There are no issues with the hard drive either as I can install XP no problems to it.

I have even tried doing a low level format and creating the partition tables outwith Windows 7 setup. Yet I still get the same error.

Also, last night tried again at optimizing the HDD for the install but got the same error.

Does anyone have a clue as to what it could be? Oh and don't be afraid to use technical language as I will be able to understand no problem.

Thanks,

Fraser

Hello Fraser, welcome to Seven Forums!





From the little searches I've run, it could be, not enough HDD space to install Windows 7 to or, are you sure the partition you're trying to install to is a 'primary' and not a 'logical' partition?
Be sure to post back with an update.

Try wiping the HD to overwrite any factory code which might be interfering:
SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation - Windows 7 Forums.url

Thanks for the prompt replies guys

The partition is primary and not logical and the HDD had been formatted before install.

I had tried the HDD optimize before as mentioned in my first post but it is still to no avail.

It really has me confused as to why this is happening. I have never had any issues with 7 till now.

If it has at least an 8GB drive, it should install just fine.
I was running Win 7 Pro on my Dell Mini 9 with an 8GB SSD. I had no issues installing the OS on it.
My Dell now has a 16GB SSD with OSX Snow Leopard on it.

Anyone able to help me with this issue?

Remove all but 2gb of RAM to try install, test RAM for 5-6 passes with memtest86 CD, swap RAM sticks.

Make sure you have the latest BIOS version update. If so, clear the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Now set SATA controller to AHCI in BIOS setup to try install. If not use IDE mode.

Run chkdsk /r on the HD from DVD Repair console, then test your HD using maker's diag/repair CD scan: Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.

Hmm, the scan from the HDD manufacturers software is saying that there is a lot of errors on the disk. That could be why it isn't installing. That to me suggests that it needs a new HDD but XP still installs perfectly fine???

Often the HD maker's diagnostics/repair CD scan can repair as well as find these problems. Try running it several times to see if it fixes the errors.

If so it can safely be returned to service although I would test it regularly.

If not you should back up your data and prepare for it to fail by shopping for a new HD.