Windows 7: Can't Install Windows 7 "Windows Failed to Start"

Hello guys, I have a bit of a problem installing Windows 7 in a particular computer. This PC used to have XP but I deleted everything and now it has a raw disk. So I’m trying to install Windows 7 and I don’t even get to the blue screen where you select you language, keyboard, etc. I can only get thru “Windows is loading files” and when it is finished it just shows me this strange error on “Windows Boot Manager”:

Windows Boot Manager


Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem:

1. Insert your Windows installation disc and restart and restart your computer.

2. Choose your language settings, and then click “Next.”

3. Click “Repair your computer.”
If you do not have this disc, contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance.




Status: 0xc0000017

Info: An unexpected error has occurred.



My computer is an old Dell Latitude D610, I upgraded the RAM to 1GB.

What do you think it could be?

Really appreciate the help.

PS: I can't install Windows XP because whenever I try that the computer restarts, not on a particular stage of the installation but just randomly and it is never able to finish. Also, I tried installing Windows 7 in a different computer with similar specs and it worked, so I’m assuming it's not the disc.

Hi,

You might see if disabling AHCI mode for your disk controller in the system BIOS does the job. Typically the controller has to be changed from AHCI mode to "IDE" or "ATA" mode.

Sorry, I’m not sure how to disable AHCI mode. I went to my BIOS settings but I can’t find where to change it.