Windows 7 Installation problems...

I really need help.

I can pretty much stumble my way through problems but this is a puzzler.

I purchased a new Wester Digital HDD 1TB, to use to install the complete Windows 7 package on a new drive. I do not mind which one 32 or 64bit, I have tried both.

I have spent over 25 hours trying to get this installation to work without any success. I am quite a novice and dont understand most of the jargon so if you can reply in plain English I would really appreciate it.

The error messages I have received have been varied from corrupt sectors to windows will not install on this drive. My first install seemed to go fine but when I turned my PC on the next day all broke loose. I got stuck in a loop between starting windows and chkdsk (which was deleting files and sectors all over the place).

Since then I have been trying over and over again to install and each time have a different error message.

When starting from CD/DVD sometimes Win 7 recognises the 1TB HDD, some times it doesn't; at one point it said it was only 8GB, whats going on I ask you?

The new drive has two partitions one at 100mb and another at 931GB does this have any influence on the error messages?

I have been told that windows 7 is better than Vista, well that I am yet to see.

I have browsed forums all night and after reading Brinks' post on how to, I thought it looks like these guys know what they are talking about and thought I would give you a try. Please note though the How To I read here didn't show the problems that I have experienced.

Please help me....

Thank you all.

Unplug all other HD's to try install.

Format the 100gb partition again to try install.

Remove all but 2gb of RAM to try install, remove and reseat RAM, test RAM using memtest86 for 5-6 passes.

Test HD using WD Lifeguard full CD diag/repair scan. Here is the best version: http://support.gateway.com/support/d...2&uid=27543171 Unzips to c:cabs where you'll find ISO to burn to CD.

Then try zeroing the HD using same CD to try install to raw HD, then after partitioning and formatting again.

Run Disk Check

Make sure you have latest BIOS version update, set SATA controller to AHCI first, then IDE.

Hi Barefoot Kid and gregrocker

I have tried installing without the second "Vista" HDD plugged in and that didn't work.

I tried looking through the link you gave before I joined.

I will set up a new 100GB partition and will reduce my RAM to leave only 2GB before I try again.

Gregrocker I will remove and reseat the RAM but what is "test RAM using memtest86 for 5-6 passes" What do I do here? I am a novice remember.

Test HD using WD Lifeguard full CD diag/repair scan. Here is the best version: http://support.gateway.com/support/d...2&uid=27543171 Unzips to c:cabs where you'll find ISO to burn to CD.........I will try this but what is ISO? Why burn to CD?...Did you know I have the Windows 7 Disc and also if I do need it can I put it on a USB Disk?

Then try zeroing the HD using same CD to try install to raw HD, then after partitioning and formatting again. "What is Zeroing the HDD using the same CD?"

FINALLY
Thank you for your help everyone. I think some of my questions are pretty basic to you but this will be until I get used of messing around with this kind of thing.

If and when I get this sorted I will let you know what worked and what didn't.

Thanks again.

Testing the hardware during a new install is always useful, however you might want to save these steps for after you wipe the HD to see if that solves your problem.

The best test for your RAM is to burn memtest86 to CD then boot it and let it run for 5-6 passes or overnight. Download the image file which is burned to CD here: Memtest86 - Download Page

Once you download and unzip the GWSCAN Hard Drive diagnostics file, it needs to be burned to a CD so you can boot it and run the full scan. The only way a CD will boot is if an image file is burned onto it correctly, thus you'll need to browse to C:Cabs and look for the GWScan ISO file, click on it to bring up the WIn7 burner to burn to CD.

bigmck said:

Hi Bling -- Let me ask a new question. Where did you buy the Win 7 CD? Was it from an online store, a local store or a site like Ebay? Is it a full version, an upgrade or an OEM? Thanks,

Bought it from Amazon.co.uk Full package 32 and 64bit.

With only the 1TB HDD installed and the Windows 7 DVD in the optical try I have done the following:-
shift+F10 (at Windows 7 Install now screen à )
diskpart
list disk
select disk 0
clean (Should have used clean all)
create primary partition size=102400
select partition 1
active
format fs=ntfs
exit
exit

Started the installation of windows 7 and then I got these messages.

Windows 7 64bit installation
C:\windows\winsxs\msil_microsoft.applicationframework_
31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_4f9b5c1281bb9284 is corrupt and unreadable.
Please run chkdsk utility.

Windows cannot install required files. The file may be corrupt or missing. Make sure all files required for installation are available and restart the installation. Error code: 0x80070570

The installation was cancelled.

Back at Windows 7 Install now screen à
The file or directory c:\$mft is corrupt and unreadable.
Please run the chkdsk utility.

Windows 7 32bit installation
C:\windows\winsxs\x86_microsoft-|..omebacise.resources_ 31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_en_us_35033bacs8cae48e is corrupt and unreadable.
Please run chkdsk utility.

Windows cannot install required files. The file may be corrupt or missing. Make sure all files required for installation are available and restart the installation. Error code: 0x80070570

The installation was cancelled.

Back at Windows 7 Install now screen à
The file or directory c:\$mft is corrupt and unreadable.
Please run the chkdsk utility.



My next action tonight will be to "Clean All" and try again.

Thanks for all your help so for guys.