Windows 7: Windows 7 Installation "Can not install on this disk"

Hello,
I was gonna install windows 7 pro 64bit on my laptop (clean install). However, when i got to the point where i go to partition the different discs I got this message:



"Windows cannot be installed to this disk. This computer's hardware may not support booting to this disk. Ensure that the disk's controller is enabled in the computer's BIOS menu"

As I am unsure what to do I dared not change anyting in the BIOS, the only thing I know how to do in the BIOS is to change boot priority from my Hard Drive to CD/DVD-drive or floppy disk...

Is there an easy fix for this problem? Im running a acer Aspire 3810T with a singe Hard Drive and I have no operating system since my old one was removed when I deletet all partitions in order to make new ones for my fresh windows 7 installation.

Thanks in advance,
Lashley

Is it an internal drive? has anything changed? does the dvd install on other computers?

Yes, it is an internal drive.

Anything where? If you mean the BIOS I really coudln't tell... And nothing else has changed except I formated the partitions that I had before and made a new one, windows then proceeded to make 2 more.

By the way, does the fact that I use an external cd/dvd reader affect the installation?

Haven't tried it on any other computer... I only have that laptop and this computer and I'm not sure I want to risk screwing this one up...

I got the windows installation from MSDNAA (Lunds university) and burned it out on a DVD with DeepBurner using the Burn ISO image. Not sure it's the DVDs fault tho since i can get as far as that. I am however willing to try and burn a new DVD if you think it may solve my problem...

Thanks for your fast reply

Yes burn a new DVD using ImgBurn at 4x speed. Make sure ISO says bootable in text at left when loaded in first.

Is your DVD booting correctly using the external OD?

Try wiping the HD first: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Is there a newer BIOS version update on your Acer Support Downloads webpage?

Next try clearing the BIOS CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS Try setting SATA controller in BIOS setup to AHCI first, then IDE if necessary.

Remove any more than 2gb RAM to try install. Test your RAM using memtest86 CD for 5-6 passes.

Can you try instaling from flash stick? Easiest is to use UltraISO trial: Open ISO on file tab, Write ISO Image on Bootable tab, Format button, Write button. Then boot it using BIOS Boot Menu under USB or HD's.

Making a new DVD now, it says it is bootable. -Edit. DVD done, can't test it untill wipe of HD is done tho.

"Is your DVD booting correctly using the external OD?" -I think so, the installation starts, i got to choose language, keyboard setup and so. I get to choose if i want to upgrade previous version of windows or make it a custom install and i get to make my partitions and then im stuck, unable to install windows on any of the partitions.

wiping HD now.

acer recomend not to install new version of BIOS unless specificly instructed to do so by acer support. I will wait with this step and the following ones untill i've tryed what i've started doing so far.

Thank you for your help so far, I'll give you an update as soon as the HD wipe is done, by the looks of it, it will take some time.

I probably wont be back untill 08:00 AM GMT+1

Hello Lashley, welcome to Seven Forums!



After the wipe finishes just start the install, if you need to create a partition to install to use Step Two of the same tutorial but only create a single partition using diskpart and do the install, don't do anything else before you try to see if it'll install.

Between you and me, a BIOS update is nothing to be taken lightly as done incorrectly it has the power to disable the PC forever.


Be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed, tomorrow is fine.

Thanks all, I've now gotten past the point where the install would proceed no further.

As I was so excited that the diskwipe was done I forgot to change to my new Windows 7 dvd, so I guess I now have 2 working dvds wich is nice, now I have a backup disk

With a bit of luck, problem resolved. Just to be sure I'll get back to you guys as soon as the installation is done and I'm home from school (any time from 1pm-7pm GMT+1).

Thanks alot for your time everyone! You really helped this windows n00b out ^^

Actually, the installation went faster then I tough, Windows have been succesfully installed and I'm back in business

Thanks alot all of you! You have all really been a great help to me!

Regards,
Lashley

Wiping the disk is a sure way to Windows 7, it hasn't let me down.

Glad it helped.

Some tips:

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device.

Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-d...-msconfig.html

Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly. http://download.cnet.com/ccleaner/
http://download.cnet.com/Auslogics-D...=dl&tag=button
http://download.cnet.com/Auslogics-R...ml?tag=mncol;1

Then save a Windows 7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement using DVD or Repair CD. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup