please don't laugh...

gregrocker · 20 Oct 2010

This can be because the partition was not formatted first. It's a HD error.

Use PW CD to check file system on full HD.

I would Create & Format install partition Primary (not Logical) NTFS using PW CD, then Modify>Set to Active. Now try install to partition you've created.

Test your HD using maker's full diag/repair CD scan: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287

Test your memory using memtest86 bootable CD for 5-6 passes. Then remove all but 2gb for RAM to try install. http://www.memtest86.com/download.html

karlsnooks · 20 Oct 2010

MyPCbroke,

Now a couple of practical questions.

If you turn your laptop upside down is there a COA (certificate of authorization) sticker there with a product nr?

On the DVD you got from the computer mfg, is there a product number or whatevere it is called?

This info you will need since you have already used Partition Wizard on the disk.

Personally, I think your ram and your harddisk are ok, otherwise, you would have had other problems.

I don't know what you have tried in the meantime or what the status is.

You are almost there.

mypcbroke · 20 Oct 2010

I haven't tried anything since rewiping via PW because I had to head off to work, but I'll try your advice when I get back.

In regard to the COA, yes it is there -but no legible (it is legit laptop, not laptop sitting on table). But the Windows 7 DVD does have a product key clearly written.

gregrocker said:

I would Create & Format install partition Primary (not Logical) NTFS using PW CD, then Modify>Set to Active. Now try install to partition you've created.

If given the option by PW, what size should I make the partitions? Because with Windows install I was guessing...

DocBrown · 20 Oct 2010

mypcbroke said:

I haven't tried anything since rewiping via PW because I had to head off to work, but I'll try your advice when I get back.

In regard to the COA, yes it is there -but no legible (it is legit laptop, not laptop sitting on table). But the Windows 7 DVD does have a product key clearly written.

gregrocker said:

I would Create & Format install partition Primary (not Logical) NTFS using PW CD, then Modify>Set to Active. Now try install to partition you've created.

If given the option by PW, what size should I make the partitions? Because with Windows install I was guessing...

I always do the maximum, but if you want other partitions for data, etc, then make at leats a 40gb partition for win7

karlsnooks · 20 Oct 2010

Make the partition 50 GB. Later we will show you how to create a data partition in the rest of the space.

Alternatively, you can just use it all and then use PartitionWizard afterwards to shrink the partition so that you can have a separate data partition.

I've done both and the mileage is about the same.

When I think about it, for the time being, just create that one monster partition. That's a simpler approach.

Bare Foot Kid · 20 Oct 2010

You would save a lot of work later if you create a 40/50GB partition to install to before the install.

If you want to have the 100MB "System, Reserved" boot partition added, you can do the create/format at this dialog box during the install; that is if the HDD is still "unallocated" after the wipe.

click to enlarge

mypcbroke · 20 Oct 2010

Haha. Someone is going to have TELL me what to do about the make partition now or later issue, I am no where near qualified/know what I'm doing to make decision -because either way I'm still not sure what I'm doing.

Bare Foot Kid · 20 Oct 2010

Hello again.

Did you read everyone's opinion in the posts above your last post? ^ ^

karlsnooks · 20 Oct 2010

MyPCbroke,

Just charge ahead with the install. If a problem occurs, then yell.

We quite ofter forget that the average user has not been installing Win 7 many times and that the average user is not an expert at this kind of thing.

The procedures we follow simply aren't always the easiest for a neophyte.

You just go ahead and install.

You need a working computer.

tw33k · 20 Oct 2010

Click Drive Options (Advanced) and create a 60GB partition for Windows and your programs. Make a 2nd partition with the rest of the available space for your data.