Windows 7: Can't get past "Preparing Windows for First time Use"

Hey Everyone,

I was trying to do a clean install on a Dell Inspiron 545MT (with a samsung hd642jj drive) and initially formatted the system partition (NOT the recovery partition) and then tried to do a fresh install.

Now, everything goes smoothly, all files are copied properly and everything.

After all the setup goes correctly, you should technically see image 17 (please ref to link):
Windows 7 Install Guide Page 4

The inspiron does all the installation steps perfectly fine up until image 16, and after it says "Starting Windows" the screen goes blank and the computer just ... sort of ... stays idle and nothing goes beyond that!

I've done a hardware diagnostics test and the hard drive passed all the tests, and I've tried installation with 2 different installation discs, but to no avail.



The only solution I thought of was to purchase another hard drive (and sorry, is that Samsung a SATA II or a SATA I? I don't know!) and then try installing it there.

I know the Windows files are installed properly (checked with Ubuntu), but for some reason, Windows 7 will just not boot!

PLEASE help me with alternative solutions!

Thank you so much!

PS I know some posts have complained about USB devices and video cards,
for reference, the system has a ATI Radeon HD 4350, and the only USB devices that are on the computer are the keyboard and mouse.

Clean Install Windows 7

Use our tutorial you might get better results. Check it out compared to what you have done so far.

Hope it helps
Mike

Please give us detailed details of your hardware components. Also where did you get your Windows 7 , what version of the x64 ? Is your video connection VGA, DVI, HDMI ?

How long did you wait during the black screen situation ?

The other hardware components are:
Intel Quad core q8300
6gb ram
integrated audio
dvi monitor

and i've waited on that black screen for ages, but nothing really gets past that.

Also, this is a Windows 64 Bit home premium, the disc that was provided from Dell, and I've also downloaded an ISO from digital river and gave that a go, but nothing working there!

For almost 2 years now, even from the early Beta testing stages, Windows 7 has it's best chance of installing smoothly & quickly with only 1 stick of ram memory. Since you list 6gb, try it with 1 stick.

If removing all but 2gb of RAM does not solve the issue, try wiping the HD first: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

I think the 1 stick of RAM might be a good idea, but I don't get it because I was able to install windows 7 onto a 3GB machine just perfectly fine without any problems! Would a different hard drive perhaps solve the problem?

and I don't know if running DiskPart is the best option, 'cause if I did wipe the recovery partition, then I have absolutely nothing to bank on if that fails!

Could anyone pinpoint WHY this error happens to begin with? Thanks so much for all the solution ideas so far!

Every mobo reacts differently. Try 2gb of RAM for install first.

Next try wiping the target partition using free Partition Wizard bootable CD. Check also whether the Recov partition is marked Active. If not, create and format NTFS primary the install partition, Modify>Set to Active in PW. Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD

To learn how others have solved your particular install error, google the exact text.