Windows 7: Can't install Windows 7 (Factory Install) after virus

My Acer 7736Z-4809 laptop (pre-installed w/ Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit, so I don't have the Windows 7 CD) was recently hit with a virus. I constantly got the BSOD "iaStor.sys" and a black screen. Startup Repair at first couldn't complete repair, but when I tried again, it found no errors. Tried System Restore to no avail. Was able to do a System Image Recovery using a backup on an external HD, but none of the programs worked (wanted to use Ad-Aware and Spybot to eliminate the virus). When I clicked on programs on the desktop or Start menu, nothing happened, didn't even get an "Open with." Even in Safe Mode, none of the programs worked. I checked the Task Mgr, and explorer.exe was still there, but RAID wasn't. Went to Control Panel Programs to uninstall/repair programs, but got message that programs seemed to be already uninstalled...it was like the programs weren't even recognized. Once in awhile when I clicked on IE8 in Windows Explorer (not via desktop shortcut or Start menu), IE8 actually opened, so I downloaded Hijack This and Avast anti-virus, but when I tried to install them, I got the msg: "Installation must be on a local hard drive."

Continued to get the "iaStor.sys" BSOD. I read to run Verifier and disable it, so I tried that (not sure if that made things worse). Tried to do another System Image Recovery, but this time it couldn't recognize the backup on the ext HD. Tried Startup Repair, and it couldn't complete repair. Went to Recovery Management to reset the OS, but my User ID(?) couldn't be found. Decided to do a Factory Install - during "Setup is preparing your computer for first use" I got the error msg: "The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. Windows installation cannot proceed. To install Windows, click 'OK' to restart the computer, and then restart the installation." Every time I try to restart it, I get the same error msg.

BIOS Setup Defaults:

Quiet Boot: [Enabled]
Network Boot: [Enabled]
F12 Boot Menu: [Disabled]
D2D Recovery: [Enabled]
SATA Mode: [AHCI]

Thanks in advance.

Did you make your Recovery Disks or do you have access to a Windows 7 Installation DVD?

With the infection you report, you need to wipe the HD with zeroes before attempting to Reimage, Factory Recovery, or Reinstall.

Hi,

No recovery disks or Windows 7 installation DVD.

Have a look over these steps to getting a perfect clean reinstall of factory preinstalled Windows 7 to see if it seems doable: re-install windows 7

The other option is to order Recov Disks from tech support but they come with the pre-installed sponsors' bloatware so finding a Windows 7 installer will give you a cleaner reinstall and is also needed for repairs.

The info in the link seems to be beyond my scope, and I can't even access the command prompt...how do I do that?

Do I order the Recov Disks from Acer's tech support? Or should I buy the Windows 7 Home Premium disc?

How do I wipe the HD with zeroes?

Can you borrow or otherwise find any Windows 7 installation DVD, as the first step posted show how to unlock all versions so you can reinstall with the Product key on COA sticker.

Otherwise yes you can order Recovery Disks from Acer Tech Support. They ship them free within a certain time period, or did.

The tutorials explain fully how to complete their tasks if you choose to go that route, and you can ask back with any questions here.

As far as zero fill, most drive manufacturers have one that can be downloaded from their website. Another option is DBAN which can be downloaded and burned to CD, or they have, or at least did have, a floppy option.

I don't know anyone who has the Windows 7 installation disc. My neighbor only has the Dell recovery disc.

I'll see if I can get the recovery discs from Acer. BTW, I do have an XP installation disc (used for very old laptop I'm using now) and tried that just to see what would happen, but it wouldn't work.

Could you direct me to the specific tutorials? My very old laptop is extremely slow for me to look for threads. Thanks for your help.

Hello GW7777, welcome to Seven Forums!



You don't need a third party program to wipe a Hard Disk Drive, Windows 7 will do it natively; have a look at this tutorial at the link below for that one but you will need a Windows 7 disk, XP won't do it; you don't know anywhere to download one, forum rules don't allow the posting of links for that.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation


Once you have the Windows 7 DVD you can use this tutorial to do as Greg suggests and create an 'all versions' installer.

Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create

I just ordered the recovery disc(s) from Acer. When I use them, will I still have to wipe the HDD w/ zeroes? I currently can't access the command window to do that.

On the bottom of the laptop, I found the product key for Windows 7...I'll see if I can find a copy.

Thanks for everyone's help.