"Windows Cannot Configure to Hardware in Your Computer"

gregrocker · 31 May 2011

Agree you should try install with 2gb or less RAM. Next test your RAM: RAM - Test with Memtest86+

Unplug all other HD's and any peripherals. Use PS2 mouse and keyboard.

Clear the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Do you have onboard graphics chip you can default to in BIOS during install, until it gets to the desktop?

If not try this method to access Device Manager during install to uninstall any driver in error (likely the Display driver) so that it can get to the desktop at which time the driver can be reinstalled and upgraded: Device Manager - Access During Windows 7 Installation

If this fails, test your HD with maker's diag/repair CD extended scan: HD Diagnostic

As a last resort, you can move your HD to any other hardware, install Win7 with the native HD unplugged, then SysPrep the target HD before moving it back to problem machine where it will start up like a finished install: SysPrep to move HD to another computer This can also be accomplished by running Paragon Adaptive Restore CD on the HD before attempting to start it after moving it back to target machine.

theog · 01 Jun 2011

Is all your ram the same make & model?

sabre · 01 Jun 2011

Yes, the RAM is the same. I can put the original video card and RAM in as I still have them, the only trouble I can see is the drivers won't be installed but that shouldn't matter?

I didn't run Windows Advisor. I checked Dell's site and they didn't give any detail I could find other than they don't recommend the upgrade for this particular model. However, I did search if people had upgraded and there were a few people claiming they had.

@Greg this is what I mean when I say I'm not really sure what I'm doing. I do not know what an onboard graphics chip is specifically.

I shall try checking the drivers - now that you say that a driver with a yellow triangle and exclamation mark springs to mind from memory. Could this be causing the problem?

I have no idea what your last paragraph is/means haha. If I did have to do this would you be willing to explain or guide me through it? From what I can tell is that like virtually installing Windows 7 externally?

gregrocker · 01 Jun 2011

Did your computer originally come with a graphics chip on the motherboard, then you added a graphics card? If so you can disable the card in BIOS and enable the onboard chip to try install.

Use the steps given to access Device Manager during install to see if any drivers are in error, then uninstall those drivers on the Drive tab of the Device.

If this fails, you can try install with your old graphics card.

theog · 02 Jun 2011

No onboard Video.

"Windows Cannot Configure to Hardware in Your Computer"-vodeo1.png

With onboard Video.

"Windows Cannot Configure to Hardware in Your Computer"-vodeo2.png

sabre · 05 Jun 2011

All set up now, thanks guys! I just had to put the old graphics card and original ram and try again. Now I am on Windows 7, I have installed the new graphics card + RAM so no problem!

Thanks again.

Bare Foot Kid · 05 Jun 2011

Good to see you got it running and thanks for the update.