Installation of Windows 7 freezes on Dell Dimension 5150

Hallo

I try to install Windows 7 Home Premium on a Dell Dimension 5150 running XP SP3.
According Microsoft 7 Upgrade Advisor everything fits and is compatible (incl. the Radeon X600 256MB HyperMemory card). Memory is at 3.5GB RAM. Display is an Asus VW224T, recommanded for Vista (more details I have listed on System Specs).
After the files installation and expansion, when the pc shutdowns and restarts for the 1st time the display freezes, i.e. turns black with the message "Windows ist starting" but nothing happens any more. I have to cold start the system amd choose "run previus windows"-option to get back to Windows XP

Dimension 5150 is NOT listed on Windows 7 compatibility list... but I have read old forum threads that Windows 7 runs smoothly on it.

Any idea how I should proceed, please? Thank you

It is an original disk

gregrocker said:

I'd install 32 bit on that hardware. Did you burn the DVD yourself?

Try wiping the HD with "Clean" command to clear the boot sector: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

If it still stalls out at same point try entering Device Manager during install to uninstall any devices (likely Display) showing in error (!) so install will complete and you can update it from desktop. Device Manager - Access During Windows 7 Installation

This problem can also occur if there is any kind of TV card or projector outputted that is starting up at that moment diverting the display to that unplugged device. If so unplug the card, confirm correct display is set in BIOS.

besides c: and d: drives there was also an ubuntu partition,

All Linux code must be deleted using the CLEAN ALL command.As you have had linux on the HD you need do a Clean all & full format.

Try Cleaning the HD Drive, using the CLEAN ALL command in Step One in this tutorial:
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Hi theog
Thank you for your reply, I will. Actually I try to get back to a stable system first, w/o the boot manager options rerun the old system (XP) or continue wiht the W7 setup. Once I am there I will continue with your advice. Kr, minas2

Hi gregrocker
Reading ""SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation" and the associated entries: they describe that booting from the DVD " ... , then at the "Language" screen hold the "Shift" key and hit the F10 hot-key to open a command window...." I do not get any "Languiage" screen. W7 installation runs by itself copying the files etc. So to BOOTSTART as described, W7 should give me the chance to, but it freezes before. So Clean All is nice but I do not get a chance for.

Where did you get WIn7 DVD? Are you using Factory Recovery disks from your computer maker rather than the Win7 Installation DVD?

You can also use the System Repair Disc - Create