Advice re Win7 x64 installation problem on Dell T5400

+1 to Greg's advice re Raid and also re SkyDrive which I also use. Great minds think alike.

Unterberg,
Just for the record, here is how I put an iso file on to a USB stick.

1. Prepare the USB stick.
2. Extract the ISO to the USB using 7-zip.

Code:

  PREPARE A UFD FOR USE (USB FLASH DRIVE)

   
  Run CMD.EXE as administrator
   
  Type following commands and hit ENTER key after each command.
  DISKPART starts the DiskPart program
  LIST DISK shows numeral assigned to disks
note the numeral assigned to your usb stick
The numeral 2 will be used in this example
  SELECT DISK 2
  DETAIL DISK the info shown will confirm the correctness of your selection
  CLEAN ALL the entire usb stick will be overwritten with zeros
This can take awhile if usb stick has large capacity.
Keep the faith-the DiskPart prompt will eventually return.
  CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY create a primary partition on the USB stick
  FORMAT FS=NTFS format the partition
  ACTIVE the partition can contain operating system startup files
  ASSIGN the next available letter is assigned to the USB stick
  EXIT exit from the DISKPART program
  EXIT exit from the command shell 

Now simply use 7-zip to extract the ISO to your USB stick.

If you already have a dvd, then simply copy the entire DVD over to your prepared USB stick.

Tried that already here only with GParted to make up a live sttick rather then burn any new cd for that. The method does work for both Vista and 7 alike however as far as a command line approach.

Yes, the procedure works perfectly and for XP, Vista, Win 7.

This is the only procedure I've ever used to put a MS ISO on to USB from a DVD.

With Win 7, putting an ISO on to a a DVD is as simple as dbl-clicking on the ISO.

That's due to 7 having native iso support over the previous versions. Here I tend to make up more then one option just in case one dvd or usb key fails somehow.

I have one SP1 key already made up with a good deal of the updates pending a fresh install(slightly overdue no less) and will be making a second key with the same iso using the Passcape iso burner to see if any problem comes up. I've seen the exact same error screen jumanji was pointing out but not with a 7 iso indicating it won't support an open source iso like GParted.

The present 7 install still running but now starting to see a few glitches with different programs was first put on back in May 2010(clean install) and months later restoring a full image made the same month. Just a little house cleaning as far as the registry, drive.

I just ran into the same error with a 7 iso without having first reformatted or nuked the existing contents on an 8gb flash drive used to transfer downloads to a laptop I restored. You need to clean everything off first before trying to use the Passcape ISO Burner.

One requirement found in the readme.txt file.

This disc contains a "UDF" file system and requires an operating system
that supports the ISO-13346 "UDF" file system specification.

So much for the SP1 plus Windows updates slipstreamed iso.

Unterberg,
A good start. Would you please drag those field separators so that we can see the uinreadable?

Here's a write-up.

HOW TO POST A SNAPSHOT OF DISK MANAGEMENT DISPLAY
Run disk management:
WIN | type DISKMGMT.MSC | ENTER
WIN=key with Microsoft logo on top.


Maximize the output of Disk Management:
ALT-Spacebar key combo | X key (selects Maximize) |
Drag the field separators (such as between Status and Capacity) to show entire field.


Make a snapshot:
WIN | type SNIPPING | ENTER | New
Drag the cursor around the area you want to snip.
File | Save as | select save location and name | Save


Post the snapshot:
Post a File or Screenshot in Seven Forums

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thanks,
karl

Unterberg,
Another help would be for you to fill out your system specs and I recommend using Speccy when you do.

Update your SevenForums System Specs
User CP (located on the top menu bar) |
Your Profile | Edit System Spec (left-hand column)

To gather info, use Speccy (my favorite) or SIW or System Info

Add the word laptop or desktop or netbook to the
“system manufacturer” block, for example,
Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

Provide full windows version info, for example:
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on SAVE CHANGES.
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thanks,
karl