Installing Windows 7 from Windows 8

adriangg · 18 Jan 2013

Hello,

I am trying to install Windows 7 back on my Lenevo laptop following the process:

I installed Windows 7 from an online site called "Dreamspark" which is available to me as a student at my school. The file is an ISO file and after I downloaded it I ran the Setup up, clicked on "Install Now", then on "Go online to get the latest updates for installation (recommended)."

However I get the error:
"Windows 7 error windows could not update the installation files. to install windows, close Setup and restart the installation. Error code: 0x0".

Now if I don't click on the option to get the latest updates...and instead just click on install, and select the partition in the C Drive I get the following:
A prompt telling me it's "Copying Windows Files", "expanding windows files", and it restarts the laptop. When booting up again, the Boot manager shows up but starts up Windows 7 automatically. I see the "Starting Windows" logo but then a blue screen comes up saying :

"Check to be sure you have adequate disk space. If a driver is identified in the Stop message, disable the driver or check with the manufacturer for driver updates. Check with your hardware vendor from any BIOS updates. Disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing.... "

Does anyone know how I can work around this? I already backed up all the files from the laptop and just want to install back Windows 7. Thank you everyone!

Golden · 18 Jan 2013

Hi,

I may have misunderstood you, but it sound like you are trying to run the installer from within Windows 8? You can't do that.

You have to write the Windows 7 ISO to external media (DVD or USB) using this:

Microsoft Store Online

Then boot from that media and perform the installation. Are you performing a UEFI or MBR installation? Extra steps may be needed.

Regards,
Golden

Golden · 18 Jan 2013

OK, I see you updated your post with more information. You need to confirm whether this is a UEFI or MBR installation?

adriangg · 18 Jan 2013

So I will need to follow the instruction in the link you provided for a blank USB? Because it makes it seem as if that is for when you are running Windows 7...but I'm running Windows 8.

I pasted the ISO file in an external hardrive that has the back up files but I guess this won't work?

I don't know what installation I am doing... UEFI or MBR installation

When I put Windows 8 on this laptop from Windows 7, all I did was run the Set up file in the ISO file and Windows 8 was installed fully. Guess this won't work going back to windows 7. I will follow the instructions in the link you provided and post results.

Thanks.

Golden · 18 Jan 2013

OK. Leta assume MBR for now - write the ISO to USB, then boot from that and install. Be sure to remove all existing partitions during installation.

theog · 18 Jan 2013

I am trying to install Windows 7 back on my Lenevo laptop following the process:

I installed Windows 7 from an online site called "Dreamspark" which is available to me as a student at my school. The file is an ISO file and after I downloaded it I ran the Setup up, clicked on "Install Now", then on "Go online to get the latest updates for installation (recommended)."

I would say the Lenovo Notebook, start its life with Win XP or Vista.

Therfore making a MBR installation.

Try Cleaning the HD Drive, using the CLEAN command (no need to use CLEAN ALL) in Step One in this tutorial:
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

adriangg · 18 Jan 2013

Golden said:

OK. Leta assume MBR for now - write the ISO to USB, then boot from that and install. Be sure to remove all existing partitions during installation.

I installed the ISO on my blank USB and booted the laptop using the USB. I got the blue screen:
"A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.

....

Check with your hardware vendor for any BIOS updates. Disable BIOS memory options such as cashing or shadowing. If you need to use Safe Mode to remove or disable components, restart your computer, press F8 and Select Advanced Startup options, and then select Safe Mode.

"

I never even saw an option to remove any partitions

adriangg · 18 Jan 2013

[QUOTE=theog;2260416]

Try Cleaning the HD Drive, using the CLEAN command (no need to use CLEAN ALL) in Step One in this tutorial:
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

I read the instructions to boot straight to DISKPART. I don't have any WIndows 7 CD... I set the priority to :
"SATA ODD"
"USB HDD"
"SATA HDD"
"Network Boot".

Never had an opportunity to get to the "Language" screen to open a CMD window.

gregrocker · 18 Jan 2013

Obviously you didn't boot the stick as it said Windows was being shut down to prevent damage. It was either in Windows or attempting to boot windows ignoring the stick.
Make sure you're taking the same steps as How to Boot A Computer from CD or DVD - YouTube

Can you burn a DVD? Use ImgBurn at 4x speed. Set DVD first to boot in BIOS setup.

If not confirm your ISO by size or download another, write to flash stick using UltraISO Software To Create Bootable USB Flash Drive which always works when others don't.

Now boot the stick using Lenovo one-time Boot Menu key, or by setting the flash stick to boot first in BIOS setup, under USB, Removable or HD - you may have to expand an entry to see the stick's name to choose it. At first screen, press Shift + F10 to open a Command Line, run Diskpart Clean Command.

Close Command Box, click Install Now to Clean Install Windows 7.

adriangg · 19 Jan 2013

gregrocker said:

Make sure you're taking the same steps as How to Boot A Computer from CD or DVD - YouTube

I did this correctly. I used the one-time boot key (F12 on my laptop).

gregrocker said:

confirm your ISO by size or download another, write to flash stick using UltraISO Software To Create Bootable USB Flash Drive which always works when others don't.

The ISO size is ~3Gigs...which is about right. I wrote it to my flash disk (30gigs, currrently blank) using the link above.

gregrocker said:

Now boot the stick using Lenovo one-time Boot Menu key, or by setting the flash stick to boot first in BIOS setup, under USB, Removable or HD - you may have to expand an entry to see the stick's name to choose it. At first screen, press Shift + F10 to open a Command Line, run Diskpart Clean Command.

I booted the stick (see picture)... immediately pressed Shift +F10... nothing. So now the Windows 7 logo shows up slightly, but then same error. I attached an image of this error.

I still don't even have opportunity of opening the CMD prompt.