Well I tried and didn't like Windows 8....I tried to reinstall Windows 7 but everytime I boot my machine with the disk I keep being asked for a device driver for my DVD-Rom.....Makes no sense since its booting into the setup....Anyone got anything?
Thanks
Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,
Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. If an EFI BIOS you'll need to decide if you want UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS. If UEFI follow these special steps for Install, otherwise enable Legacy BIOS or Compatibility Support Module to proceed with normal install:
Set DVD drive first to boot, HD second, set SATA controller to AHCI, Save changes and Exit.
Then boot into Windows 7 installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here. I would use a fresh ISO written with tool in Step 2 as yours is in question.
At first installer screen Press Shift + F10, or enter System Recovery Options to open a Command Box, type:
DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
ACTIVE
EXIT
EXIT
Next click Install Now, then Custom install to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.
In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.
After install you can adjust partition size or Create new partitions for data, etc. in Disk Mgmt. You are creating the partition here for the purpose of wiping the HD and marking Active which overcomes certain install failures.
I originally had Windows 7 and made the mistake of doing a complete clean install of Windows 8.1 Pro. I still have my Windows 7 Ultimate disk and wanted to do a dual boot and therein lies my issue.
As I said whenever I boot into windows 7 setup its prompting me for a driver for my CD/DVD drive. I can download that now I suppose since I am on Windows 8 but is there anything else you can think of?
Go into your Device Manager (click on the Start button and type Device Manager. It will be at the top). Click on it and it will bring up the Device Manager. Right click on the DVD and you will see "Update Driver Software". Click on that and you should get an update. Let us know if that works.
I tried to do a update device and no go. The hardware setup listed on the Dell website is listing the drive as ELBY CLONEDRIVE SCSI CdRom Device HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GH30N ATA Device.
Not sure what else to do here
I don't have Windows 7 installed right now. Just Windows 8.1 I was trying to do a dual boot system...Now I just want Windows 7 back...Should I still follow said steps?
Yes, the steps I gave you overcome most install failures. If not post back the exact failure and any error text verbatim, also at which step it occurred during Clean Install Windows 7
It ended up working with the thumb drive although I wasn't able to go online and get the installation files. Im good to go...Thanks so much
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