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#1
Multiple errors when formatting, partitioning, installing Windows
NEED HELP!!!
I have a Dell Inspiron that came with Vista. I somehow managed to get it to boot up, even connect to my network, but it was so stinkin slow that it wouldn't even completely load Control Panel so I could start uninstalling programs. I tried to boot in safe mode, but then got the blue screen of death and from that point on it wouldn't load. So I went online and read that a Windows 7 boot disc would work on Vista. Since my desktop is Windows 7, and since I ultimately want to put it on the laptop, I went that route. I also downloaded a Vista boot disk at some point.
At some point I had to format the hard drive. I got it started, but then it stuck at 80%. And stupid me, I accidentally turned the computer off. It's been downhill ever since. I am one of those people that knows just enough to pretty much destroy anything.
At this point, I have gone into diskpart. I managed to do a "clean" at some point, but then had to leave to get my son, and ended up getting stranded in a freak snow storm for 2 days. So, I tried to start all over, but now I get the error "diskpart has encountered an error the request could not be performed because of an i/o device error". I can't create a partition, I can't reformat, I can't load windows - NOTHING. I have 2 different partition manager programs I've downloaded.
At this point, how do I start over? I'm fine with formatting, partitioning, wiping out everything, whatever. I just don't know what to do.