Windows 7: Error can't open c:\recovery.dat

I have tried to install Windows 7 Ultimate on to my Asus F7Se but keep getting the above error.

I have deleted my d: partition so now I only have c: and a recovery partition. I have tried to do the upgrade option and the custom one but always get this message when it is trying to boot up.

I have searched everywhere for a fix and found a few posts but none have worked so far.

Do anyone have any pointers so I can get it installed ? If anyone needs more information please let me know.

Thanks

Gareth

Hello Garetht,

Welcome to Seven Forums.

Are you trying to do an upgrade or a clean install? Are you booting from the DVD?

Gary

Welcome to Seven Forums garetht.



Can you post a screen shot of Disk Management?

Use the Snipping tool on the start button.

How to Post a Screenshot in Seven Forums

Check if your recovery partition is marked Active.

I have exact the same problem! And we are not the only one, i've searched for this problem on the internet and it only seems to appear when you try to install windows 7 on a Asus.

I wanted to install windows 7 and i've booted from a DVD, and i've chosen to install it custom in stead of the option to uprade. Then i've formatted the C disk, i've installed windows and when the setup was finished and i tried to start the computer the error came.

Maybe if I hadn't formatted the C disk the problem didn't apear?

Welcome to Seven Forums Benih.

First, Can you post a screen shot of Disk Management?

Use the Snipping tool on the start button.

How to Post a Screenshot in Seven Forums

Check if your recovery partition is marked Active.

There are other things to try, if this isn't the problem.

Can you and garetht can enter your system specs so we can start to rule out causes and try to find what the underlying issue is.
If your system is able to boot, SIW - System Information for Windows will help find the information needed.
If you can't boot your computer, try to get the information from documentation or search OEM from another computer.

It would also be helpful to look at this sticky thread Questions to use for help with Installation Issues and answer as many questions as possible.

I get the same big red ERROR on a white background when it first starts to boot after carrying out a clean install. I have installed the same Windows 7 on several other machines without any issues. I can't post a screen shot because when it gives the error it wont let you do anything. If I power it off and reboot it does the same thing

Welcome to Seven Forums.

Which build number and version of Windows 7 are you installing?

Are you installing a 32 bit (x86) or 64 bit (x64) OS?

Where did you get the ISO file from?

I had the same problem with my ASUS-Notebook... yesterday) now I'm tipping from my fresh-new-installed Windows 7) the problem was: Recovery-Partition... I think, there are not only the recovery files for your pc, but some kind of Anti-windows-crack-software too, which tries to recover your system, when you install an other Windows... I've deleted this partition and now everything is awesome))) so, what do you have to do:

1. Delete hidden recovery partition
2. redistribute that free space where ever you want it
3. Reformat C: if there is anything on it
4. FRESH clean Install

done! and sorry, my English is too bad, but I try my best

oh... and one more thing... before you delete your recovery-partition, i think it wouldn't be bad, if you read your guarantee-requirements before... maybe you lost your guarantee, when you will do it... I don't know much about it, but I think, it could be a problem in some Countries... maybe...

thank you

I'm sorry for not responding, and thanks for the solution collector!

One last question, my OS at the moment is Windows Vista home premium 32 bits, can I run a 64 bits version of windows 7?