Expanding Windows File hangup

chev65 · 06 Nov 2009

I've had these same types of problem on a few of my machines. The expanding files problem is widespread with many different fixes.

I have also seen that error code on another machine. I managed to get W7 to install on that machine by using a different CD and clearing the cmos.

Simply clearing the cmos got it going on three different machines. Using a different installation CD worked on another.

I would find the clear cmos hole on your lap top and use the end of a paper clip to clear cmos and then try the installation again.

furbie · 06 Nov 2009

I'm using a retail upgrade DVD.

Clear CMOS hole? Is that like the restart button? I've never noticed a clear CMOS button, and I can't find one.

wallyinnc · 06 Nov 2009

furbie, what's your laptop model? You can or we can look up the manual and see how to clear the CMOS. Chances are you would have to open it up

furbie · 06 Nov 2009

Compaq Presario 2180CA. I upgraded the RAM and hard drive.

wallyinnc · 06 Nov 2009

furbie, I can't find anything. I think you will have to open it and remove the CMOS battery to reset it. I would search the manuals before opening it: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/DocumentIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&taskId=101&prodClassId=-1&contentType=SupportManual&docIndexId=64255&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeriesId=242202

Just occured to me: you said you replaced the memory. How much memory does it indicate to have in the BIOS? Can you have a bad contact? Somebody solved a problem the other day by correct installing the memory stick. I also just read in teh HP site they recommend to do that in some cases: Compaq Presario 2100 Notebook PC series- HP Notebook PCs - Notebook Does Not Startup or Boot Displaying a Blank Screen - c00372748 - HP Business Support Center

let us know if you make progress

furbie · 06 Nov 2009

I tried the installation off the USB drive (had to format the hard drive first so it booted off the USB) and at 58% of expanding the files it errored and said "Windows cannot access the installation sources. Verify that the installation sources are accessible, and restart the installation."
When I try to install it again, the hard drive disappears from the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen.

BIOS indicates the RAM accurately. 980992 kb. Re-set the RAM chips and I'll try again after I post this. I switched them around.

I have another thought - could I install it on another computer onto the laptop hard drive (I have a usb to IDE adaptor) and then transfer it to the laptop once the installation is completed?

DocBrown · 06 Nov 2009

From the search I did on the Compaq Presario 2180CA, it looks like max memory is 1gb.

torrentg · 06 Nov 2009

furbie said:

I have another thought - could I install it on another computer onto the laptop hard drive (I have a usb to IDE adaptor) and then transfer it to the laptop once the installation is completed?

Possible, yes, as in "nothing is impossible."

Strongly suggest this isn't what you want to do.

It's a little bit of work, but what you can do is pull the drive and attach it to another pc. Give it a drive letter in disk management if you need to.
Access the drive for any dump files. Search like this - *.dmp

(P.S. This is a good way to fix PS3 native drives when they are corrupted from erroneous system updates and PS3 refuses to boot. More work is involved though.)

Rar them and upload here by attaching to a post. Maybe I could locate a definitive cause for you like this.

furbie · 06 Nov 2009

I was thinking of disconnecting the main drives before doing the installation using this computer. I can't remember when I installed 7 on this computer (which was flawless, btw :P) if anything else was installed from the DVD after the computer restarted. If not, I could theoretically get away with it and not have to confuse windows with this computer's specs.

Oh, there it goes again. The 0x80070037 error.

And no dmp files. Sorry guys...it's just not co-operating, is it?

furbie · 06 Nov 2009

Uhhh...yeah, so apparently you can't install Windows through a USB connected drive. And since I can't find a place to plug a 2.5" drive in via cable, my idea's out the window.