Windows 7: Problem with installing

Boot from the Windows 7 DVD, select Custom Install

Now look carefully to see if anything is listed in the window marked by the red arrow below. If there is a partition already made, highlight it and use Drive Options to Format, then click Next to install. If there is unallocated space, use Options to create New partition, Format and install.


If nothing at all appears there, then select Load Driver link at bottom left, browse to the chipset drivers you have unzipped onto your USB drive and load into installer. Then refresh to see if partition appears.

The BIOS update will have to be done from Windows later unless Gateway provides a way to flash it from disk or stick.

I know it is set AHCI now, but what I am trying to ask here is what was it set to previously?

The reason I keep asking is because if it was set to AHCI before, then it may need to be set to IDE in order to be made to work with Windows 7 installer.

I just checked in this morning and am sorry that you are not up and running. I'm a bit lost, since this is the first time I have ever seen anything like this with a simple installation. I am going to ask around the forum to try to get some additional support for us. If things are not fixed soon, it will probably not be until after Christmas that we have all our great people here. Make sure you continually check the forum, even if it is not fixed soon.

If the HD continues to fail to show up in "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen even after inserting SATA drivers, please check again in BIOS that your HD is correctly showing up there. If not, replug cables and check jumpers. Try another cable or HD if you have them.

Next change the SATA controller to "IDE" and re-attempt Custom install.

Next try to trigger recovery partition by tapping F-key given for Recovery on first bootup screen. You can also try booting any recovery disks you have.

We may need to reinstall Vista to do the BIOS upgrade unless Gateway provides a way to flash it from a CD or USB drive. Perhaps you can research or ask Gateway about this and whether the 12/23 BIOS upgrade is for this issue.

I will be back online around noon PST.

Hi,

Boot the dvd and when you get to the "Install Now" screen - don't click that - click "Repair My Computer" at the bottom of the screen.

When it has finished searching for installations, click Next.

Then click the Command Prompt.

Type: ( press enter after each line)

DISKPART

LIS DISK

SEL DISK 0

DETAIL DISK

(note exactly what it say and post details up here)

EXI

Ok, I switched the SATA to IDE, but still nothing, tried to load the driver, and loaded 20 drivers from the chipset link you gave me, but once it reached "ICH10 Family USB Universal Host Controller" it kept getting an error saying that it could not load the driver.

Before I tried to load the driver I did what you asked SIW2, at the input for sel disk 0 it informed me that the disk I specified is not valid.

Edit: Nevermind, I restarted the computer and the HDD was back. The Custom Installation is still showing no place to install windows though, I loaded all the drivers I could from the link yall gave me, but there were a couple that wouldnt load.

I can't understand that.

Can you explain what you mean?

Nevermind, I restarted the computer and the HDD was back. The Custom Installation is still showing no place to install windows though, I loaded all the drivers I could from the link yall gave me, but there were a couple that wouldnt load.
When I goto load driver I know it doesnt give me an option to browse the C: drive if that is any problem.

I did not forget you, but this problem is a little beyond my expertise.
I have been watching and you are being helped by two of our best. I hope it works out soon, Merry Chrismas and the best of luck with your computer.

When you access the Command Prompt from booted DVD repair console, type:

DISKPART

LIST DISK

Now what does it list exactly?

If there is a disk listed, note it's number and type:

SELECT DISK # (for number of disk)

DETAIL DISK

If there is no HD listed, then look again in BIOS setup to see exactly where and how the HD is listed, report back.

SIW2 or anyone: What could keep the HD from being listed on Installer Custom drives screen, if it is listed in BIOS?

You know it's a fresh problem when the Google result points to this thread. Other results all say to get SATA drivers into installer.

See if you can start over by downloading Vista Recovery Disk .ISO
How to Make a Windows Vista Repair Disk If You Don’t Have One :: the How-To Geek

Burn it (at a slow speed) to a DVD using ImgBurn The Official ImgBurn Website