Can't install OS on my PC, can on others.

MCleveland · Dec 12, 2010

I've been trying to reinstall Windows 7 on my PC every since I tried to install Ubuntu 10.04 on a separate HDD and it messed up my Windows 7 x64 on my first HDD. I thought maybe it was my Windows 7 disc so I got another one but still have the same problem. I tried installing Windows Vista and Windows XP after that with the same problem. So I tried a different HDD but it still wouldn't go. I took my Windows 7 disc and HDD to a different computer and it worked the first time. So now I'm assuming it's a hardware problem. I ran memtest with no errors found. I've tried different SATA cables with the same result. Oh, and Ubuntu never worked in the first place either. Also, my BIOS seems to load up a lot slower than it used to so I tried reflashing it with the same results. Can anyone give me any insight to what my problem could be? Thanks!

gregrocker · Dec 12, 2010

Unplug all other HD's, then wipe the target HD before install: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

After install plug back in the other HD's and boot via BIOS Boot Order or one-time BIOS boot menu key. This keeps the HDs independent to come and go as you please.

MCleveland · Dec 13, 2010

I followed the link you gave me precisely and still have the same result. I got all the way through the installation process and when it restarts for the last time, all I get is a blank screen with a blinking "_" which makes me further think it's a hardware problem. Is there another course of action I can take?

gregrocker · Dec 13, 2010

Try resetting the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

In BIOS setup, check SATA controller setting. Try AHCI first, then IDE mode if necessary. Any others?

How many passes did you run memtest86 CD? Try 5-6 or overnight.

Test your HD's with maker's diag/repair full CD scan: Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp. followed by http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html run from installer's Repair console Command Line.

Is it hanging during the phase where it installs drivers?

If so, see if install is far enough along you can access Device Manager to uninstall whichever driver might be hanging the install, likely display: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/15856-device-manager-access-during-windows-7-installation.html

MCleveland · Dec 13, 2010

I reset the BIOS and am trying to install it in AHCI as I type. I'll let you know how that part works.

Memtest passed 1 test, I stopped it after that. If this doesn't work, I'll run Memtest tonight all night and see what happens.

It doesn't seem to hang during the driver installation phase, so I don't think that'd be it but if I get that far with no solution I'll give it a shot along with my HD diagnostics tool.

MCleveland · Dec 13, 2010

Resetting the CMOS and installing it as AHCI and IDE (my only two options) didn't help. I'm pretty convinced that this is the fault of my motherboard because both my HDDs and Windows 7 disc worked fine in another computer. I'm going to run Memtest tonight and if that doesn't find anything, I think I'm going to RMA my motherboard.

PwnFrnzy · Dec 14, 2010

Maybe it could be the DVD drive itself?

gregrocker · Dec 14, 2010

DVD drive is a possibility. Try installing using a USB flash stick. The easiest method is to install UltraISO trial version, on File tab Open ISO, on Bootable tab Write Disk Image, Format, Write. Boot under USB or HD's.

MCleveland · Dec 14, 2010

I just tried installing it through a USB with the same blinking "_" result. Also, memtest didn't give me any errors and it ran several times during the night.

gregrocker · Dec 14, 2010

Can you confirm you have wiped the HD with Diskpart "Clean All" from the tutorial given earlier?

Have you unplugged all other HD's and peripheral devices? Use a PS2 mouse and keyboard.

Try anther SATA port on mobo. Double-check all connections.

PwnFrnzy · Dec 14, 2010

Might be the HDD, either the disks inside are shot or it has a lot of bad sectors.
Try this method (the computer receiving the Windows 7 install will need to be running Windows XP Service Pack 2 or better.) :
1) Download ImgBurn and install.
ImgBurn - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
2) Put the Windows 7 disk in and open ImgBurn and click "Create Image File from Disk."
3) After you make the image, download and install 7-zip.
7-Zip - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
4) Find the image file, right click the image file, go down to 7-zip, then click "Extract files..."
5) After files are extracted go to the folder containing the extracted files and double-click "Setup"
(If you are doing this on a diffenet computer you will need to move the folder with the extracted files to the computer receiving the install.)
6) From there the install should start smoothly.

MCleveland · Dec 14, 2010

Yes, using Diskpart "Clean All" was the first thing I tried after you gave me that link.

Something a little different happened after that. I unplugged my card reader and Blu-ray drive while installing from USB and my motherboard booted up a lot faster this time. I'm not if those were conflicting somehow but I still got the end result of the blinking "_". I'll use a PS/2 mouse and keyboard now as I didn't last time.

Trying a different SATA port was the first thing I tried when this problem came up, but I moved it again anyways with the above result.

PwnFrnzy, I will also try your suggestion.

MCleveland · Dec 15, 2010

I finally got Windows 7 to install on the 2nd HDD after unplugging everything, installing via USB and fixing the MBR using this:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/20864-mbr-restore-windows-7-master-boot-record.html

Now my original HDD always gives me the error "The parameter is incorrect" when I try and access it in the new Windows 7 install. I'm currently running CHKDSK on it but it's going to take awhile. At least it's a step!

PwnFrnzy · Dec 15, 2010

Try putting the HDD you installed Windows 7 on on the Master cable instead of the Slave.

MCleveland · Dec 15, 2010

I have all SATA drives so I don't believe there is a master or slave. I'm trying to just take my files off of the drive with EASEUS Data Recovery Wizard Professional and format but the remaining time is 233 hours, 57 minutes and 28 seconds, and still rising after already running for an hour and 12 minutes.

PwnFrnzy · Dec 16, 2010

That just sucks big man, you have about a month's waiting time on that thing, my method worked for me 3 different times. . .

gregrocker · Dec 16, 2010

Is there any chance you cleaned your data HD? Was it plugged in during Diskpart cleaning?

If you'll post back a screenshot of your full maximized Disk Mgmt drive map and listings, using Snipping Tool in Start menu, we can take a look.

MCleveland · Dec 16, 2010

I don't believe it was connected during Diskpart, but it's a possibility. The time keeps going up but eventually drops quite a bit but then goes up again. Right now it's at 106:33:39 remaining. It's about 15% done but it's been running for 20:38:31. Here's the screen shot:

Disk 0 is my backup drive that I have some of my data backed up on (pictures, music, etc..)
Disk 1 is my drive I was able to install Windows 7 on and am using to try and recovery my data.
Disk 2 was my primary HDD I'm trying to save. As you can see, it's coming up as RAW.

gregrocker · Dec 16, 2010

You didn't wipe DISK2 as it still has the old SysReserved partition intact. though it is no longer Active so it can't interfere with booting Win7.

The RAW label often means corruption requiring Data Recovery since the OS is unrecoverable.

I don't know if we helped you attempt to repair this in another thread as there were multiple similar cases recently. Did you attempt to access your data to copy it out using Win7 DVD or Repair CD using this method: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/93347-copy-paste-windows-recovery-console.html or by using Paragon Rescue CD? http://www.paragon-software.com/home/rk-express/

I hope your data is recoverable as it must be important to wait over a hundred hours to recover - have you confirmed any of it is in fact intact? Once you get it resolved one way or the other I would wipe the HD using Diskpart: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52129-disk-clean-clean-all-diskpart-command.html

MCleveland · Dec 16, 2010

I can't use the copy and paste method because when I tried to access the drive it says "Drive Letter: is unaccessable. The parameter is incorrect." I haven't tried the Paragon Rescue CD, but I'll give it a shot.

Yeah, I'm going to wipe it afterwords to make sure to start from scratch. I can't really tell if anything is still on it, I'm just hoping there is, haha.

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