New PC Build, Windows 7 doesn't want to install

gregrocker said:

Is it possible when you plugged in the other HD you accidentally unplugged or nicked another cable? Go over it closely to see if everything is exactly as it was.

If so the error says it may work in Safe Mode so try that as well as Last known Good Configuration from the F8 Advanced Boot Options . In addition in the disk System Recovery Options try System Restore as far back as necessary. You should be using booted installer for all repairs.

There's no reason to lose your files - which should be backed up at all times anyway - because you can at any time browse into C to copy them out to external or another HD using Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console or Paragon Rescue Kit Free Edition 11.0 Free CD.

When you do that browse into the root of C and see if you see Boot, Bootmgr and bootsect.bak files present.

If not browse into System Reserved and find those files, highlight all at once using the Cntrl key, copy and paste them into C. Then after confirming C is marked Active again, run Startup Repair - Run up to 3 Separate Times

If this last-resort measure fails, then copy out your files to external or another HD. Then boot the Win7 installer to do a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 deleting all partitions during install. I would read over the steps closely first as you may have bookmarks or other program data files that also need rescue before doing the install.

I don't think I touched any cables. Last Known Good Configuration and System Restore didn't help. I have no idea where to find Boot, Bootmgr and bootsect.bak, System Reserved shows up as if there is something in it, then when I click it, it displays 'this folder is empty' or something.

Trying to copy files and reinstall now.

If you're browsing into System Reserved from the booted Win7 installer's Explorer it should show Boot Files. There are no Folder Options to choose to show them and all files should be displayed no matter how hidden. So if System Reserved is empty when you click on it and enter its folder, then we have to assume it is missing the files.

Nevertheless Startup Repair should write them anyway if run 3 separate times. Maybe running those commands manually is necessary.

Did you reach the step in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start to use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment to troubleshoot and repair startup issues in Windows?

Thanks for the help. I'm on PC #2 right now. I decided to back up what I need to and reinstall. It worked. Thanks so much for your help. As for PC #1 (the one with the WD 1TB), I am about to RMA, I filed an RMA request and will send it out this Monday. As always, you guys have been an amazing help, all of you deserve Rep. If I ever need anything else, I'll know you guys are always here to help. Guess this makes it 'solved' so I'll mark it that way. Thanks again!