New
#41
How is it too small? the iso is less than 3gb
It won't work to copy the ISO to the flash stick. It must be written to a 4gb or larger stick using the Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool.
But you need to understand and be following the steps, so ask back until you are clear on each step and we will walk you through it if necessary.
Do you have anyone who is tech savvy you know who you could ask to help you? Foward them this thread so they understand what you're up to. Tell them that you are learning how to do a perfect Win7 install and could use a hand and they will also learn a lot.
Well, my mom is now planning on getting a laptop, so getting a hardrive for her desktop was a waste of time. Anyways, since I tried to install the os with the system recovery disks she has, would the hard drive still be brand new since the OS couldnt be installed?
Hardrives are always useful. Get an external enclosure. Then you can run it as an external disk - e.g. to store images.
The new laptop probably has a USB3 port. So I would recommend a USB3 enclosure. Here are some examples:
Computer Parts, Laptops, Electronics, and More - Newegg.com
Why trash a desktop if all it needs is a hard drive (which you already have) and a Clean Reinstall Windows 7.
It will be a better install than the one you get on the new laptop, which will likely be loaded with bloatware that slows down and corrupts Windows. Plus it will probably have Windows 8 which is a flop that is quickly being replaced next year with Windows 10.