Almost no response from windows 7..angry wife

masplin · 27 Aug 2010

1. User data partition has NO programs. I was attempting a repair install as suggested by Grag but the it doesn't like the OS and users being on seperate partitions.
2. As I said the problem with a clean install is I have an original Dell Vista 32 bit OS and a Win7 64-bit upgrade disc. I am assuming I would have to install both in that order to do a clean install which is a mammoth task. Have I misunderstood and could install direclty from the Win7 disc without going via Vista? If that is all that is left that is what I will do.
3. I uninstalled Bonjour with Revo unistaller as suggested by Greg in advanced mode and it said there was nothing left over.

TVeblen · 27 Aug 2010

For #1: Do you mean User Accounts?

For #2: Yes, you can install W7 clean using an Upgrade DVD! Read the tutorial and you will see.

masplin · 27 Aug 2010

1. Yes I created a new partition and put all the User accounts on it and then changed the registry so all the libraries are located on this partition.
2. Ah that is good news so at least it wil lbe less painful if that is what needs doing. However still need to repartition, re install all programs and reinstate all data/settings so hoping it wont come to that!

masplin · 27 Aug 2010

Wife just wene tto open a document off a web site in IE8 and got "not enough memory or disk space to run word". Clearly this is not correct as memory at 35% and loads of HD space. Clciking Ok it loads up anyway. This is typical of the issue. I'm expecting a large chorus of Clean Install!!!!

MacGyvr · 27 Aug 2010

The clean install should have happened two months ago when the thread started!

MoInSTL · 27 Aug 2010

I have not run into the kinds of issues you have as I have always done a clean install (no in-place upgrades). But if I had, I would just stop, re-access and do a clean install. In the long run it saves time and you can be assured it is running correctly as there is the potential for things going wrong otherwise. Follow the upgrade guide posted, install an anti-virus program, run Windows Update, defrag.

Prior to that, disconnect any printers, USB devices, etc. Go to Dell's site, enter your service tag and get the drivers you need. Have the latest drivers already downloaded and on a flash drive or on one of your partitions. After the OS loads, install your chipset (motherboard) drivers first.

Check Device Manager and then back it up! Make a system image prior to installing your applications so if something goes wrong you just load the image instead of starting from scratch. After you get everything else installed and running correctly, run Windows clean up, defrag and back up the whole thing.

If you are not certain how a driver or application will behave, create a System Restore point prior to loading it. There is a tutorial here: System Restore[2]=Backup%20Restore

Before starting, READ the tutorial on a clean install previously posted (no Vista involved), read how to create System Restore points if needed and have all drivers and applications at hand. In other words, have a plan and follow it.

Choose Option 1 from here:
Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version Then go from here: Clean Install Windows 7

Free back-up software: http://www.todo-backup.com/ or Windows 7 back-up:
Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup[2]=Backup%20Restore

System Restore[2]=Backup%20Restore

One last thing. When you run Windows Update, it will want to download the latest version of Internet Explorer. You can either just run Express and it will download or choose Custom and run Windows Update again later to grab it.

masplin · 27 Aug 2010

In my defence I did have a plan and did pretty close to what you have written the first time round i.e .I did a clean install. There are some extra steps here that I will add to my list. I have to admit not doing a step that involved motherboard drivers as didn't realise I needed to so could that be an issue? How/where do I find these as must having something installed as sort of runs?

There also seems to be some confusion over how I upgraded. I did a clean install as read all the tututorials and advice. You say this should be "assured it is running correctly". However it isn't. You think doing another clean install will cure it?

The consensus is that clean install are the best way to go, but do they sometimes go wrong? If so I'll give it another go. However if the consensus is that having done a clean install originally, another won't wont help, we are back to looking at alternative explanations. Just trying to avoid hours repeating something with low probabilty of success. I'm sure this is trivial for you guys, but with limited experience this is a long process for me.

Thansk agian for all the input

MoInSTL · 27 Aug 2010

I thought you said you installed Vista first and ran the Windows 7 upgrade. That is not a clean install. That is an upgrade.

The chispet drivers are definitely needed. You will find them at Dell's site. Just be sure to enter your service tag to make certain you are getting the correct ones.

EDIT: I sent you a PM.

masplin · 27 Aug 2010

The pc came from Dell as Vista 32 bit and I used it for about a year no problem. I bought a Win7 64 bit upgrade disc and followed the tutorial to do a clean install i.e. format the drive. I collected all the drivers I thought I needed but didn't know the motherborad had drivers (that's how ignorant I am!)

MoInSTL · 27 Aug 2010

No worries. Read Dell's install order here:
How to Download and Install Drivers in the Correct Order | Dell

I looked at Dell's driver page for an XPS 430, but did not see any chipset drivers. I am guessing the service tag is needed.