Chkdsk runs everytime I restart

[gregrocker]

Sounds good. Keep us posted.

While I was researching the error, I learned that Dell has a prob with this error when SATA controller in BIOS is set to Autodetect-AHCI which is normally our preferred setting for install. It needs to be changed sometimes to Autodetect-IDE for the installer to proceed. But I wouldn't change it if the install succeeds.

If install fails, post back exact error text and Step in Clean install tutorial where it failed, then start working through the steps.

 

[mediaman09]

Negative. Same Installation was cancelled error message.

This text book install ( per illustrative tutorial) should ahve worked.

I can try, I suppose, try installing from the SYSTEM RECOVERY DVD's I created in Jan 2011... Dont know how it will handle restroing the new drive to new partitions though.

You other suggestion was :

USe Diskpart from Command Line to wipe the HD, create/format the partition and mark Active as shown in Step 2.2: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation.
​

Thoughts?

 

[gregrocker]

I gave you multiple troubleshooting steps for this error starting in Post #34 which need to be worked through.

This is an interactive process so ask back any questions and report back results as you proceed.

I would exhaust these steps which may reveal hidden problems with your hardware before using the Recovery Disks, saving them as a last resort.

 

[mediaman09]

STATUS OF TROUBLE SHOOOTING STEPS:

=====================
STEP: Delete the second partition, select a smaller size (around 100gb is good) for the OS, Create and Format it.
STATUS: DONE
RESULT : Still getting the Installtion was cancelled error message attached earlier.
=====================
STEP : Make sure all other HD"s and peripherals are unplugged. Try install again.
STATUS : DONE
RESULT : Ther were physically removed prior to first installt
=====================
STEP :If it fails then without rebooting try Install again doublechecking your partitioning is correct.
STATUS: DONE
RESULT : Same failure with 3 differnt partition setup
- Single partition
-Two paritions 100GB Reserved plus balance unallocated
-Three partitions (100GB Resverd, plus 350GB formtted, plus bal unallocated)
=====================
STEP : Next write the DVD ISO to flash stick to try install: Install UltraISO trial version, on File tab Open DVD or ISO, on BOotable Tab choose Write Disk Image, Format, Write. Boot under USB, Removable, HD's on one-time BIOS Boot Menu or by setting first to boot in BIOS setup.
STATUS - NOT DONE - Exceed users skill level
=====================
STEP : Next make sure you have the latest BIOS version update from Dell Support Downloads webpage for your tag number.
STATUS : DONE
RESULT - Confirmed. A02
=====================
STEP: If so reboot and tap F2 key to enter Dell BIOS setup to reset the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS .
STATUS - NOT DONE YET
RESULT -
=====================
STEP: While in BIOS setup, check SATA controller setting. Set to AHCI first to try install. If fails, try ATA/IDE.
STATUS : Reviewed
RESULT: Available option for SATA mode ar ACHI or RAID.
=====================
STEP : Confirm you have tested RAM - Test with Memtest86+ for 5-6 passes, and run chkdsk /f /r from the Windows 7 DVD or REpair CD Command Line.
STATUS - ALL DONE YESTERDAY
RESULT: Memory passed. Chkdk results unknow, but no bad sectors.
=====================
STEP : Remove all but 2gb of RAM to try install, swap RAM sticks.
STATUS - Do not want to attempt this , Way to risky for me
Update - See post 52
=====================
STEP: Please fill in your System Specs in bottom left corner of post so Hardware experts can consult.
STATUS : DONE
RESULT : Updated Dell Model number and Hard drive Model numbers.
=====================
STEP : using the Recovery Disks, saving them as a last resort.
STATUS : NOT YET DONE
RESULT:

 

[gregrocker]

Reset the CMOS now following the easy step in the illustrated tutorial to Reset BIOS to Optimal Defaults.

I repeat that the SATA controller setting is often a problem with Dell and this error. Please tap F2 key repeatedly at boot to enter BIOS setup to find SATA setting (near HD listings) to see what the setting is and change it as suggested if need be.

Do you have a 4gb or larger flash stick? There is no skill involved in following the steps I gave to write the DVD to it and boot it as you did the DVD. If you have any questions ask them but don't just throw up your hands.

If you have more than 2gb RAM then the most common troubleshooting step is removing all but 2gb of RAM. It should be removed from the slot farthest from the processor in center of mobo (#2 slot). Here is a video showing how it is done - just be sure to touch the case before touching the stick to discharge any static charge:

 

[mediaman09]

Question

Is it relvant or irrelannt that the Hsrd Drive installed on SATA 2, with nothing on SATA 1. I simply pulled out the Hitachi drive and put in the new one - didnt change SATA channel... so I assume its not relavent....

I am out for a few hours -- dinner and lots of wine

Hope to catch you later....

 

[mediaman09]

If you have any questions ask them but don't just throw up your hands.

You are of coruse correct. I need to roll up my sleeves and get through this.

Okay the remaining troubleshooting items to do are :
1-move to SATA1
2-reset BIOS to AHCI l then ATA/IDE.
3-ISO files to USB
4-RAM removal
5-CMOS reset
6-use of System recovery disc as last resort

and yes I will have questions, as some of these are steps I have never done in the past to reinstall windows.

#1) SATA 1 - There are two SATA sets. See pic
- one set at the top , 2 connectors, DVD and spatr (SATA0, SATA1)
- one set at the bottom 3 connectors for hard drives ( SATA2,SATA3,SATA4)
So I cannot make the hard drive SATA1 unless I pair it with DVD. This not how it came configured and I believe I read that its not a good idea ( to have a DVD and HD on the same SATA channel). So I dont think there is much I can do here.

#2) ACHI The only ACHI related setting I found was a choice of ACHI vs RAID. I cant do much more of this one. See pic below.

#3) USB . Okay, cocnepts sounds very simple but the instructions you gave are for an expert user. I cannot understand what you are saying, Your instructions were "write the DVD ISO to flash stick to try install: Install UltraISO trial version, on File tab Open DVD or ISO, on BOotable Tab choose Write Disk Image, Format, Write. Boot under USB, Removable, HD's on one-time BIOS Boot Menu or by setting first to boot in BIOS setup. " I'm sure this makes perfect sense to you, but I have no ideas what this means. Is there a tutorial that shows me how to get from a DVD format to a USB format. Yes I have a 4GB USB drive.
EDIT - OK, I get it now....but I got a Disk/Image Capacity overflow error. Will buy an 8GB dirve tomorrow.

# 4) RAM - UPDATE: I actually have a 3 channel set of 6 GB ( 3 x 2GB sticks) and 3 channel set of 12 GB ( 3 x 4GB sticks). See post 52.

#5) CMOS reset - I cannot find this feature off the menu . See below. If I do find it, do the settings get set back to something normal, automatically?

 

[gregrocker]

2nd easiest USB method: Extract the ISO from DVD using ImgBurn, then write the ISO file to flash stick using Universal USB Installer with Win7 in the dropdown menu.

Choose Load Defaults for CMOS reset, then Save and Exit.

Will ask for hardware expert to consult on your RAM and SATA port question.

 

[win7clutz]

Pull all but one stick of ram for the install. Use the slot closest to the CPU. No need to change SATA port, set the port to ACHI.

If you’re successful creating the USB media that Greg suggested and the install still fails, time to call Dell as there is a hardware issue.


Regards;

 

[mediaman09]

2nd easiest USB method: Extract the ISO from DVD using ImgBurn, then write the ISO file to flash stick using Universal USB Installer with Win7 in the dropdown menu..

Hi. Still trying to follow through on all the suggested steps on how to install Windows 7. For the Univeral USB Installer piece, which dropdown options should I be selecting when installing the s/w at Step 1. I have never used this type of software before.

Will pick up a larger USB drive later today in the hope this option works.

 

[mediaman09]

Pull all but one stick of ram for the install. Use the slot closest to the CPU.
Regards;

Many thanks.

Questions:

QUESTION 1) See pic below from Dell manual . So you are suggesting pulling out all the sticks except the one on slot #4. Correct?

I have one a 3 channel set of 6 GB ( 2GB sticks) and one 3 channel set of 12 GB ( 4GB chips). Currently can remmber which set is which so going dwon to one chip will either leave me with 2GB or 4 GB)

QUESTION 2) Assuming my machine boot and run with only one DDR3 stick (thought it needed three), and I start and finsh the initial, at what point can I put back the memory? Recall, many of the issues only surfaced well after the install when I started with the Windows Updates. I cant imaginw opearting the machine to even get to Control Panel/Wndows Update on one stick. I am assuming I would put back the remaining sticks immediately after the install is complete, and even before the system reboots to Windows - Correct?

 

[gregrocker]

2nd easiest USB method: Extract the ISO from DVD using ImgBurn, then write the ISO file to flash stick using Universal USB Installer with Win7 in the dropdown menu..

Hi. Still trying to follow through on all the suggested steps on how to install Windows 7. For the Univeral USB Installer piece, which dropdown options should I be selecting when installing the s/w at Step 1. I have never used this type of software before.

Will pick up a larger USB drive later today in the hope this option works.

You only need a 4gb. And Windows 7 should be in the dropdown.

You are only removing all but 2gb of RAM to try install. You can replace the sticks afterwards.

Test your RAM: RAM - Test with Memtest86+

 

[mediaman09]

2nd easiest USB method: Extract the ISO from DVD using ImgBurn, then write the ISO file to flash stick using Universal USB Installer with Win7 in the dropdown menu..

Trying that now to the 4GB flash drive....

 

[mediaman09]

You are only removing all but 2gb of RAM to try install. You can replace the sticks afterwards.

Good to know..

Per Dell manual, I would have guuessed the #1 stick is the one that should remain rather than #4... but I guess I can try both scenarios if one starts beeping more than the other.

 

[gregrocker]

The slot closest to the processor is normally the #1 slot.

But if you have a diagram like that then I'd go with it.

 

[mediaman09]

You only need a 4gb. And Windows 7 should be in the dropdown.

Clearly as the thread will attest, I dont seem to be getting any breaks here ( other than of course have this forums support !

See message below.

So I guess I should pick up a larger flash drive after all ...

(EDIT: This was with a format)

 

[win7clutz]

QUESTION 2) Assuming my machine boot and run with only one DDR3 stick (thought it needed three), and I start and finsh the initial, at what point can I put back the memory? Recall, many of the issues only surfaced well after the install when I started with the Windows Updates. I cant imaginw opearting the machine to even get to Control Panel/Wndows Update on one stick. I am assuming I would put back the remaining sticks immediately after the install is complete, and even before the system reboots to Windows - Correct?

The box will run fine on 2gig. The point is to prove the rest of the hardware is OK. I would complete the install and then boot to W7 and do updates... Base on what you've previously posted, if you're successful, you've found the problem.

 

[mediaman09]

]The box will run fine on 2gig. The point is to prove the rest of the hardware is OK. I would complete the install and then boot to W7 and do updates... Base on what you've previously posted, if you're successful, you've found the problem.

Good to know re 2GB operation

Preparing the USB drive now ( on 8 GB USB drive) ..

Between the new hard drive, install via USB, memory at 2GB, use of Win OEM DVD vs SYS RECOVERY DVDs, CMOS reset, I hope this will work.

As to finding the source of problem, ie was it hard drive, memory, DVD, BIOS,etc) , wont it he hard to determine that use USB to put AND remove memory at the same time? Perhaps next I should install via USB leaving memory in tact?

I think my DRAFT summary of events to date is this (may need to reconfirm the earlier entries)

OEM HD + OEM DVD + FULL MEM = INSTALL SUCESS BUT BUT CHKDSK ISSUES ON UPDATES
OEM HD + SYS RECOVER DVD +FULL MEM = INSTALL sucess BUT FAILS ON UPDATES
NEW HD + OEM DVD + FULL MEM = FAILS TO INSTALL
NEW HD + USB INSTALL + FULL MEM = To be determined
NEW HD + USB INSTALL + 2GB RAM = To be determined

 

[mediaman09]

UPDATE

Finshed creating USB boot disk (.

I inserted the USB into the Dell XPS, and , well, I cannot even get the system to boot from the USB.

I changed BIOS to bott first from Removable Device.

Does it matter what USB port I use?? I think not. And the USB seems to have been created okay see attached.

This was one with ImgBurn and and Universal USB installer.

I will try again with UltraISO

 

[mediaman09]

On UltraISO, does it matter how its formatted ( ie FAT32 vs NTFS) ?

UPDATE - After some googling, I went with FAT32.

Gonna let this run and report back...

.