Can't Fix or Reinstall Windows 7 HomePrm; Missing DLLs

[do2]

Upgraded from Vista HmPrm to Win7 HmPrm flawlessly. Weeks later a power loss when defrag'g left OS errors; tried to fix with Win7sp1.iso which made matters worse. Now pc will boot but missing dlls leave screen black; can only launch task mgr. Boot'g with iso does not allow Reinstall due to "dvd driver missing".
Error: 0x80070002

DLLs missing and ID'd thus far: System 32\rasplap.dll, UNINIT.dll, slc.dll, WinSxS\x86_microsoft.windows.common_cpmtrols_6595b64144ccf1df_5.82.7601.17514_none_ec83dffa859149af\com\CTL32.dll, autorun.dll, Net AP132.dll and SYS32\BROWCLI.DLL...maybe more.

I'd like to save the installed software but doubt that can be done...my C-prompt is likely limited use.

My question may really be how to format my HDD, under this circumstance, and reinstall Win7 as only option.

 

[gregrocker]

Try Startup Repair - Run up to 3 Separate Times to see if it can find problems to resolve.

If not from the System Recovery Options run System Restore manually to before the problem occurred.

If this fails open the Recovery Options' Command Line to run SFC /SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot

There are other repair steps in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start leading up to if necessary rescuiing your files to run Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which are the same steps for retail.

 

[do2]

Thanks, gregrocker, for your advice. I've tried (and failed) all but your last item which I will now work on.
I experienced spontaneous loss of many DLLs and possibly the cd\dvd driver. I have added a new partition to the drive and made it active but still prompted for a dvd driver that won't install. Using win7x86sp1.iso that i used to upgrade from vistax86.

 

[gregrocker]

Why have you made a new partition and marked it Active? This means Win7 will not be able to boot unless you return the Active flag where it was.

Were you trying to reinstall? If it's prompting for drivers during a Clean Reinstall then the installer is bad and needs reburning or rewriting from Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

 

[do2]

Good question...new partition in effort to save installed programs, some for which I have no reinstall media. Plus other efforts to repair original partition failed...still working though and can revert to orig. partition if 'clean all' is only option.

What is weird is the media I used to repair performed the upgrade from Vista x86...why then;not now?

Have burned new iso cd with MS download tool. Hope to soon try that.

'Appreciate your advice and hope you continue directing. thank you for all feedback.

 

[gregrocker]

Did you check the install DVD to see if it's smudged or scratched?

If you have no other place to store them and must copy out your files to a partition so you can wipe the HD with Diskpart Clean Command, then boot the installer and choose Custom Install, at drive selection screen delete only the System Reserved and C partitions making sure not to touch the data partition. Then click New and the installer will create your install partition along with a small boot partition you can ignore. Format it and click Next to begin install.

If this fails you'll need to copy out your data so you can wipe the HD first with Diskpart Clean Command to try install again, and then if necessary clean again and format an Active partition using Step 2.2 in SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

 

[do2]

Greetings Gregrocker,

The install 3 DVDs are not scratched or smudged. One was used to upgrade from Vista x86 to Win7sp1 x86, one is a new download and burn with MS tool, the other is a Upgrade Windows 7 install purchased directly from Microsoft. All elicit error "CD/DVD missing driver".

I also have a Gateway Recovery DVD that I made originally from this pc.

Data is backed up and followed the 'diskpart clean cmd, format ntfs and proceeded to install. The 3 Windows 7 DVDs elicit the same 'missing cd/dvd driver and the Gateway recovery error = Missing BootMgr.

Next preformed 'Bootrec /RebuildBcd/FixMbr which completed successfully on volume.

Tried above procedure again with like results. I will head to Gateway to determine their recommendations - but I prefer your guidance.

My thoughts: cd/dvd player reads the install dvds, the Missing MBR is puzzling. Could I be experiencing some hardware or Bios problem?

Thanks again.

 

[gregrocker]

Missing BootMgr always means disk is not booting, but HD is attempting to boot.
How to Boot A Computer from CD or DVD - YouTube

Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. Next if an EFI BIOS, enable Legacy BIOS, set DVD drive first to boot, HD second. Then set SATA controller to AHCI. Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here.

At first installer screen Press Shift + F10 to open a Command Box, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY SIZE=102400 (for 100gb partition, adjust as desired)
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
ACTIVE
EXIT
EXIT

Next click Install Now, then Custom install to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.

After install you can adjust partition size or Create new partitions for data, etc. in Disk Mgmt. We are creating the partition here to mark it Active which overcomes certain install failures.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZJ5i3eYgKA

 

[do2]

trouble in pair o' dice

Thank you for your time, gregrocker. Problem remains. Followed your instructions. Booted into System Setup, at main window chose setup defaults (Intel board Product name DG33sxg2 firmware v. AAD94468-501). At advanced window set SATA to <AHCI>, saved changes and affirmed changes were saved. Optiarc DVD RW A-ATAPI was confirmed as 1st boot item and is listed Primary Master.

Closed c-prompt and proceeded to install, same error displayed: "A required CD/DVD device driver is missing. If you have a driver floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB flash drive, please insert now. Note: If the Windows installation media is in the CD/DVD drive, you can safely remove it for this step." Upon <RESCAN> error: "No device drivers were found. Make sure that the installation media contains the correct drivers then click ok."

Still stumped. Certain my problems not related to virus or spyware. Used Malawarebytes Anti-malware free, SUPERantispyware free, Avira real-time free, Secunia PSI, winpatrol, windows7 firewall plus regular MS updates.

Several weeks prior to this problem found the Nvidia card loose and ensured it was set properly and secure...that should have no bearing...i think.

 

[gregrocker]

Use the latest official installer for your version written to flash stick from Steps 1 and 2 of Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The driver error is almost always a bad installer so it needs to be replaced to see, and DVD drive needs to be ruled out.

So set HDD first to boot in BIOS, trigger stick to boot using Gateway F10 key at boot, choosing the USB stick under HD, Removable, or USB - you may need to expand an entry to see the actual stick model.

If the problem persists unplug the DVD drive to see if it changes.

If this fails, try running the Recovery disk. If it installs, from desktop run the win7 installer Setup to overwrite C for a much cleaner installer.

 

[do2]

Quick Update

Greetings Gregrocker,

Followed your instructions: downloaded fresh iso and installed on usb drive then booted troubled pc via usb. booted and began install. After choosing 'custom install' installation began then after 9% at 'Expanding Windows Files' an

Error Message: Windows cannot install required files. The file may be corrupt or missing. Make sure all files required for installation are available and restart installation.

Error Code: 080070570

shut down and restarted from usb, same error occurred. Going to unplug cd/dvd drive and replug to see if it will work...thanks again.

 

[gregrocker]

The installer is likely bad. Confirm the ISO size and write to stick using UltraISO Software To Create Bootable USB Flash Drive.

Can you try DVD install?

 

[do2]

i did, results follow...

Thanks, gregrocker,

after my last post i did try cd install, also tried the original vista recovery disk. Both efforts failed in same manner as the earlier attempt. the cd install ended immediately after <install> with same missing cd driver error. the recovery said 'no mbr, use control, alt, delete to restart'.

there was one different problem when i tried the cd iso install, the pc scrn froze midway in loading software. that happened twice before it loaded the software and gave me the language scrn. my concern is growing that a hardware problem may exist.

headed to Ultraiso to give it a go.

as always, thanks for your time and skill.

 

[gregrocker]

If stick written by Ultra errors out similarly then test your HD with Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for DOS (CD) extended CD scan.

If it checks out OK test your RAM - Test with Memtest86+ for 5-6 passes or overnight.

Then move HD to another PC to run a full Disk Check, then wipe it with Diskpart Clean Command. This should force the installer to start itself when you move HD back.

If no other PC boot free Partition Wizard bootable CD to run Check File System on all partitions, or create one large partition to run it on. Then Quick Wipe the HD from Disk tab, create new NTFS primary partition, rightclick it to Modify>Set to active, OK, Apply. Reboot into installer which should autostart to begin install.

 

[do2]

Ultra stick error-ed out. 'had trouble getting to cd drive at c-prompt and opted to run Memtest 86+ v4.20 first.

DOS scrn freeze at Memtest 7:36 Walltime on first try. Second try scrn freeze at 22:12 Walltime.

Third try Memtest scrn freeze at 3:02:49 Walltime on Test 7 Random number sequence, Pass 5, found 158 errors but did Not identify channel...i could only see errors 150 to 158. No errors were found until late in Pass 5.

Do you agree I need to get new memory? I am concerned that there may be a board or power unit problem, especially since a channel was not identified...of course I could not see errors 1-149.

My problem with the cd may have been due to using the win7 install disk to 'repair' in order to get to c-prompt. Perhaps i need to burn a dos boot cd instead.

 

[gregrocker]

Use the installer DVD for your licensed version for repairs and to have for reinstall: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

Follow the RAM - Test with Memtest86+ tutorial to test sticks and slots to isolate the problem. If it's stick(s) then replace it, making sure it's spec'd correctly. I google the mobo or PC model + RAM upgrade to compare results, confirm with Crucial System Scanner software to find out what type of memory is in your computer to get definitive specs before ordering online.

Even better is to go to a Tiger Direct, CompUSA parts counter or PC shop to have them confirm specs since it's much easier to take back if wrong.

 

[do2]

This has been a long day, gregrocker. The board has 2 banks with 2 slots each. Only 2 sticks of 1024 ddr2-667 in bank A slot 0 & Bank B slot 0. Removed bank B ram and immediately noted the ram top securing snaps at bank A slot 1 and bank B slot 0 are missing and not in the case. 'Tried to place a snap at bank B slot 0 but could not; may be a broken snap piece blocking within. BTW this is a refurb. Bank A ram ran 9 passes without error. Then added remaining stick to bank B slot 1; ran 11 passes without error, though I know the config may slow things down...what's your advice? but there's more...

Tried installing Win7 at internal cd/dvd but received the same error as before "missing driver"; then tried usb drive install but received the same error as yesterday. Last resort, hooked up usb dvd and Win7 installed and seem to update fairly well, but...

Received error: PCI Simple Communications Controller missing driver. Then DNS Server not responding.
I think the PCI driver is installed with the motherboard or chipset, but I really don't know. I tried installing trial of PCIScope and it caused a blue scrn crash so I abandoned that.

I'm mighty confused but I'm not lost yet...as long as you will continue to impart K. Thanks again, especially for your tenacity.

 

[gregrocker]

Install the chipset from the gateway Support Downloads webpage for your model PC here: Gateway Support - Downloads & Support Documents - Desktop / GT Series / GT5628.

Have you run all IMportant and Optional Updates after enabling Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3) as specfied in the tutorial to get a perfect reinstall? There will be several rounds with reboots.

Have you tried both RAM sticks in A bank slots? Consult your Manual on the Gateway Downloads webpage for your model. I'm not absolutely sure since every mobo is different but you can try it. Ask in our hardware forum if it fails to register or messes up performance. It might also advise you by running Crucial System Scanner software to find out what type of memory is in your computer.

I also asked my buddy Dave who's a top RAM expert here to consult.

 

[Dave76]

You are having proven RAM issues, broken snap locks may be the cause.

Is your refurb still under warranty?

Some motherboards can run the RAM is different slot without issues, maybe yours is one of them.

BTW this is a refurb. Bank A ram ran 9 passes without error. Then added remaining stick to bank B slot 1; ran 11 passes without error, though I know the config may slow things down...what's your advice?

Run memtest86+ with both RAM cards installed, one in bank A slot 0 (with snap lock) and the other in bank B slot 1 (with snap lock).
This should tell us if your system will be stable with RAM in those slots.

Let us know the results.

 

[do2]

Greetings Dave76,

Thanks for your input. Refurb no longer under warranty. I have ran both RAM cards in bank A slot 0 and also both installed: 1 in bank A slot 0 and 1 in bank B slot 1 through at least 11 passes and both ways zero errors. Used bottom clip from bank A slot 1 to insert into top clip recess at bank B slot 0 but haven't been able to seat.
Used Crucial Scanner to ID Ram -ddr2 667 mhz.

Also set MS update to install all drivers + updated chipset driver software at Gateway.

Continue to have errors when trying to backup data and image with error 0x8007045D. Reviewed and used fix recommended in MS support pps. which was Chkdsk/R C: and again for external WD 2.5Tb drive. Result: same error. Getting another error 0x8078002A - headed back to MS support for possible fix. Plan to try to run backup w/ image to DVD and hope it works. DVD drives may still have problems but plan more checks.

I fear commercial driver software but read good reviews of 'driveeasy', that will be a last resort, if ever. Still have the problem with PCI simple communications controller and under devices and printers the PC has a yellow ! problem sign.

Gateway lists a number of BIOS updates for the board, but it appears an Intel board BIOS has been installed and not sure which Gateway BIOS is the equal...don't know if a BIOS can be flashed 'backward' (just in case I pick an older one by mistake). Kinda stuck here but still working to make things right.

Thanks to you and gregrocker for fine advice.