Solved I am unable to install windows 7.

[townsbg]

I am unable to install windows 7

I'm trying to install windows 7 pro on a system old enough that it came with it originally (see system 1 for the specs). When I do so I get the error "Windows setup could not configure windows on this computer's hardware" during the completion phase. The only thing that I could think of that was different with the computer than when it was built (I wasn't the original owner) is a usb 3.0 card which I removed and received the same error. Previously I had installed 8.1 but I no longer have the product key so there goes installing that again. So I decided to try Vista since all I have is an upgrade license. It installed but without internet. I downloaded the sp1 installer since it's a pre-req for the 7 upgrade however the install doesn't complete and actually corrupts ntoskrnl. I was able to rollback to a restore point and tried again only to have the sp1 install fail. So I decided to download the Vista with sp2 ISO. I can't install that because I get the same error as when installing 7. I tried installing Vista rtm and running the Sp2 dvd as an upgrade but I don't have the upgrade option and the installer says that sp2 is required. I tried the sp1 download and again it corrupted it. This time I can't revert to a restore point because I'm getting a permissions error. That's when I stopped. Oh I checked for secure boot in the BIOS to make sure that's off but I didn't find it.

At this point I've only been able to install Vista rtm. I know that I could try a full install 7 sp2 disk but I don't what to burn one if it's possible that I end up with the same error. So what is causing this error during install and why is the sp1 update failing? I should mention that this is a brand new WD red 1 tb platter drive. Could it be bad? I'm thinking no since Vista rtm installs without any issues.:banghead:

 

[Megahertz07]

I suspect that the drive is GPT and you're trying to install as Legacy - MBR
During Win 7 installation did you deleted ALL partitions on the target drive till you have one and only one unallocated space?

 

[townsbg]

@Megahertz07 initially. A few subsequent attempts I just deleted the partition and then noticed multiple boot entries so since then I've deleted all the partitions with each attempt. I found out how to do diskpart from the installation disk. Which one do I need?

 

[Megahertz07]

@Megahertz07 initially. A few subsequent attempts I just deleted the partition and then noticed multiple boot entries so since then I've deleted all the partitions with each attempt. I found out how to do diskpart from the installation disk. Which one do I need?

Didn't understand your question.
You don't need to use diskpart.

As the computer is quite old it probably don't have UEFI BIOS so the only option is to install as Legacy-MBR.
Once you delete all partitions on the drive till you have one and only one unallocated space you have cleaned the drive. Just select the unallocated to install on and proceed. The installation wizard will initialize the drive as Legacy-MBR and create the needed partitions.

 

[townsbg]

As the computer is quite old it probably don't have UEFI BIOS so the only option is to install as Legacy-MBR.

Looking thtough the bios settings looking for uefi I found that the drives where set to raid. I don't know how it got that way. After changing that i was able to install vista with sp2. From here I should be able to install 7. Do you know how l was I able to install vista rtm with it set to raid but not vista with sp2, updating to sp1 on vista, or installing 7?

 

[torchwood]

Hi

believe it was because exfat was added in SP2

 

[Megahertz07]

So I decided to try Vista since all I have is an upgrade license.

If you have a Win 7 upgrade license you don't need to install Win Vista and then Win 7.
Just use a regular Win 7 sp1 installation files with the upgrade license key. (I also have an upgrade license)
Do you have a Win 7 En SP1 installation files? If you don't I can give you a link.

 

[townsbg]

If you have a Win 7 upgrade license you don't need to install Win Vista and then Win 7.
Just use a regular Win 7 sp1 installation files with the upgrade license key. (I also have an upgrade license)
Do you have a Win 7 En SP1 installation files? If you don't I can give you a link.

It's been quite awhile but I've had problems in the past with activating 7 unless I install Vista first. It's done. I have 7 sp1 installed now.

Hi

believe it was because exfat was added in SP2

What would exfat have to do with it?