I started a reinstall of Windows 7 almost 24 hrs ago after having problems with Windows not starting, and other issues. It's still "completing installation." If I try to close out the window, it says something about exiting setup could be a problem. The computer repair shop I took it to would probably fix it again for free. But first I'd like to know if by exiting setup if I'd be damaging the hardware. And just how long does a reinstall take?
A reinstall should not take more than 1 hour. I suggest you wipe your disk with the bootable CD of this program (last download on this page) and then define a primary active partition (suggest 100GB large). Then install into that partition.
If it's been going that long, it's already goobered, what difference does it make?
Damaging the hardware very unlikely. But about a 10% chance of corrupted files on the HD. But many of them are repairable files during the re-install. I hope you have backed up the important files.
How to use Dell Recovery, & how to order Recovery Disks.
Dell - Support
Hi,
Cancelling the installation does not cause hardware failure as there is minumal hardware (driver wise) in use when the installation is in progress. As mentioned you may get software corruption but if you can get it repaired for free then that would be the best option at this time :)
Quote