Installation Won't Work - Tried All Suggested Fixes

Hi everyone.

I am trying to install Windows 7 on my PC, having successfully done so without issue on my laptop.

I have tried to burn the ISO file onto various DVD's, all of which have failed. This is not helped by my DVD drive in my PC being dated, IDE. However, I burn the ISO image to DVD's using my laptop using IMGBurn at 4x speed (or lower) and the DVD always registers in my PC.

I get various errors depending on the DVD, all burned using the same ISO.

Sometimes it starts to install, only to be met with the "files missing" error, which I presume is a bad burn.

Sometimes I get the "driver missing" message. I have followed the advice, physically unplugging all drives except the HDD I wish to install Windows to and the DVD drive. I also tried changing the SATA setting to "AHCI" as recommended. This doesn't seem to be the main issue however, as I say, I often get as far as the "Expanding Files" stage before an error occurs.

To bypass the dodgy drive and dodgy DVD burning stage, I have tried to make a bootable USB drive. I firstly used Universal USB Installer 1.8.7.3, which worked fine. However, despite booting up the initial set-up page, it said no bootable drive could be found, odd given that it got that far.

I tried using the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download tool, however this just says "We were unable to copy your files".

Having tried every available option I have read on this very helpful forum, I feel I have no option but to create a thread detailing my problems.

If anyone want's more info, please ask and I will endeavour to provide it.

I assume you have tried this, but in case you hadn't, take a look USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create

Edit: This may also interest you: post #5 by gregrocker

Where did you get the WIn7 ISO file? Have you confirmed it against official HASH?
HashTab... is the coolest thing ever!
Windows 7 RTM SHA-1 hash - checksums

Have you reset the CMOS? Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Have you wiped the HD to clear the bootsector, with Diskpart Clean command? SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Fill in your System Specs in bottom left corner of post.

gregrocker said:

Where did you get the WIn7 ISO file? Have you confirmed it against official HASH?
HashTab... is the coolest thing ever!
Windows 7 RTM SHA-1 hash - checksums

Have you reset the CMOS? Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Have you wiped the HD to clear the bootsector, with Diskpart Clean command? SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Fill in your System Specs in bottom left corner of post.

Ah, I will defer to gregrocker. He is awesome with these problems. :)

Trying the HashTab thing now, not sure how on earth it works mind. What should I be doing/looking for?

Will try resetting the CMOS. Will this make much difference?

HD already wiped using DBAN, DOD method.

System Specs now filled in as good as they can be, don't know all the details whilst the PC isn't working!

Where did you get WIn7?

Take a look at this posts:
Windows 7 Installation Errors : Troubleshoot Step by Step