Issue with Re-Install of Windows 7

gregrocker · 16 Jul 2013

The solution is almost surely in the dozens of steps we provided earlier this year, almost all of which were ignored and never responded to.

An example is in my last post where I specifically told you how as a last resort you could install to the SSD alone in another PC and then move it back, even providing you with hard-to-find Paragon freeware CD to adjust it to boot on different hardware.

If you're having problems performing any of the steps let us know.

flightmedic · 17 Jul 2013

I have followed all the suggestions except for swapping the hard drive to a new machine to see if W7 will load there. I was pretty frustrated and started using my primary machine until my wife's broke on her now. Now I'm trying to fix it. I apologize for not responding after your last post.

I have cleaned and reformated, though I'm not quite sure I did it correctly.

This is my 2nd laptop, and has a single HDD. My DV7 has the HDD/SSD combo with a second HDD slot.

I honestly don't understand the difference between SATA and ACHI, or what the purpose behind a RAID setup is.

Thanks.

gregrocker · 17 Jul 2013

I would not use RAID as we only see problems with RAID here. Try AHCI setting in BIOS setup.

Compare the reinstall you did to the perfect install in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 (same for retail). I'd do it over if it varied much, especially how drivers are best handled in Win7 which is not at all like XP.

flightmedic · 17 Jul 2013

I just tried it with no success.

The USB key finds drives in the other laptop so its specific to this laptop.

How can I switch from RAID? I checked the settings in regedit and startup for IDE and ATAPI are both set for "0". As I've read that will have AHCI at startup and not RAID. If not, I do not know how to disable RAID.

Jim

gregrocker · 17 Jul 2013

If you don't have a prompt for a RAID controller at boot, then it is normally handled in the SATA controller setting in BIOS setup, unless you see another RAID setting. I would read the Manual on the PC or mobo's Support Downloads webpage to be sure.

Confirm you performed every single step I've given you earlier, especially in Post #4. Do not skip any steps as this is often the fix.

flightmedic · 17 Jul 2013

Steps I've done:

1) Cleaned, Formated and then attempted install

2) As shown in the pictures I can find no settings in BIOS for SATA or RAID settings

3) I have tried popping out the USB drive as suggested with no success

4) There is NO acceleration SSD set up on this computer.

5) I have also tried burning a DVD @ 4x and still get same error

6) I have not tried installing with the HD in another computer. My question with this is can I just pop this into the 2nd HDD slot on my DV7 and do this? Sort of as a dual boot.

7) I have tried redownloading the ISO and using ISO burn to make the USB key.

I guess I'm not sure where to go from where. Because I can't boot, I'm not sure how to find out the MoBo info. The HP site is of no help with specifics about model numbers and such.

This really was a trial run to make sure I could load Windows after I get the SSD to install as primary HD next week. Didn't want to spend the money if the computer is a dud.

I was hoping I could make changed from command prompt using shift f10 at the windows startup screen to make whatever changes I need.

Thanks,

I am trying to be interactive. And I do appreciate the time you all are taking to help me. I would not be opposed to PayPal and "hiring" someone to help me fix this. I'm not sure if that is allowed or if the idea offends the forum, I'm just putting that out there.

Jim

gregrocker · 17 Jul 2013

Did you reset the BIOS then define an Active Primary NTFS partition after wiping the HD in Post #4? This resolves almost all installation problems. I'd re-run the steps there if you have any doubt one was skipped. You said earlier you weren't sure you'd done it correctly. You only need to follow the steps given, ask back if any questions.

If the installer is bootable in another PC and shows the drives then it should be sound, but I'd still try another ISO if you haven't already. Use How To Use UltraISO Software To Create Bootable USB Flash Drive

I'd also try the SSD as this prob may be HD specific.

flightmedic · 17 Jul 2013

I'm reformating as we speak and will report back. Have this thread pulled up on my other laptop and following along as I do it.

I'm ordering the Samsung SSD on monday and I should have it tuesday. I'd take it to a shop but the local PC shop has a bad habit of overcharging for breaking the machines.

Jim

flightmedic · 17 Jul 2013

Clarification: by "reset the BIOS" do you mean taking out the watch battery on the MoBo?

gregrocker · 17 Jul 2013

flightmedic said:

Clarification: by "reset the BIOS" do you mean taking out the watch battery on the MoBo?

How To Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS)