Windows could not retrieve information about the disks on this compute

gregrocker said:

Always use a booted installer for installations, with all other HD's and peripherals unplugged, deleting all partitions on the HD during install as shown in Clean Install Windows 7

I would not use Easy Transfer as we see cases where it loses the files, while importing AppData settings is a corruption path into a fresh new install. The best way to back up is to sort all of your data into the User folders - Desktop, Documents, Pics, Music, Vids, Downloads - and drag them to external or another HD. Everything that needs to be remembered is in the Clean Reinstall tutorial.

Thanks for all of your advice. You have convinced me that this is the way to go, but I have a lot of important business data on this PC so I will leave it for a weekend rather than trying to do it in my normal work day. I agree with you about moving the application data. Yours seems like a more foolproof method.

Read something in one of your earlier link about the amount of RAM. I think that the PC originally came with 2 x 0.5 mb modules. I have since added 2 x 1 mb ones. Should I remove these before the upgrade and then refit??

theog said:

If you boot the Windows 7 DVD, can the installer see the HDD?

Hi Theog
I have tried to boot from both the original DVD, a copy which I made and from a USB external hard drive and the installer still does not seem to be able to read the C: drive. The Virtual disc is not showing in services. Is ther a way of installing it? I feel I have tried every proposed solution without success. If I was sure that formatting the C: drive would allow me to do a clean install, I would go for it but this is still my last resort.

Is there anything else I can try first?

Save an XP backup image using an app like Macrium - Image your system so you have a path back.

Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. (If an EFI BIOS you'll need to decide if you want UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS: if UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with, or enable Legacy BIOS or Compatibility Support Module to proceed with normal install.) Set DVD drive first to boot, HD second, set SATA controller to AHCI, Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into Windows 7 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, or enter System Recovery Options 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.You are creating the partition here for the purpose of marking it Active which overcomes certain install failures.

Thanks for the very thorough reply. It might just be beyond my understanding and ability so I may pass it on to an IT guy - thanks!

You're welcome.

Those steps are written for the Consumer and have performed successfully by thousands to resolve installation hangs.

If you have a question on how to perform one, just ask back.

Now sorted complete wit SP1 and millions of updates. Pity I hadn't listened to the advice about relying on the MS data transfer utility but all in all I'm happy now except for a sound driver issue that remains unsolved. That will be my next thread.Cheers

Did you run all rounds of Important and Optional Windows Updates after enabling Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for your hardware (Step 3)?

If the driver isn't provided there then import it from the Support Downloads webpage for the model PC or Device.

You can also trace an unknown make/model using Hardware Identification