Multiple errors when formatting, partitioning, installing Windows

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  1. Posts : 14
    Alabama
       #1

    Multiple errors when formatting, partitioning, installing Windows


    NEED HELP!!!

    I have a Dell Inspiron that came with Vista. I somehow managed to get it to boot up, even connect to my network, but it was so stinkin slow that it wouldn't even completely load Control Panel so I could start uninstalling programs. I tried to boot in safe mode, but then got the blue screen of death and from that point on it wouldn't load. So I went online and read that a Windows 7 boot disc would work on Vista. Since my desktop is Windows 7, and since I ultimately want to put it on the laptop, I went that route. I also downloaded a Vista boot disk at some point.

    At some point I had to format the hard drive. I got it started, but then it stuck at 80%. And stupid me, I accidentally turned the computer off. It's been downhill ever since. I am one of those people that knows just enough to pretty much destroy anything.

    At this point, I have gone into diskpart. I managed to do a "clean" at some point, but then had to leave to get my son, and ended up getting stranded in a freak snow storm for 2 days. So, I tried to start all over, but now I get the error "diskpart has encountered an error the request could not be performed because of an i/o device error". I can't create a partition, I can't reformat, I can't load windows - NOTHING. I have 2 different partition manager programs I've downloaded.

    At this point, how do I start over? I'm fine with formatting, partitioning, wiping out everything, whatever. I just don't know what to do.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #2
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 14
    Alabama
    Thread Starter
       #3

    How do I find the manufacturer?


    I figured out my hard drive is a Western Digital. Which download do I use from the list on the page you sent me?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 14
    Alabama
    Thread Starter
       #4

    I went through all the options on the page, and downloaded the Diagnostic tool for DOS (since I don't have Windows installed yet). But I can't even get to the application. I get "No boot sector on internal hard drive; No bootable devices - strike F1 to retry boot, F2 for setup utility, press F5 to run onboard diagnostics." I've tried the F5 thing and it gets stuck at 0% on one of the tests.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #5

    Unzip the download & copy to a MS-DOS bootable USB drive.

    How to make MS-DOS USB drive
    MS-DOS Bootable Flash Drive - Create

    DOS USB boot drive
      My Computer

  6.    #6

    I can't get Data Lifeguard to work on CD or flash stick. You can get a diagnostic read on the drive using Seagate Seatools bootable CD or Partition Wizard CD Partition surface test

    You might have a bad Win7 installer with the problems you describe. Try another ISO written to flash stick or burned to CD from Steps 1 and 2 of Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which steps will also assure you get and keep a perfect install.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 14
    Alabama
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thanks for all the help guys. I was able to format a usb stick and am currently doing a write zero using the Data Lifeguard Diagnostics. So now the question is.... Do I just install Windows 7 after this, or do I need to create a partition? If I need to create a partition, can I use the Windows 7 or Vista boot cd's, or do I need to use a partition manager software (I have 2)? Again, thank ya'll SO much!
      My Computer

  8.    #8

    What were the results of Data Lifeguard extended Diagnostics scan, which was the only reason it was needed?

    Writing zeroes is unnecessary overkill only used to make data unrecoverable by forensics means. The Quick Wipe function would have been fine to clear the boot sector and partition table which are all that can interfere with install.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 14
    Alabama
    Thread Starter
       #9

    The only reason I did the zero write was to try to start with a clean slate. But here's what happened. It said it would take about 42 hours, so I just let it run all night. When I woke up this morning there was an error, and I can't remember what it said. So I just now ran the "quick test". Here is what it says:

    1. Raw Read Error Rate 198 51 198
    3. Spin Up Time 190 21 188
    4. Start/Stop Count 90 0 98
    5. Re-allocated Sector Count 117 140 117 *
    7. Seek Error Rate 198 51 197
    9. Power-on Hours Count 97 0 97
    10. Spin Retry Count 100 51 100
    11. Drive Calibration Retry Count 100 51 100
    12. Drive Power Cycle Count 98 0 98
    192. Emergency Retract Cycle Count 200 0 200
    193. Load/Unload Cycle Count 178 0 179
    194. HDA Temperature 105 0 90
    196. Re-Allocated Sector Event 167 0 167
    197. Current Pending Sector Count 200 0 199
    198. Offline Uncorrectable Sector Count 100 0 253
    199. UltraDMA CRC Error Rate 200 0 200
    200. Multi Zone Error Rate 100 51 253
    240. Head Flying Hours 96 0 96
    241. Total LBAs Written 110 0 110
    242. Total LBAs Read 200 0 200

    Warning! One or more current or worst-case attributes are below threshold.
    Press Any Key to Continue"

    I pressed a key, it said "The system must be reset- Hit ctrl-alt-delete or power off..."

    I did that and it rebooted to the C prompt, but with the following errors:

    "The following file is missing or corrupted: HIMEM.SYS
    there is an error in your CONFIG.SYS file on line 6

    The following file is missing or corrupted: EMM386.EXE
    There is an error in your CONFIG.SYS file on line 7

    The following file is missing or corrupted: CDROM/OAKCDROM.SYS
    There is an error in your CONFIG. SYS file on line 33

    Warning: the high memory area (HMA) is not available.
    Additional low memory (below 640k) will be used instead.
    Bad command or file name
    Bad command or file name

    C:\>




    I have NO idea what any of this means....SO NOW WHAT??

      My Computer

  10.    #10

    It seems to be reading your BIOS SMART data on the HD"s condition, which can be erroneous with false positives. So determine with certainty your HD's condition by booting to do an Extended Scan with the maker's HD Diagnostics.

    Then run a full Disk Check from the booted Win7 installation Media Command Line in System Recovery Options.

    There would obviously be an error trying to boot into C since you have partly wiped the HD. Once the HD's condition is known you can either replace it or proceed with the booted Clean Install Windows 7
      My Computer


 
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