Windows 7 installer sets its own path as C:\ - cannot install to C:\

Toshiko · 27 Aug 2015

Two screens, for double the assurance. I can take a picture of the installer if I must.

Ztruker · 27 Aug 2015

Pleas make it full screen and expand fields so we can see everything. There is a disk above the first one shown that we can't see.

Toshiko · 27 Aug 2015

... I can promise you, this isn't going to help. I swear nobody is understanding what I'm saying. But sure:

Layback Bear · 27 Aug 2015

Unhook all drives and then hook up the drive you want to install Windows 7 so it reads Drive (0). and only that drive. What drive in you picture are you trying to install Windows 7??

If your ISO is on a usb drive make it first to boot.
Now it only has one place to install Windows 7.

In you picture in your post 13 where exactly are you trying to install Windows 7??

I think what is happening is your install is already seeing Windows 7 on a C partition so it is using another letter.

Toshiko · 27 Aug 2015

Been there. Done that. Didn't even get a t-shirt. This is the result:

> hdd0 main partition is listed as D:\
> Windows installation is listed as found at D:\Windows
> use menu to attempt to change hdd0 partition to C:\
> get error saying C:\ is in use by GRMCULXFRER_EN_DVD (Windows 7 installer)
> cannot change installer drive path because it is the current operating system in use.

The disk numbers were altered when I was swapping SATA cables around in an attempt to get my DVD drive to work again (because it was last plugged into a Marvell-controlled SATA port rather than an Intel-controlled SATA port, and that seemed to cause issues in and of itself). With all drives but the 74 GB Raptor (the OS drive) unplugged, the USB is still occupying C:\ and insisting that Windows is installed at D:\Windows. Unplug the USB key and I will boot into Windows, which is clearly installed at C:\Windows.

Layback Bear · 27 Aug 2015

Are you trying to have two installs of Windows 7 on one computer?

Are you trying to do a Clean Install on the same drive you all ready have Window 7 on. Other wise formating and Installing Windows 7 on Drive (2) after a format.

I'm not understanding what you are trying to end up with and the reason you are trying install Windows 7 again.

Toshiko · 27 Aug 2015

... I am trying to repair my installation. My motherboard (I am assuming) is wonky as hell and causes the Windows 7 DVD to occupy my C drive path, bumping my hard disk drive with Windows already installed on it from C to D.

Repairing my Windows installation changes C:\Windows to D:\Windows.

My OS drive is being mounted as D by the Windows 7 DVD.

My Windows installation is being compromised by my motherboard's boot priority making my USB key C. It is making my main hard disk drive with boot sector D rather than C.

Windows 7 is installed on C:\Windows, while my D drive is a (non-functional) DVD drive.

I appreciate you all for trying to help me, but you're not listening to what I'm saying.

derekimo · 27 Aug 2015

We're listening, try not using the word mount because that doesn't fit what you say you are trying to do.

If you are mounting something then your process is questionable.

"My OS drive is being mounted as D by the Windows 7 DVD" <<< How about some detail on that?

Toshiko · 27 Aug 2015

I'll take pictures in the morning. I kind of just want to fall asleep watching Netflix at the moment.

And I'm not sure what else to say other than 'mount' - I'm a tech with a background in data forensics and I deal with Linux all day. I use Windows at home because I like my games to unwind, and Skype (while in its current state undesirable) is decidedly better for me in Windows than Linux.

Layback Bear · 27 Aug 2015

I take you didn't read post #4 by derekimo in post # 2.

That doesn't sound like it was booted to me, that sounds like an attempt at a repair or upgrade install especially since you say it was given a letter.

What you are trying to do is a Repair Install and that is done while you are booted in the Windows 7 you have installed.

From you post #17

... I am trying to repair my installation.

Brink has a tutorial that will guide you. I have used it several times to do Repair Installs.

Repair Install

You would be wised to unhook all the other drives except the one you have Windows 7 on and put that drive in location Drive (0) on the sata port on the motherboard.