Trying to install Windows 7 on a PC with no OS (with a usb stick)

iknownothing010 · 10 Jun 2016

I recently found an old Compaq Presario desktop in my basement so I decided to fix it up. I know a little about computers but not much. There were many viruses on this computer, and I wanted to install a newer version of windows. So i loaded up DBan onto a USB Drive and wiped the Hard Drive. I wanted to install Windows 7 on this machine despite the low 384 MB of ram and an Intel Pentium 4 clocked at 1.5 ghz. So I created a bootable USB with the iso of windows 7 using the DVD/USB Tool from microsoft. I plugged the USB stick into the Presario and setup the correct boot priority in the bios fully expecting this to work. When the machine booted off the USB, the monitor just read "Disk Read Error, press ctrl+alt+del to restart." So I said, okay i'll try reinstalling Windows XP with the USB Drive. The Same message popped up. Someone please help as I would like to get this machine up and running for someone. Thanks in advance!

torchwood · 10 Jun 2016

Hi AKN,
have a read of this tutorial install W7 with <512 RAM ,
Install Windows 7 on Computer with Less than 512MB RAM

Roy

AddRAM · 11 Jun 2016

When you get that message it means it`s not booting from the usb stick, it is bypassing it, that much is clear. (It`s still trying to boot from the hard drive which you wiped)

An old machine has to have the capabilities to boot from usb, it may not.

All you need to use is the boot menu key F8 etc, to bring up the boot menu, if you see the usb stick then click on it, if it will not boot from it then it has not been prepared properly or will not boot from usb.

Use Rufus to put the iso on the stick.

https://rufus.akeo.ie/

Or just use a dvd, it`s so much easier.

I wouldn`t even bother trying to install 7 on that machine, not worth the effort.

Just install XP, or try Zorin.

Zorin OS - Home