Can't install win7 Ultimate

I am having all kind of trouble reinstalling windows 7 ultimate. About once a month or so I format and reinstall windows 7. It's a way of making sure things don't get cluttered and it's a fresh install. This time when I loaded ultimate and tried to reinstall, I get this IRQL not less than or equal too error. My linux installs fine. Windows 10 doesn't install either. The splash screen will not even come on. What's wrong here?


There's no software diagnostic problem because there's no software. It's a clear partition. With NTFS pressent.

Hi Billcu,

I am glad that your issue is resolved, and thank you for sharing the solution, it will help other people visiting this thread that have the same problem/question.

Billcu said:

About once a month or so I format and reinstall windows 7. It's a way of making sure things don't get cluttered and it's a fresh install.

You don't need to do this every month or so in the way that you are doing it. I know that it is a way of making sure that things don't get cluttered, but it is very time consuming on your part.

If you want to continue doing this once a month or so, there is a far easier and quicker way to achieve this.

[1] Clean install Win 7.
[2] Update the OS using the DISM++ WU method.
[3] Create a system image.

Then all you have to do each month is to restore the system image and you are back to exactly the same state you were after completing [2] above. The system image restore will take about 15-20 minutes [depending on your system specifications], a lot less time than it takes you now.

If you would like further information on how to do this then please let us know and we will post the procedure. It is pretty straight forward.

I hope this helps!

Hi Billcu,

Billcu said:

DISM++ WU What is that? system image. I think I know what that one is.

WU is Windows Update.

DISM++ - Basic Overview

DISM++ is a FREE implementation tool that has the ability to perform Windows Updates [WU]. Some of the advantages [but not all] are:

[1] The GUI is very easy to understand and use.
[2] It is much faster than M$’s WU because it uses a different engine.
[3] It downloads the latest WU DB from the M$ servers, scans your OS, and then lists the updates available.
[4] It doesn’t install superseded updates like M$ does.
[5] It gives you the option of what you want to install.
[6] The pre-ticked updates are what is recommended and are similar to the WU critical and recommended updates. The un-ticked updates are similar to the WU optional updates.

[7] It warns you if an update:

• Includes telemetry.
• Has known issues with certain hardware.
• Needs exclusive access.
• Is suspect.
• Your OS doesn't need it.
• Has any other known issues.

[8] It doesn’t require re-booting between updates.
[9] It can be used to either update an install.wim image OFFLINE, or to update the LIVE OS.

I hope this helps!