I am unable to install windows 7.

I'm trying to install windows 7 pro on a system old enough that it came with it originally (see system 1 for the specs). When I do so I get the error "Windows setup could not configure windows on this computer's hardware" during the completion phase. The only thing that I could think of that was different with the computer than when it was built (I wasn't the original owner) is a usb 3.0 card which I removed and received the same error. Previously I had installed 8.1 but I no longer have the product key so there goes installing that again. So I decided to try Vista since all I have is an upgrade license. It installed but without internet. I downloaded the sp1 installer since it's a pre-req for the 7 upgrade however the install doesn't complete and actually corrupts ntoskrnl. I was able to rollback to a restore point and tried again only to have the sp1 install fail. So I decided to download the Vista with sp2 ISO. I can't install that because I get the same error as when installing 7. I tried installing Vista rtm and running the Sp2 dvd as an upgrade but I don't have the upgrade option and the installer says that sp2 is required. I tried the sp1 download and again it corrupted it. This time I can't revert to a restore point because I'm getting a permissions error. That's when I stopped. Oh I checked for secure boot in the BIOS to make sure that's off but I didn't find it.

At this point I've only been able to install Vista rtm. I know that I could try a full install 7 sp2 disk but I don't what to burn one if it's possible that I end up with the same error. So what is causing this error during install and why is the sp1 update failing? I should mention that this is a brand new WD red 1 tb platter drive. Could it be bad? I'm thinking no since Vista rtm installs without any issues.

@Megahertz07 initially. A few subsequent attempts I just deleted the partition and then noticed multiple boot entries so since then I've deleted all the partitions with each attempt. I found out how to do diskpart from the installation disk. Which one do I need?

Megahertz07 said:

If you have a Win 7 upgrade license you don't need to install Win Vista and then Win 7.
Just use a regular Win 7 sp1 installation files with the upgrade license key. (I also have an upgrade license)
Do you have a Win 7 En SP1 installation files? If you don't I can give you a link.

It's been quite awhile but I've had problems in the past with activating 7 unless I install Vista first. It's done. I have 7 sp1 installed now. :)

torchwood said:

Hi

believe it was because exfat was added in SP2

What would exfat have to do with it?