Unable to install windows

So, I'm trying to reinstall my Acer E300 -Mb72.
I am using a disk I used before on my Dell computer. It's a full version, RTM. I do have a valid key. Yet when I boot from the disk, after "Windows is copying files" and right before I get to choose Upgrade or custom install, a small popup hops up, telling me I do not have the drivers needed to install windows. I was like wtf? More specifically, it tells me I am missing the drivers for the CD/DVD drive, even though I just booted from it.

To give you a better view at it:
It's not really my computer, its a friends. I'm fixing it for him. He messed it up somehow and now it wont boot. It goes straight to the Windows screen that asks you what to do. I can choose between safe mode, start using latest working settings etc. None work. Safe mode does get to the login screen tho, but if you try to login it reboots.

So what should I do? One unbootable XP, one non-working XP disk and a Windows 7 disk that's perfectly fine except it wont install.


I asked this question on another forum. They said I should change SATA mode to IDE instead. I had one of those flashbacks about reading something about IDE mode, and that it was a bad idea. So here I am.

All help, anything that could lead me in the right direction, is greatly appreciated.

//psYko :)

Can you install from the original install disk?

Elaborate. Neither one of us have an original disk. I haven't bought a single copy of Windows evar.

Install from a USB key and you will be all set in no time. This will easily get around your bios setting that is causing the issue to begin with.

Psyko said:

So, I'm trying to reinstall my Acer E300 -Mb72.
I am using a disk I used before on my Dell computer. It's a full version, RTM. I do have a valid key. Yet when I boot from the disk, after "Windows is copying files" and right before I get to choose Upgrade or custom install, a small popup hops up, telling me I do not have the drivers needed to install windows. I was like wtf? More specifically, it tells me I am missing the drivers for the CD/DVD drive, even though I just booted from it.

To give you a better view at it:
It's not really my computer, its a friends. I'm fixing it for him. He messed it up somehow and now it wont boot. It goes straight to the Windows screen that asks you what to do. I can choose between safe mode, start using latest working settings etc. None work. Safe mode does get to the login screen tho, but if you try to login it reboots.

So what should I do? One unbootable XP, one non-working XP disk and a Windows 7 disk that's perfectly fine except it wont install.


I asked this question on another forum. They said I should change SATA mode to IDE instead. I had one of those flashbacks about reading something about IDE mode, and that it was a bad idea. So here I am.

All help, anything that could lead me in the right direction, is greatly appreciated.

//psYko :)

Hi and welcome

Do you have a USB stick of 3 or more gigs? if so you can make it boot-able and install from it. It will take far less time, no driver required. Search in tutorial section for installing from USB


Ken J+

Two ways to make the key:

Plug it in to Disk Management and format primary. Copy the folders into the root of the stick. Boot the stick using Boot Menu F-key; it will be listed under Hard Drives.

or download UltraISO trial version and write the ISO to stick using Bootable tab.

If this method of install fails, then you need to take a look at BIOS settings. ACHI is recommended if you have the latest BIOS update - check the manufacturer's Support Downloads page but you may need to search by S/N since that model doesn't show up anywhere.

I got an external harddrive... That's about it. I do have two PSP memory sticks on 4GB, but if I can use the harddrive without formatting it that's my answer I guess.

So, can I use it?

While I'm at it, why would an USB drive work better than a disk? It's the same files :-/

I know... I just can't find the damn drivers anywhere.
@gregrocker: The thing is that it's Windows XP installed at the moment, which is unbootable. And if I got you right, you're talking about startup repairs from the Windows 7 boot.

The DVD boots just fine, it just prompts me for a driver. A driver I can't friggin find anywhere. I even checked on Acer's site for it.