Windows 7 Setup won't startup

it might, but then when you get it back home and install it on your hardware, MS activation will come back up and say you need to activate because the hardware is different. You could try that and then call MS to activate.

Don't activate when you install on friend's computer.

WHen you return HD to your computer, it will swap out all of the drivers, requesting several restarts.

You can then activate at Computer>Properties activation link.

If any problems crop up, run a Repair Install from desktop.

Ah thanks for the info there Greg, I did not know that could be done.

Doesn't always work. I have gotten lucky about a dozen times doing this, though.

There is a program called Paragon Adaptive Restore which will make it start if it won't.

Final Update!

Thanks to everyone who has helped me on this forum! I have installed Win 7 64bit! Horray!

The issue: Originally in my Bio's i had first boot up as CDROM. I have a DVD disk reader so the CDROM doesnt work for me.

I then went back into the BIO's and found that their were other boot up options but the one i did not choose was actually my disk tray. The disk was named something like DT-RT-something-RAM. The RAM at the end fooled me into thinking that this was trying to boot of my memory (which never made sense to me).

So i tried that and i found that it worked. I was expecting the boot from CD or DVD... option to be big and in the middle of the screen when i first did this and that is mainly why i changed it back to CDROM but then i tried this option again a few days later and found the Boot from CD or DVD... option on i think the 2nd load screen all the way at the bottom...

And then it worked! I hope this helps others if they also have this same problem.

Thanks again to everyone who helped.

Glad to hear you got it resolved.

gregrocker said:

You have CD-ROM set as first boot device, not the DVD drive.

I pointed this out two days ago.

Glad you got it sorted out. Sounds like your BIOS was almost hiding your DVD drive from you.

Snoopy Renegade said:

I currently have Windows 7 32bit but i have 8GB Ram and would like to use all of it so i am upgrading to 64bit.

When i put in the 64bit CD I get an error message saying "This Installation disc isn't compatible with your version of Windows. To upgrade, you need the correct installation disc. For more information, check your computer's system information. To install a new copy of Windows, restart (boot) your computer using the installation disc, and then select Custom (advanced).

I then restart the computer with the CD in but it does not boot with the CD. I went into the Bio's and made sure it said boot CD as number 1 and it does.

My computer is capable of using a 64bit OS.

I really am not sure what else to do at this point.

EDIT: This problem is fixed! See last page!

Are you using a SATA CD ROM? If so, does the CD ROM show up as a device during boot up? If it isn't recognized during start-up/post it will not boot your installation CD. I had the same problem and in the end had to install using a USB CD ROM drive.

John440b said:

Are you using a SATA CD ROM? If so, does the CD ROM show up as a device during boot up? If it isn't recognized during start-up/post it will not boot your installation CD. I had the same problem and in the end had to install using a USB CD ROM drive.

Read the OP's resolution of this issue above.

Win7 is on a DVD, not a CD. If you are trying all of this to boot a CD, then you are wasting your time.

You need to boot the DVD or combo drive, not CD ROM.