Installing WIN 7 on DELL INSPIRON 6400

H2k · 14 Jun 2010

Dear guys,
I try to install Win7 on my Dell inspiron 6400 befor i hav VISTA running on my Laptop. i try to format my laptop then boot from windows 7 ultimate cd but every time its getting error when goes to format the hard drive. i also try to change the HDD 1st i replace my 120sata with 250 gb but my laptop not detect that hdd in bios that 250seagate is brand new and working on other PC fine. then i try 160 hdd and same problem came during format the partion during windows 7 setup. then i try to install XP on Same HDD and same problem came when WIN XP Setup goes to format the Partion. Now i am Stuck in the middle of nowhere Plzz some one Help me Out.....

gregrocker · 14 Jun 2010

Can you trigger the Dell Recovery partition to return your computer to factory condition in order to Update BIOS?

If Recovery partition will not run using cNTRL + f11 or whatever key combination they tell you to use, then you have nothing to lose and can wipe the HD which might stop one of the utility/boot partitions from interfering with install.

Boot Windows 7 install DVD Repair console or Repair CD, choose Command Line, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK # (replace # with Windows 7 HD)
CLEAN ALL (zeroes HD for deepest clean, takes about an hour per 320gb, drop "all" if you want shorter)
EXIT

Now boot back into the installer to attempt Custom install, using Drive Options to create New partition and Format.

Try also removing all but 2gb of RAM to try install, reset the CMOS: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixthe.../clearcmos.htm What is the SATA controller setting? Try AHCI, then IDE.

H2k · 15 Jun 2010

gregrocker said:

Can you trigger the Dell Recovery partition to return your computer to factory condition in order to Update BIOS?

If Recovery partition will not run using cNTRL + f11 or whatever key combination they tell you to use, then you have nothing to lose and can wipe the HD which might stop one of the utility/boot partitions from interfering with install.

Boot Windows 7 install DVD Repair console or Repair CD, choose Command Line, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK # (replace # with Windows 7 HD)
CLEAN ALL (zeroes HD for deepest clean, takes about an hour per 320gb, drop "all" if you want shorter)
EXIT

Now boot back into the installer to attempt Custom install, using Drive Options to create New partition and Format.

Try also removing all but 2gb of RAM to try install, reset the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS What is the SATA controller setting? Try AHCI, then IDE.

thx for ur reply bro right now i dont have any recovry partition in my hdd idont have 7 recovery disk either i have new 7 ultimate disk which i try to go to repair option and then select comand option and try CHKDSK /r and CHKDSK but nothing works i also try DISKPART and what u told but nothing happens. i also try one thing i install my HDD in other Toshiba satalite and install WIN7 on it then after completition remove all the drivers so i can connect back this hdd with my DELL and repair the windows i thought that may it works but when i try to repair the WIN 7 startup it getting error and not repair also there is no option in bios for sata Controller its DELL MM061.

its gud if its their any option to repair the Win7 startup coz now i hav win 7 in My HDD but cant load on my dell.

gregrocker · 15 Jun 2010

Make sure Win7 is marked Active then boot the Win7 DVD, select Repair on second screen, click through to Startup Repair and run it repeatedly until it starts up.

Did you reset the CMOS (see link in earlier post) and remove all but 2gb of RAM to try install?

Test your HD with maker's diagnostics/repair full HD scan: Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.

What is the SATA controller setting in BIOS? Do you have the latest BIOS version?