Cannot install Windows to this hard disk?

[doh23]

I got a D[SIZE=-1]ell Inspiron 6400 with XP and I'm trying to do a cl[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]ean install of Windows 7 but this m[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]essag[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]e shows up, any id[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]eas how I can g[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]et pass[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]ed this?
[/SIZE]

 

[baarod]

I got a D[SIZE=-1]ell Inspiron 6400 with XP and I'm trying to do a cl[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]ean install of Windows 7 but this m[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]essag[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]e shows up, any id[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]eas how I can g[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]et pass[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]ed this?
[/SIZE]

Use the winpe, diskpart and imagex approach to force it to do what you want. If that disk can boot XP, it can be wiped clean and forced to boot 7. Tell me more about your system, and the exact errors and I'll point you at the right tutorial.

 

[mjb]

try to change the SATA IDE/ACHI type in BIOS

If you're not sure where is it, try upload a photo of screenshot of your Dell BIOS setup screen.

We'll help you to find it.

 

[gregrocker]

Before wiping the HD, make sure you have the latest BIOS version from Dell Support Downloads webpage for your model.

Next follow mjb's suggestion to set SATA controller in BIOS setup to AHCI first, then IDE later if install fails.

Next use baarod's approach wipe the HD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

 

[doh23]

Before wiping the HD, make sure you have the latest BIOS version from Dell Support Downloads webpage for your model.

Next follow mjb's suggestion to set SATA controller in BIOS setup to AHCI first, then IDE later if install fails.

Next use baarod's approach wipe the HD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

yeah I think I do need to update bios, I tried to do an upgrade instead of a clean install and I got an error saying so but when I try to update the BIOS I get an error message saying that I need both battery and ac adapter plugged in but my battery is dead, is there a way to force this BIOS update without the use of a battery?

 

[gregrocker]

Put the battery in the laptop, then plug it in.

The Upgrade advisor advised you that you need a BIOS update to run Win7. No mystery here.

I hope you still have your OS to run the BIOS update. Follow the ReadMe instructions closely as you don't want to mess this up.

 

[doh23]

I know but the battery is dead, as in it won't charge so I can't just put the battery, tried it anyways and that message comes up, guess I have to find a way to force it to update. I guess that's a question for another forum for now.

 

[Bill2]

You need to flash in pure dos with the /forceit switch. Use a bootable usb thumb drive, place the bios update file at the root of the drive, then boot from the thumb. At the prompt, type in the name of the bios update .exe file followed by "/forceit" without the quotes, hit Enter. Note, there is a space between the e on exe and the /.

Keep the mains connected during this process and if you have a UPS, then stay connected to it.

 

[doh23]

You need to flash in pure dos with the /forceit switch. Use a bootable usb thumb drive, place the bios update file at the root of the drive, then boot from the thumb. At the prompt, type in the name of the bios update .exe file followed by "/forceit" without the quotes, hit Enter. Note, there is a space between the e on exe and the /.

Keep the mains connected during this process and if you have a UPS, then stay connected to it.

How do[SIZE=-1]es on[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]e cr[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]eat[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]e a bootabl[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]e usb thumb driv[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]e? Tri[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]ed to s[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]earch it, download[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]ed so many diff[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]er[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]ent [/SIZE][SIZE=-1]programs and just fail[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]ed mis[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]erably.[/SIZE]

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello doh23, welcome to Seven Forums!



Have a look at this tutorial at the link below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.


USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create

 

[doh23]

Hello doh23, welcome to Seven Forums!



Have a look at this tutorial at the link below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create

Thanks for the welcome, I don't think that link is what I needed but I did find a tutorial to make a USB msdos loader in the related tutorials section which I'm pretty sure is what I needed.

 

[doh23]

Updated the BIOS but still , one thing I failed to realize that after it says Windows cannot be installed, it also says "this disk may fail soon", is this an error I can get by?

 

[gregrocker]

Run the HD maker's diagnostics/repair CD extended scan: HD Diagnostic

Follow this by running http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html from command line at boot if necessary: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/668-system-recovery-options.html

 

[doh23]

Run the HD maker's diagnostics/repair CD extended scan: HD Diagnostic

Follow this by running http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html from command line at boot if necessary: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/668-system-recovery-options.html

I just did it with a cd I had, all harddriv[SIZE=-1]e t[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]ests fail[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]ed...[/SIZE]

 

[theog]

I got a D[SIZE=-1]ell Inspiron 6400 with XP and I'm trying to do a cl[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]ean install of Windows 7 but this m[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]essag[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]e shows up, any id[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]eas how I can g[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]et pass[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]ed this?[/SIZE]

Can you post a screen shot of the message?
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-how-post-screenshot-seven-forums.html

Screenshot tools.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9717-screenshot-paint.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/51160-screenshot-upload-using-mwsnap.html
fscapture free download

 

[gregrocker]

Try another HD, if HD Diagnostics and Disk Check cannot repair the HD.

 

[doh23]

I changed the hdd with my netbooks and it didn't give any errors before installation, I didn't go through with the installation as I have to go back and backup the files from the netbook hard drive but it seemed like it would work

 

[doh23]

.....

I put the windows 7 iso on a USB since I knew it would install faster than from cd, for some reason I decided to try to install again on my Dell's HDD and even though I got those same errors I was able to hit next and install anyways. Thanks for all replies guys.

 

[gregrocker]

If Win7 can now install to the HD then running the HD diagnostics followed by chkdsk might be able to repair the HD to extend it's life. Even then I would run both tests monthly to monitor it.

Otherwise based on the tests so far I would not expect it to last long.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Good to see you got it running and thanks for the update.