Cannot re-install Windows 7 formatting C drive

[Lukas123]

So, I want to re-install Windows 7. And, to make sure I have a clean install, I want to format my C drive. Very easy, just change my BIOS to boot from DVD, insert my LEGAL COPY of Windows 7, and there we go.

The computer picks up the DVD bootable drive, states to enter a key in the time-out window, and I enter the Windows installation program.

Nice.

But, then it states : "Windows failed to start."
Then there's a bunch of text, which you will know already, and it ends with error : 0xc0000185

I cleaned the disc, to make sure there's no error on that. Same result. I also have ANOTHER LEGAL COPY of Windows 7 (for another computer), but also that disc gives the same result : "Windows failed to start."

What does work, is to start Windows installation from inside Windows. I don't like that solution, since it does not format the C drive, and I want to do that. I have a copy of all of the software on that drive (and of all drives, for that matter, since I have other drives).

When I install Windows (from inside Windows) I can select the correct drive (the current C drive), but it does not display the Format option.
My current Windows is no longer stable (which is the reason I want to re-install in the first place), and I feel like it is taking issues along, as long as I don't re-install Windows. Viruses and other malware may be involved here.

 

[Layback Bear]

You can not do a Clean Install from within Windows 7.

You can do a Repair Install from within Windows 7.

Where did you get your DVD's of Windows 7 and were they made by Microsoft?

Where did the COA key come from? So you can properly activate Windows 7.

Tutorials by Brink I recommend reading.


http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

Do you have a Microsoft stick with your COA key on your computer.
Looks like these.

 

[Lukas123]

I got the DVD together with the computer I bought from the local shop here.

Made by Microsoft ? Yes, my Windows DVD is made my Microsoft.

I don't want to fix Windows, I think I made that clear already. I want to re-install Windows, the only way Windows should be re-installed.

Yes I have a label on my computer, yes I have registered Windows already. The computer is running for some years now, with the Windows I'm trying to re-install.

 

[Layback Bear]

Please read my post again. I have updated it.

 

[Lukas123]

Please read my post again. I have updated it.

Me too.

So, I'm stuck in step 2 of that manual (the Clean Install one).

I love it how support thinks EVERY single problem MUST be due to illegal software. And you guys aren't even paid to provide this "support".

 

[Layback Bear]

Step 2 wants you to boot from your DVD. Do you know how to boot from the DVD?

Normally tapping F8 on a Asus motherboard will show you a choice of what to boot from.
Select your DVD drive with the Windows 7 DVD installed. If you DVD is proper and not damaged it should get you to the next step.

 

[sdowney717]

Error Message 0xc0000185 [Solved] - Error Message - Windows 7

Error code has to do with the OS cant read from the dvd drive, according to these folk.
Maybe the disk is bad, or the drive is bad.

So if you want to fresh install, you must boot from the DVD install disc.
there still exists some win7 downloads on torrents and such. So you could download win7 and write an iso to a DVD.
Install it and then activate as long as your installing the same one your COA is good for it will activate and be genuine.
Had to do that with a friends ASUS laptop, he had no install disc from Asus and Asus was less than useless about getting one, know what I mean? But he did have his COA on the laptop.