Cannot reinstal Windows7 - cannot retreive disk information

[Vinni]

Hi all, i am hoping someone can help me with this issue.

I have been running windows7 for a while now but decided to format my computer.

i have tried both reinstalling windows as a fresh install and upgrading from xp sp3 but i get a error message:

Windows could not retrieve information about the disks on this computer.

I have red some threads about this but none seem to work.

1. more than 2GB memory can spoil the install: so atm i am only running 2GB ram.
2. enabling the virtual drive: not listed on my PC.
3. populate the disk info via device manager: info is populated but as soon as i click OKAY, the info dissapears. i have tried populating then upgrading to windows7 but still get the same error message.
4. Disconnected all other Harddrives, including CD/DVD drives
5. Tried using different CD/DVD drives including a new one.
6. Set Bios back to Default settings.

At the moment i have gone back to Windows XP SP3

could someone please help me resolve this.

Thanks
Vince

 

[Golden]

At what point do you get this message?

Follow the steps in this tutorial to reinstall Windows:

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

 

[Vinni]

Hi, i get the message straight after the setup files are installed.

i dont even get to step 3 on that guide.

 

[Golden]

That doesnt make sense - files arent installed until well past step 3. You dont install setup files - They are run from the installation media.

Are you installing from a DVD?

 

[Vinni]

yes i am using a dvd, i run the disc and it says something about installing files and then i get the error message.

 

[Vinni]

sorry you are right, it is not step 3.

 

[Golden]

What type of HDD are in this computer? Are all other devices disconnected with the exception of the HDD you wish to install too?

Can you reconfirm at which screen you get the error message?

 

[Vinni]

when booting off the disc the message pops up after i pick after step 6.
if i try and upgrade from xp, it says something about installing or running setup and then i get the error message.

 

[Golden]

Thats better! Choose Custom, and in the next screen format the disk and then create a new partition. Installation should then proceed as normal.

 

[Vinni]

I did format and re-partition the first time. all other drives are disconnected.

the main drive is a western digital sata which is about 120GB, but i have it partitioned @ 60gb each.

 

[Vinni]

i will try again now, thanks Golden

 

[Gary]

Try this, it works. I did it two days ago.

Repair Install

 

[VistaKing]

If he doesn't have Windows 7 installed . What will the repair install do ?

 

[Gary]

If he doesn't have Windows 7 installed . What will the repair install do ?

Nothing but if he could get Win 7 installed enough to boot to, it will work. One does not need a complete Win 7 installation.

 

[gregrocker]

Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. (If an EFI BIOS you'll need to decide if you want UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS. If UEFI follow these special steps for Install, otherwise enable Legacy BIOS or Compatibility Support Module to proceed with normal install.) Set DVD drive first to boot, HD second, set SATA controller to AHCI, Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into Windows 7 installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here.

At first installer screen Press Shift + F10, or enter System Recovery Options to open a Command Box, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY SIZE=102400 (for 100gb partition, adjust as desired)
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
ACTIVE
EXIT
EXIT

Next click Install Now, then Custom install to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.

After install you can adjust partition size or Create new partitions for data, etc. in Disk Mgmt. You are creating the partition here for the purpose of wiping and marking it Active which overcomes certain install failures.

 

[Vinni]

All good, thanks golden.

I did do it this way last time.

The only diff i can think of was that i did a disk clean yesterday.

 

[Golden]

So its installed now without any problems?