can't upgrade from WinXP

[terster110909]

I know Windows XP is 10 years old, but upgrading to Windows 7 should not be so difficult. After 3 solid days of trying I give up. I tried the Pro verison and Home Premium versions ($299 and $199). I tried a clean install to a new SATA drive. I updated my DVD R/W firmware. With only 1 hard drive and 1 DVD drive connected, it still won't install (error 80070750). MS help was useless ("try a forum"). Hello Apple!

 

[seekermeister]

Without details, it would be difficult to be precise, but from the prices mentioned, it sounds as though you bought full retail versions, which should be easier than what I currently have W7 Pro Upgrade. I did a clean install, but had to leave the serial key window blank to complete the install, then follow the instructions here:

http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp

You don't need XP installed, nor the XP media to do this.

 

[terster110909]

Thanks, but that won't work for me.

Windows 7 fails at "Expanding Windows files (0%)". It did this with 2 separate software packages, and with many hardware configurations.

I read that Windows 7 Upgrade works far better than the full "premium" versions - because that's where most of the money is.

 

[terster110909]

Oh, and of course I checked for 100% hardware compatibility first.

The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor tests passed.

The motherboard manufacturer, BIOStar, stated the P4M900-M4 was OK with Windows 7. Maybe my old Pentium 4 is the heart of the problem.

Moral of the story: users are forced to keep up with technology. If you get too far behind, too many years between upgrades, nobody will support you. I feel sorry for third world countries likely to inherit the obsolete stuff.

 

[kegobeer]

Update your system specs - refer to the link in my profile.

Then, post all of the steps you tried, in order. Be very specific - the more detail you give, the more we can help.

 

[Dinesh]

You could try following the link in my sig.

 

[Amdkt7]

Sometimes it is as simple as some bios setting. If you have not already done so, update the bios, then clear the bios. Default settings should get you going.

Next I recommend running Memtest86+ 4.0
Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

Many problems with ram will cause install to fail. Overclocking will cause it to fail.

I remember once I had to down clock a mobo (make it run slower) to install Win98, after I was done I was able to put the speed back to normal. Just an example of hardware problems that are possible.

 

[bobkn]

Oh, and of course I checked for 100% hardware compatibility first.

The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor tests passed.

The motherboard manufacturer, BIOStar, stated the P4M900-M4 was OK with Windows 7. Maybe my old Pentium 4 is the heart of the problem.

Moral of the story: users are forced to keep up with technology. If you get too far behind, too many years between upgrades, nobody will support you. I feel sorry for third world countries likely to inherit the obsolete stuff.

I'd be more concerned about the Via chipset on the board than the P4.

On the other hand, I'd hope that the Win7 upgrade advisor would be able to detect an issue with the chipset, and let you know whether you needed to install any additional drivers to allow the Win7 installation.

You seem to be unwilling to post enough information to permit people to help you. Good luck with your upgrade.

 

[Fuzzbutts]

You could also try unplugging everything you can from your system except your DVD reader, primary hard disk (the one your installing onto), mouse, keyboard (try a PS2 keyboard) and your video card/monitor. In BIOS try changing your hard disk controller "Modes".

Use 2GB of RAM or less too.

I spent 3 solid hours pulling my hair out trying to get it to install on a 2 year old system of mine. Only thing that helped was the tip I typed above. I tried both the 32 and 64 bit versions. I eventually also changed my primary hard disk controller to ACHI from RAID. I know that might cause issues with my other drives but took the risk and and it worked.