could not retrieve information about disks on computer

[tomb332]

Ok, i have recently got a copy of windows 7 professional x64 from the MSDNAA. However, when i try to do a clean instillation after the button marked 'Install Now' the following error is shown 'Windows could not retrieve information about the disks on this computer' and i am taken back to the 'Install Now' screen. Any ideas on what could be going wrong?

 

[BCXtreme]

Are you running the setup program from within Windows, or are you booting from the disc?

 

[tomb332]

Booting from a disc, as i am attempting to install the 64bit version, but my copy of vista is 32bit. Also i wanted to redo the partitioning of the main drive as there are 2 recovery partitions that i have never really used.

 

[BCXtreme]

Can you boot into Vista, and take a screenshot of the Disk Management console?

 

[tomb332]

There you go.

 

[BCXtreme]

This error can sometimes be caused by a disc corruption. If you burned the disc yourself using a disc image, try burning it again (preferably to a fresh disc), this time at the slowest speed possible. Then try booting from the new disc.

 

[tomb332]

I have done so twice, and i have made a bootable USB drive. All give me the same error.

 

[BCXtreme]

Now are you getting this error immediately after clicking "Custom" install, or are you getting it immediately after clicking "Install Now"? Your original post was slightly confusing on this point...

 

[tomb332]

Immediately after clicking install now.

 

[BCXtreme]

Do me a favor and try running the setup from within Vista ... don't actually let it start installing, but I want to see if the same error occurs in the same place.

 

[tomb332]

Sorry, i can't as the disc is for 64bit windows 7, but my vista is 32bit. So the setup program is incompatible and will not run.

 

[BCXtreme]

This error indicates that the Windows 7 disc is not able to get disk and partition information from the BIOS\motherboard. This could be due to some sort of problem with one of the hard drives. Try unplugging one of the hard drives, and see if the disc will boot properly. Try this with each of your three drives. And verify that NO removable media (external drives, SD cards, etc) are plugged in to the computer while you do so.

 

[tomb332]

I have tried removing all but the drive which windows 7 is to be installed upon. And removing all unnecessary peripherals and the error is still shown. One removable device is still in place as my best results so far are with using a memory stick to hold the windows 7 data.

 

[BCXtreme]

Just so you know, I am still working to find a solution. I have not given up hope yet! Keep watching this topic and I will let you know as soon as I find a fix.

 

[BCXtreme]

Hey,

Have you resolved this error yet? I've been looking at tons of information regarding this error, and I can't find any cases where this happens when booting from the disc. The only further suggestion I can give is to try updating your BIOS; you'll need instructions from your OEM to do that.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.