Solved Failed Drive replaced-new one fails

[patriceltic]

Dell All in One 2305. 5 years old. 4GB ram. Failed drive which I had to replace. Removed it (Seagate 1TB Sata 3) and installed a new one. Seagate 1TB Sata 3. Loaded system recovery dvd's that I made when I purchased the system. System restore took place. Loaded all the programs that it came from factory with. Took around an hour to get the programs loaded - suddenly it gave off with beep beep and command window opened with message: Unable to locate a valid partition to mount - RW_FAT16. This is not the complete message as it kept scrolling so it was hard to read. Then it would go to the windows start page, Welcome, and reach a point and go into the command window again.

This is not the fault of the drive, correct? It seemed to be doing its job. I also made a repair disk. Should I use that or what? I just purchased the drive yesterday - should I return it and if I can return it, should I erase whatever DID get loaded on it? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[samuria]

The drive will be fine the recovery is looking for a partition that may have been on the original drive if in doubt you can go to makers site and download a disk test

 

[patriceltic]

Thank you for that info. Hate to appear so stupid but not clear on what the disk test will do if the drive is fine as you say. If the recovery is looking for a partition that was on original disk, is there anything I can do to fix that?

 

[patriceltic]

They have a utility called "drive detect" - is that what you mean? Did not see a disk test.

 

[patriceltic]

They also have a program called Disk Wizard which does the following: "The software lets you quickly install your new disc drive with wizards that guide you through the processes of creating and formatting partitions on your disc drive, transferring data, and backing up your data".
Would this help?

 

[Megahertz07]

There are two different partition types: Legacy - MBR and UEFI - GPT.
As the recovery disks normally installs a disk image, the partitions type on the disk must mach those on the image.

I would say that you need to use the Disk Wizard to make the right partitions (I would say that your system must have UEFI - GPT).

If everything fails you can install Win 7 using the COA key that is on a label at your computer. Let us know so we can guide you thought.

 

[patriceltic]

Wow - all of those terms are far over my head. I am willing to use the Disk Wizard but not sure how to go about selecting the partition type as you indicated.I am assuming the wizard would step me through it. Also, I found the COA numbers on back of desktop. There are a bunch of numbers back there. Is it the 25 digit one? I don't have an install disk - only the recovery disks I made. I am really at a loss for operating at this level of expertise. I do appreciate your input very much.

 

[Megahertz07]

Download the Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool. https://heidoc.net/php/Windows ISO Downloader.exe
Run it and choose Win7 - On type Choose Win 7 HP OEM and select the language. Download the Iso file.
Burn the iso on a DVD or make a Win 7 bootable installation flash disk using Rufus Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way

Boot the installation disk. Go to Install- advanced - delete all partitions - create new. Windows will create the necessary partitions.
Install on the large NTFS partition.
Use the COA key to activate.

For the updates: MS releases SP2 for Windows 7

 

[patriceltic]

I will give it a try. This will cure the problem? Also I note that you call out HP OEM - I am installing this on a Dell so I should use that line, correct? Thank you again for your help.

 

[patriceltic]

Also can I use Chrome for these downloads or does it have to be IE?

 

[patriceltic]

ok now I am confused - I am going to download this to my HP laptop, run it on my laptop and then dl an iso file and make a divd to install on my dell desktop? sorry but this is all new stuff for me but I am willing to try so I can save my lovely Dell all in one. Thanks again.

 

[Megahertz07]

HP = Home Premium.
Isn't that your Win 7 brand?
It also have Home basic, professional and ultimate.
It can be installed on any OEM (HP, Dell etc)

 

[patriceltic]

Yes that's what I have. Sorry for my confusion.

 

[SIW2]

Dell Windows 7 64 Bit PSP2 Reinstallation .isos – April 2016 Media Refresh

 

[patriceltic]

Well, thanks to all - I am not able to get past error msg window -- I cannot get to any other drives, as in dvd or jump drive. I hit F12 or F8 or any of the other keys but system will not budge past the command window. Thanks.

 

[patriceltic]

Created the iso on dvd. if I am able to get to a drive, I just put the dvd in the Dell and it should start, right? Unfortunately, I cannot get to any drives.

 

[Megahertz07]

It will only start from the DVD IF the is set to first drive on boot sequence at BIOS.
To enter BIOS press F2 as soon as you turn your computer on.

 

[patriceltic]

I did do F2 in the last attempt but it still will not get past that command window. I think this replaced drive is non-functioning if I can't get to the boot sequence. Do you think Microsoft will be able to get me past it? I have Assure support. Seems like there must be a way to get past that error list command screen. Thanks again.

 

[Megahertz07]

Try to enter BIOS pressing DEL or F2 as soon as you turn your computer on. Press Del then F2 then Del then F2....
MS doesn't give you support as you can't boot the installation disk.

 

[patriceltic]

You are so right - they see it as a hardware issue. I will try your latest suggestion. I may end up taking it into Staples - I hope they can get past that command window. Thanks very much.