Help with Win 7 Install/Multiple partitions

[Kbass6319]

Hi, I need some help with a new install of Windows 7 on a laptop I just purchased. I'm not a techie kind of guy, but I have done this a few time before with no issues.

I bought a used laptop (Thinkpad T430) off eBay (I own a few of these) with no operating system from a reputable company that resells corporate machines. I have a retail version (32 & 64 bit) of Win7 so I expected a pretty simple install. During the initial installation process, the install froze at "Expanding Windows Files 0%). After about 20 minutes, I realized the CD was not even turning in the drive so I cancelled the installation and attempted it again (2 times). I then tried to startup the computer w/o the disk inserted and get a "BOOTMGR is Missing" error. I rebooted to CD and tried to repair the sytem/startup files and see there are now three partitions that have been created (I assume each time I tried to reinstall Win7).

At this point, I just want to completely reformat the drive, erase all partitions and attempt a fresh installation, but don't know how to do it. I also want to format in a way that completely cleans the drive of any files that may remain embedded on the HDD. Also, I hope someone can tell me why the installation keeps freezing at the "Expanding Windows Files" point of the install process and get past this.

Any help is greatly appreciated!! Thanks

 

[iko22]

Maybe the CD is knackered or damaged in some way, or maybe there is a problem with the installed RAM of the laptop.

You can use DISKPART from a CMD prompt on the CD to clear the partition. You can also select Custom Install and then select re-format disk from there.

 

[Megahertz07]

You don't need to use your retail version (32 & 64 bit) of Win7. See if you have a COA sticker under the laptop or under the battery. If you have it you can use the key to install (same version).
As the T430 is a business laptop, the COA sticker probably has a Win 7 license key. Does your Win 7 installation drive is a Pro version?
How much memory it has?
If 4G or less, install 32 bits. If more than 4G install 64 bits.
Is the installation drive a DVD or a USB flash drive?

To start over, boot from the installation drive, go to install - advanced- delete all partitions till you have one and only one unallocated partition and proceed.
clean-install