Solved Installed new HDD but cant install new Win7: Error Loading OS

[heythereTX]

History: This was the second computer I built, and all was well... until the HDD crashed. Replaced with a new WD10EZEX SATA6G. Reset the bios back to factory default. Then used BOOT menu to Boot from CD, and inserted the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Full 32/64 Bit Version CD, to install 32-bit. After running the installation (Clean Custom), I receive an error message about "Unable to Load OS" and am unable to make any changes here.

Searched Google, and found instructions to Fix the Master Boot Record (MBR) from Command Prompt. When I get to the section on changing the Active Partition - I encounter issues. Entering DiskPart is fine, but typing List Part and pressing enter - I get an alphabetical list of command options, and not a list of all connected disks. I can't use the CLEAN command without selecting a part, but there aren't any to clean, and I can't make a part active, either. Do I need to have an active partition to resolve the "error loading operating system"? Should I try creating a new partition (Step 7 here)?

I'm stuck on how to continue with the installation of Win7. I've seen a few other threads with similar situations, but nothing that matched exactly. I only have one HDD, and no other OS is/was loaded. I tried the System Repair from the Install Screen - selecting "Repair Your Computer" but that gives me the same error.

Appreciate any guidance. New to building computers, and am stuck.

 

[VistaKing]

Press enter when you see the screen that says Press any key to boot from cd or DVD…( image below )

When you get to this screen ( image below )

Press Shift and F10 . You will get a command prompt window . It should open up to X:\Sources . In there input these commands and press enter after each line .

[hl]
DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0
CLEAN
CREATE PRIMARY PARTITION 
SELECT PARTITION 1 
ACTIVE 
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="Any name you want" QUICK 
ASSIGN LETTER=C
EXIT
EXIT
[/hl]

Back on the image above press Install Now . Check the I accept the license terms box and click on Next. Click on the Custom (advanced) option. Then choose
Disk 0 Partition 1: Window (C:\) and click Next

 

[theog]

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Full 32/64 Bit Version CD,

Where do you buy your DVD from?

 

[heythereTX]

Thanks for the prompt help! I bought Win7 CD on ebay (I know, risky, but has COA and proceeds for charity). For the CMD Prompt code: I successfully completed the CLEAN and CREATE PRIMARY PARTITION, but then I get an error message: "The Disk is not initialized."

[hl]
DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0
CLEAN
CREATE PRIMARY PARTITION --> error message: "The Disk is not initialized."
[/hl]

How do I initialize it?

 

[VistaKing]

Change Create primary partition to create partition primary

 

[heythereTX]

Thanks, VistaKing! Partitioning successful! Trying the Win7 install again.

 

[VistaKing]

Make sure Windows 7 says its made it Puerto Rico . eBay is known to sell fakes that look like the original .

 

[heythereTX]

It's a brand new HDD, and I used CMD Prompt to CLEAN the Disk Part, create a new partition, make it active, and then Boot the CD-ROM for a new installation of Win 7 Home Premium 32-bit. New error is "Missing Operating System/Error Loading Operating System." But I just loaded it. I tried fixing the Master Boot Record (found on another thread), and then installing Win7 again, and same error.

Since it's a new HDD, and I've tried the DISKPART clean, and tried a clean Win7 install, could the problem be the mobo BIOS? If so, how do I fix without the original mobo GIGABYTE GA-M68MT-S2P CD? No idea what more to try, since it seems to load Win7 just fine, but then when I restart, I get that error.

 

[VistaKing]

Is the disc a retail copy or an OEM ?

 

[heythereTX]

It's an OEM version.

 

[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
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 the HD and marking Active which overcomes certain install failures.

 

[gregrocker]

Please mark this thread Unsolved at top since it shows no sign of being solved and having marked it thusly is driving away help you could be receiving.

If you knew that almost all Win7 sold on eBay if counterfeit, why did you buy it? I would myself immediately call MS Customer service to check the Product Key is genuine. If not file a refund with eBay and your bank immediately before its too late. I would do this on a parallel track to doing the install. If the steps above fail use the latest official installer provided as the disk may be tampered with.

 

[Faladu]

If the HD is new, why don't they let the Windows 7 install run and do the HD stuff through the GUI?

I swear that is what I always do, and am reinstalling 7 again myself soon on a new SSD arriving supposedly today.

I have never used diskpart EVER and I've installed 7 at least 7 times on this rig over time.
I did all my partition stuff ahead though when necessary via an app like Active Partition Manager or Disk Management within 7, helps having a SATA docking station and SATA to USB adaptor though.