Need help installing SP1 update on w7 64 that runs off external usb hd

[joe7dust]

I've tried the "normal" way, manual way per MS instructions/DL, and also tried a couple of 3rd-party methods. Nothing worked. Not only am I not able to install SP1, it seems they are holding me off of getting any newer updates at all since I'm not on SP1 yet.... (sp1 has been the only important update now for over a week)

This is a fresh install of win7 64, but please note I have an atypical installation here. I had to install w7 to an external hd because the internal ssd has a very minor smart error which the w7 installer checks for, and I have a crappy mobo bios with no smart disabling options. (Thanks HP for neutering Pegatron's bios, I know you thought that would've forced me to call and order a new hdd from you before I really needed to but oops I'm not falling for it)

Anyways, I'm about 90% sure the sp1 update is seeing that I'm running this windows installation off a usb hdd. It is the type with no SATA connectors and I don't want to have to get a usb to sata adapter to use the "right" way.

So far the best idea I've had to fix this would be to JTAG the hdd to flip the bit that reports it as removeable media. Not being a JTAG owner yet, I am hoping someone here has a simpler recommendation.

 

[torchwood]

Hi Joe,
first thoughts
W7 hates being No2.
Please ensure that your BOOT order goes to your External drive FIRST.

Does the HP maintainance bloatware include the option to turn of Smart.

Roy

 

[joe7dust]

Hi Joe,
first thoughts
W7 hates being No2.
Please ensure that your BOOT order goes to your External drive FIRST.

Does the HP maintainance bloatware include the option to turn of Smart.

Roy

Boot order is already set correctly, how would I be able to run Windows and attempt updates if that weren't the case?

The only thing from hp that would *fix* this is a bios update that allows me to disable the smart checking 100% and before anything boots. Also I am not sure if I could even install Windows the another internal hdd since that is a dynamic disk format. The ssd that was originally "bad" is not connected at all ever. I disconnected because the post warning that slowed down the booting process got annoying. The drive actually works great an the particular smart attribute that is out of "good" range is a very minor one and in my opinion based on it's description should never be used to justify preventing a clean windows install the normal way, but either MS didn't see it that way or the installer doesn't differentiate between different smart attributes at all.

Either way I know damned well neither MS nor HP have any interest in letting us extend the life of the hardware. Since "smart" has somehow taken root and stuck because the average user doesn't know what the different codes mean and doesn't make proper backups, the rest us can't even use our hardware the way we want to without buying a version of the motherboard that hasn't been crapped on by the system builder.

Anyways I might actually JTAG the damned thing and edit the hex value to be what it wants to see, or mod my bios to ignore smart reports entirely. Would it be a wise use of my time? Maybe not... Depends on how often I use the firmware hacking skills and equipment again in the future as a beneficial life skill I suppose. There's also the "yeah I just did the impossible" thrill such things can proc occasionally.

 

[torchwood]

Hi Joe,
can you post a days entries from the WindowsUpdate log,

Roy

 

[joe7dust]

Sure I'll send you a pm.

 

[torchwood]

Joe,
NO
it will be to big,
there is no personal data,
attach as zip.

Roy

 

[joe7dust]

Joe,
NO
it will be to big,
there is no personal data,
attach as zip.

Roy

I compressed it to 10% of what it was, would still prefer the method I pm'd you about. I would never try to pm it as raw text ahaha, not even free pastebin will take it.

Edit: Also just so we're on the same page, the reason I didn't want to attach it here is that although my personal info isn't there. There is still enough data to essentially fingerprint my system and not much reason to share that publicly unless you think you'll need help analyzing it.

 

[joe7dust]

Added you as contact/friend here in case that unlocks attachments for pm here. (in case you don't feel comfortable having me send an email)

 

[torchwood]

Hi Joe,
lets go a SMALLER route, What is your error code, 800b0100/9c59.

For whatever error code can you post the 6 lines above/below it.

Roy

 

[joe7dust]

Hi Joe,
lets go a SMALLER route, What is your error code, 800b0100/9c59.

For whatever error code can you post the 6 lines above/below it.

Roy

800F0A12

the code you mentioned wasn't in the log, and error was always proceeded by " = 0"

 

[joe7dust]

Hi Joe,
lets go a SMALLER route, What is your error code, 800b0100/9c59.

For whatever error code can you post the 6 lines above/below it.

Roy

Online research suggests I might have more than 1 partition set to active, but that is not the case here. The only "active" partition is on the drive I boot w7 from which is hooked up via USB.

 

[joe7dust]

Hi Joe,
lets go a SMALLER route, What is your error code, 800b0100/9c59.

For whatever error code can you post the 6 lines above/below it.

Roy

Pm'd you a screenshot that might help.

 

[torchwood]

Hi Joe,
That error usually occurs because the SP1 update cant see/find the 100mb MBR partition thats created by W7 on installation.
(check in disk management), if its not there follow this tutorial.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/20864-mbr-restore-windows-7-master-boot-record.html?ltr=M

As you have an atypical set-up we may have to go a different route,
using eastbcd and have to force mount the install.
NOT MY AREA.

Roy

INFO ONLY POSSIBLE
open a command prompt, running it elevated as Administrator, and type “mountvol /E” at the command prompt.

 

[joe7dust]

Hi Joe,
That error usually occurs because the SP1 update cant see/find the 100mb MBR partition thats created by W7 on installation.
(check in disk management), if its not there follow this tutorial.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/20864-mbr-restore-windows-7-master-boot-record.html?ltr=M

As you have an atypical set-up we may have to go a different route,
using eastbcd and have to force mount the install.
NOT MY AREA.

Roy



open a command prompt, running it elevated as Administrator, and type “mountvol /E” at the command prompt.

I appreciate the effort, but due to previous bad experiences I will absolutely not be tampering with the MBR for this. Worst comes to worse I just gotta order a usb to sata adapter and wait, then clean install it again in a manner more pleasing to Mr. Gates.

 

[torchwood]

Hi Joe,
Its there so >>maybe<< using the force mount option, i edited in after, might work.
If your happy to try it .

If you go the re-install route you can download W7SP1 Iso's, (direct from MS if you have a Retail key).

Roy

 

[joe7dust]

Hi Joe,
Its there so >>maybe<< using the force mount option, i edited in after, might work.
If your happy to try it .

If you go the re-install route you can download W7SP1 Iso's, (direct from MS if you have a Retail key).

Roy

No echo from this command, no error either. Not sure if it did anything. What should I be looking for? I guess step #2/3 is reboot and reattempt the sp1 update?

 

[joe7dust]

Haven't rebooted yet but it's still doing the same thing. (downloading 0Kb update, 0% complete ... forever, well after a long time I think it does fail and give the error I posted earlier)

 

[joe7dust]

Hi Joe,
Its there so >>maybe<< using the force mount option, i edited in after, might work.
If your happy to try it .

If you go the re-install route you can download W7SP1 Iso's, (direct from MS if you have a Retail key).

Roy

Same thing after reboot, just sits at downloading 1 update 0kb total, 0% complete.