Pc-1 on new win install in infinite loop w/ format done> how access

[JamesEJ]

Two pc's. PC-1 and PC-2. Using pc-2 now. Both Gateway with win7x64. Tried to install the gateway factory recovery on PC-1 disc but after a format, it went into an infinite loop with no access to boot upon restart due to the formatted state.

Need to know how to gain bootability.

See varied solutions on a usb flash drive boot but too varied for optimum comfort.

Any idea's guys? Thanks, Jim

 

[Ranger4]

Perhaps you could take the hard drive out of PC-1, install it in PC-2, then using something like Macrium Reflect you could clone PC-2s HDD to PC-1 HDD. Then reinstall the HDD back in PC-1.

Then you will have to change the Activation Code of Windows to the Activation code that is shown on the Windows code sticker on PC-1, as after the clone it will have the Activation code of PC-2.

Of course this will only be possible if both computers have virtually identical hardware & you are happy with all the installed programs on PC-2 as they will be duplicated on PC-1.

 

[JamesEJ]

OOoo boy that's a new world but a worthy suggestion looks like. will have to study & open pc to see what I can get at, and that. Thanks much for your kind effort to help, Jim

 

[Megahertz07]

What did you format, the C: drive?
How did you do the factory recover? Did you use the factory recover disks, launched from Windows or launched from BIOS?

 

[mrjimphelps]

How many drives were connected to PC-1 when you did the factory restore? Whenever I install Windows, I always disconnect all drives except for the one I am installing Windows on, to make sure that everything goes on that one drive.

Also, power down then check your hard drive cables (data and power). Make sure that all connectors are securely plugged in. Unplug and replug, to make sure that the connections are clean. See if that solves the problem.

 

[JamesEJ]

How many drives? The sole drive I have on that pc is the HDD. Have flash drives with stored info when needed of course but was booting directly from the optical drive with the factory disc.

cables etc. good advice but usual operating procedure here.

You do not understand. The HDD went thru the format. Its "empty" of bios programs. The factory cd is what is running the show.

Thus my interest in a usb startup.

Thanks, guy. Jim

 

[Megahertz07]

Can you explain (please, in details) what and how did you did the attempt to do a Factory recover?
What did you format, the C: drive?
How did you do the factory recover? Did you use the factory recover disks, launched from Windows or launched from BIOS?

 

[JamesEJ]

Megahertz07. Yes, the c drive, thru the optical drive. The factory recover was done by quickly inserting the 1st factory disc (of 5 disc's total) and turning off the power. The with the keyboard and mouse setup, turning the PC back on. Ctrl + f10 was used as that is the keys to use for Gateway. Yes, these are factory recovery discs I used. the launch then occurred but during the process, the bios became necessary as I recall. That about what I can recall right now.

 

[JamesEJ]

Uhh my first reply today so far was to mrjimphelps.

Then, I saw Megahertz07's reply and just replied to that.

Hope that clears procedural things up for now. Jim

 

[JamesEJ]

Leaving for about 1/2 hour. Be back then, Jim

 

[Megahertz07]

Lets try a factory recover from BIOS.
Turn on the computer, after a beep, enter BIOS pressing DEL key.
Look for a "Factory Recover" or something like that. It can be a F? key.

 

[JamesEJ]

Ok, back. Will do, and jot down what happens. Bu as I recall, it will be an infinite loop and with no bios accessable. Back in a bit.

 

[JamesEJ]

OK, started up pc1 and hit delete key repeatedly. The screen went to a black background w/ white letters. Says: start windows normally? A starting Windows now logo appears. Then it says "setup is starting services". The window popup says:
"The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. To install windows, click "OK" to restart the computer and then restart the installation".

That's it Megahertz07. This is where the endless loop reoccurs time after time w/o a bios due to the fact the HD went thru a format. Jim

PS: advance notice. leaving for a bit at about 8:30 am. but then will be here until 11:30. J

 

[JamesEJ]

check in. Back from the 8:30 am departure. Jim

 

[JamesEJ]

looks like some posts disappeared. this is what happens in an attempted boot and hitting delete. Goes to a Black background with white letters, saying start normal and then the windows logo appears. Then it says "setup is starting services" with a popup that then says: "The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. To install windows, click "OK" to restart the computer, and then restart the Installation."

this is what occurs again and again in an endless loop, with no bios available due to the HD having been formatted. Jim

 

[JamesEJ]

oh, now the posts showed up! Go figure?

Am now departing for about 1 hour. Will check in upon my return. Jim

 

[Megahertz07]

OK, started up pc1 and hit delete key repeatedly. The screen went to a black background w/ white letters. Says: start windows normally? A starting Windows now logo appears. Then it says "setup is starting services". The window popup says:
"The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. To install windows, click "OK" to restart the computer and then restart the installation".

That's it Megahertz07. This is where the endless loop reoccurs time after time w/o a bios due to the fact the HD went thru a format. Jim

PS: advance notice. leaving for a bit at about 8:30 am. but then will be here until 11:30. J

You didn't enter BIOS. It tried to boot the HDD. Most computers enter BIOS by pressing Del. But it can be F2.
When you turn on the computer and POST start, there should be a some instructions on the bottom of the screen. It remains only for some seconds, so pay attention.

 

[Ranger4]

According to this website F1 is the key to get into the BIOS on Gateway computers.

https://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/enter-gateway-bios-19924.html

This Gateway pdf of the user manual might help as well.

http://cdn.cnetcontent.com/d9/c6/d9c62a18-f68a-49f6-8f92-b681ed1569fb.pdf

 

[TechnoMage2016]

Hi Jim,
I was going to say, "bring it on down here and I'll fix it for you", then I saw where you're from.
Too far away for a road trip, or house call. Oh well, so much for that thought.

It's most likely that the installer doesn't like what it's seeing on the HD. I've had that happen and I just disconnect the HD from it's own PC and connect the drive to my Main PC (as a slave) and use a Partition Manager, on my own PC, to wipe the HD.
Then with a 'Clean' drive, the installer will work OK.

There are several versions on that theme, but one will usually work.

Good Luck,

PS: I've never seen a factory install disk take more than one DVD. You said "Six" DVD's?

 

[JamesEJ]

ok, ok GUYS!!!! REALLY GENUINELY APPRECIATE ALL THE HELPFUL EFFORTS.. I'll stop the appreciative shouting now.

I did the F1 (& F2 & Del) again with the same loop end result. Please keep this in mind guys: this disk has been formatted by the gateway recovery programs running off the initial system disk. Thus, that format wiped out the BIOS programs you're looking to get at with your kind help. sigh!
TechnoMage2016 your thot is similar to the initial post of Ranger4. But I see your logic and methods can well be the answer. I would love to explore this method with you further. Please stick around so we can clarify some points. God idea!