please don't laugh...

[gregrocker]

The WD 320gb HD is an IDE drive. So shouldn't the Bios be set to IDE mode.

This is why I asked to see a snap of the BIOS listings for SATA/IDE drives, not just Boot Order. There is always a section where drives register. What registers and what are settings?

I think you're right Doc. Change AHCI to IDE to try install to same partition. Reformat.

Next reset the CMOS.

 

[DocBrown]

Do you have any blank DVD-R Discs available to burn a new install DVD ?

We use the Freeware Program ImgBurn ! :ar: The Official ImgBurn Website


Burn at 4x speed with verify ON !

 

[mypcbroke]

Do you have any blank DVD-R Discs available to burn a new install DVD ?

We use the Freeware Program ImgBurn ! :ar: The Official ImgBurn Website


Burn at 4x speed with verify ON !

Yes, I do.

Also, new error:
"The file is possibly corrupt. The file header checksum does not match the computed checksum."

?

I'll continue on with the install by booting via DVD

 

[kodi]

Disable network boot
Set sata mode to IDE
You are correct there is only one harddrive installed and it is at IDE0
Clear cmos
Try again
Let windows format and install if it asks.

 

[kodi]

If the above doesn't work do you have a friend with a retail copy of windows 7 or vista you could borrow and install but do not input the keys.
this will rule out the disk and point towards the hard drive.

 

[kodi]

In post #32 you sat that the disc is an upgrade disc, I think this was stated earlier that it may be looking for an ACER install and can't find it.
I would try an install from a borrowed disk to try to confirm this.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

In post #32 you sat that the disc is an upgrade disc, I think this was stated earlier that it may be looking for an ACER install and can't find it.
I would try an install from a borrowed disk to try to confirm this.

This is a very good question and it is possible that is what is causing the problem.

 

[gregrocker]

As stated earlier, we have two Acer Upgrade Kits here and the DVD is a full Win7 installer with nothing added.
If you want to know for sure, Open the DVD to browse the files and post a screenshot back

However it is possible this disk is corrupt or somehow different. So borrowing or otherwise obtaining a Win7 installer (to unlock if necessary) to try the install is a good idea: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/85813-windows-7-universal-installation-disc-create.html

 

[mypcbroke]

Fresh DVD and attempt number 87 (or so) to install Windows. This time, at restart and boot I get this error:
BOOTMGR image is corrupt. The system cannot boot.

So I restarted my pc without the DVD and I received the error that is shown in the picture below.
Then I eventually I got the second image... I haven't hit anything yet, is there a specific "mode" I should pick?

Am I going through the A to Z of possible errors that can occur with Windows boot? :-\

 

[gregrocker]

See if you can boot into Safe Mode.

Next boot into Win7 DVD to run Startup Repair.

It looks like you have an install.

Post back a PW disk map snap.

 

[mypcbroke]

Choose Start Windows normally to see what happens.
Received the same error as to what was pictured 1st in my previous post
Next try Safe Mode. Then Last Known Good Config.

Next boot into Win7 DVD to run Startup Repair.

It looks like you have an install.

Post back a PW disk map snap.

Attempting Safe Mode. But before that, I also eventually got to this screen:

 

[gregrocker]

You have a WIn7 installation or you wouldn't have that menu.

If it won't boot into Safe Mode, then boot the DVD to run Startup Repair.

Post back a PW screenshot.

You never describe fully at what step in install it restarts to the error. Is this after the "Windows is setting up...." screens?

 

[mypcbroke]

You never describe fully at what step in install it restarts to the error. Is this after the "Windows is setting up...." screens?

Oh, woops. It comes up right after the Acer screen.

Currently, I'm waiting on Safe Mode... it says:
Loading Windows Files
Please wait...

I'll give it a little while then do the other steps you mentioned

 

[DocBrown]

One of your recent screen pics said something about external devices ?

Nothing extra connected to the laptop ? Printer, Ext monitor, USB Flash, Ext HD, etc ?

I am still grasping for straws in your install

 

[gregrocker]

But does it complete the install, going through those restarts ok? Do you see type saying "Windows is setting up the Registry," etc. Does is complete the steps after Installing Files, Expanding Files, etc?

Attempt Safe Mode with Networking and try to connect with us.

Try to see what driver it fails on loading, if Safe Mode fails.

Startup Repair should work now. But lets see the drive map first because it will confirm if intact install is config'd correctly.

 

[mypcbroke]

Sorry, a little ahead of you guys. I ran Startup Repair via DVD. I just received the mesage in the picture.

How do I "connect with us" via Safe Mode?

 

[DocBrown]

Were you able to be connected with a Cat5 ethernet cable to the intenet with this laptop ?

 

[gregrocker]

Boot the Win7 DVD, press Shift F10 to open Command Line, type:

bootrec.exe /fixmbr
bootrec.exe /fixboot

Report back for additional steps if necessary.

 

[Dave76]

One of your recent screen pics said something about external devices ?

Nothing extra connected to the laptop ? Printer, Ext monitor, USB Flash, Ext HD, etc ?

I am still grasping for straws in your install

As Doc mentioned, you should disconnect everything from your laptop except power and internet cable.


@ Greg, Doc, Kodi, BFK and others,

If this current install doesn't work, hope it does, do you think taking the DVD drive out of the equation might help?
Install from USB?
There seems to be a lot of install errors.

 

[gregrocker]

Sure, worth a try Dave. Maybe you can walk her through USB install.

The "missing OS loader" Startup Repair result also needs pursuiing, if she indeed has an installation - which Advanced Boot Tools would indicate.

Waiting to see the PW disk management snap.