please don't laugh...

[gregrocker]

There is nothing overt that indicates memory - just going through the motions to test all of the hardware if we don't get anywhere with the install attempts.

Now that you have the USB flash stick, trying install with it will tell us a lot.

(As the download page says, use memtest 3.5 for less than 4gb RAM.)

We still have some more tricks up our sleeve: Do you have or know anyone with Acronis 10+ which can make an image on another machine and then remove all the drivers to reimage to your HD? I happen to have it. You'll need a second machine with a HD to install upon, or with Win7 already installed.

 

[DocBrown]

Memtest will take too much time right now, the fastest try would be the 4gb Flash install

 

[mypcbroke]

Do I have to do anything before installing? Do I have to format the partition? And I'm assuming I'm picking ther larger of the two...

 

[gregrocker]

It needs to be tested using the pre-partitioning you have - format both partitions, install to larger one,

AND then if install fails next delete both partitions to let the installer create and format the partitions.

 

[Dave76]

EDIT:

If you still have installation issues, you can do it later.
/EDIT


Follow Greg's recommendation and run memtest86+ if there is still problems with the installation.

A problem with RAM might cause this issue.

Use version 3.5 if you have less than 4GB RAM, if you have 4GB RAM or more use 3.4.

If you get errors, note them, and stop the test.
Let us know the errors and the number of passes.

 

[kodi]

You say that you have a fresh DVD where did it come from is it a borrowed one or a reburn of the old one that may be faulty.
You really need to try an install disc borrowed begged or stolen from a friend that has successfully installed windows from it.
If that doesn't work, as mentioned it may be the DVD drive. Do you have a laser cleaning disc to clean the DVD player?

 

[mypcbroke]

DVD is fresh one. I'm not currently using the Acer upgrade one

Currently running Memtest-86

 

[Lordbob75]

Guys, I think we are providing TOO much information... Overloading her a little bit...

~Lordbob

 

[mypcbroke]

Memtest ended. Says: Pass complete, no errors. Press Esc to exit


Booted via USB. Formatted both partition and crossing fingers as installing (yet again). If that doesn't work I'll do what greg suggested earlier of deleting and letting installer format the partitions.
Getting super sleepy over here on the east coast so I'll try this and hit the sack. Thanks guys!

 

[Dave76]

Memtest86+ will run many different tests and loop (going on for many hours), if there are any flagrant errors they will usually show up within the first hour.
This should be good enough for now, if any others agree you might try it again later.
Most people let it run overnight, while they sleep.

Glad to hear the memtest86+ passed the initial test, good to have that out of the way.

Greg has the best suggestion on how to proceed.

 

[DocBrown]

Now lets see if you can earn your Skilled Badge by doing the USB Flash Win7 Install

 

[DocBrown]

Well, I'm going to sleep I'll be back about 6am Arizona Time.

PM if you need anything special

 

[mypcbroke]

Received the first to errors with the partition I already had.

Then received the third pic after deleting and formating.

I am currently booting from USB.

Figured might as well post it before going to sleep.

 

[kodi]

Please confirm did you get these errors booting from the Usb or DVD?

 

[Dave76]

Did you ever clear CMOS as mentioned earlier?

The last erors indicate faulty HDD and/or bad installation media for the first two, old partitions.

Ths third error can be caused by BIOS (need update), clearing CMOS may help this, bad install media, bad hardware with HDD or RAM being likely cause.
You have tried two different sets of Win7 files, origional upgrade DVD and different Win7 files burned to DVD, then the ISO from USB drive. I think we can rule out bad install media and bad ODD.

You ran HDD diagnostics, Check Disk, WD lifeguard and GW lifeguard. All came back good. This is still a concern for me, though a bit of a stretch.

You wrote zeros to the HDD, it should be cleaned.

The RAM has been tested with memtest86+ and passed.
The longer test will have to be done from an OS, as will Prime95 blend test.

You may need to get a different HDD to test in your laptop.
Borrowing one would be the most painless.
What type of external HDD do you have?
USB or eSATA connection?
Sealed case or notebook HDD in an enclosure?

Is it still under warranty?
Did you get it from a shop or chain store nearby?

 

[gregrocker]

I'd also check the HASH of the ISO just to rule that out. Install HashTab... is the coolest thing ever!, rightclick on ISO to get the checksum, then cut and paste the correct checksum from the offcial list here to compare: Windows 7 RTM SHA-1 hash / checksums

Then reset the CMOS to try install again: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Let memtest86 run repeatedly for at least 5-6 passes or overnight the next time you leave the laptop.

The reason Dave asked about your external HD is because many external's are just laptop HD's in a case with a USB cable. You might be able to extract it from case and replace your HD with it by removing the access panel for your HD, sliding the old HD out and sliding the replacement in to try it. I will try to find you a diagram for your laptop's HD location.

Can you also boot into BIOS setup to see what your current BIOS version is, so we can see if you may need a BIOS update which could in itself be the problem? The latest BIOS I'm finding is 1.35, although there is a 2.35 for "Special Edition 2009" models of 4810TZ.

 

[mypcbroke]

My BIOS model is: InsydeH2O Setup Utility Rev. 2.5
or is it:
System BIOS Version: v1.0
VGA BIOS Version: 1736

Yes, I have reset the CMOS previously (a couple times)

As to the question if the HD is external or internal... I have no idea...

 

[Dave76]

What is the external HDD brand and model number, we can find the info for you.

If your external HDD and laptop have eSATA connection you can install the OS on the external for a test.
I did this with the first beta version of Win7.

Looks like your BIOS is the System BIOS Version: v1.0. Might be a good idea to upgrade it, as Greg mentioned.

 

[gregrocker]

I am researching the BIOS now. Several posts in forums refer to updating to v 1.31 from 2009 but Acer appears to have pulled BIOS updates off the Downloads webpage for that model. Can only find 1.20 on other sites so far.

What is the extension to your model Aspire 4810tz-xxxx listed on sticker on bottom?

BIOS updates are risky when flashed from CD and best done from an OS, so we should probably try imaging Win7 on to your HD first, after a few more install attempts.

Can you enter BIOS setup and look thoroughly for your SATA controller which should be near where the drives are shown, make sure its set to IDE mode.

 

[mypcbroke]

Wait, my external hard drive with where my computer from a few months ago is saved? It's a Hitachi Simpledrive.... something or another

How would I update my BIOS?