Solved Problem with clean install of Windows 7 Home Premium x64

[Golden]

G'day,

I've just built a system for a friend comprising of the following parts:

Antec 100
Gigabyte GA-Z68A-D3H-B3
i5-2500K
8GB Corsair RAM
NVidia GTS250
1 x OCZ Plus 60GB SSD
1 x Samsung F3 Spinpoint 500GB
1 x AVerMedia AverTV Duo Hybrid tuner

This is a brand new build with new parts and a first time clean install from a genuine retail Home Premium x64 DVD.

I have booted from the DVD and selected language for installation. When prompted for the location of the new installation, I have selected the SSD (the only disk currently visible) and created a new partition. When selecting Next to continue the installtion, I immediately get the following message at the bottom of the screen:

"Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition. See the setup log file for more information"

I've installed to a similar SSD before and have never seen this.

Some things I tried:

1. Tried to install using IDE and AHCI - same result
2. Deleted the partion and recreated it - same result
3. Deleted the partition, recreated it, formatted it - same result

Surely this should be straight forward? What have I missed?

Regards,
Golden

 

[gregrocker]

This occurs when Win7 has a problem marking the target partition Active.

Try marking it Active using Diskpart. Press Shift + F10 at first screen of booted DVD or Select Repair console on second screen to access a Command Line, type:
diskpart
select disk=0
select partition=1
active
exit (to Install)

If this fails, try avoiding the System Reserved partition the installer should have created and instead create a single partition marked Active during install by deleting the second partition created and extending the first one to become target partition, mark it Active. You can do all of this using Diskpart using Step 2.2 here: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Unplug all other HD's and peripherals.

 

[Golden]

Thanks Greg - I found an old thread by JK and tried marking the partition active (there was only one partition when I did a list partition command) using diskpart from the Repair Computer option. I then restarted and tried to install as usual, but get the same problem and message.

Sorry Greg, I just saw BFK's tutorial : I'll give that a go from scratch tommorrow (its about 2am here and I need to get some sleep before work tommorrow)

Regards,
Golden

 

[gregrocker]

Try deleting all partitions with installer then click next to let installer partition and format.

Try also the standard install troubleshooting step to remove all but 2gb RAM to try install.

This error can also be the install media. Since you have a new retail DVD (no smudges?) try extracting it's ISO using ImgBurn to write to flash stick using Universal USB Installer with Win7 in dropdown. Boot under USB, Removable or HD's using one-time BIOS boot menu key with SSD set first to boot.

Is the 500gb HD unplugged?

 

[Golden]

Correct - shiny new retail DVD, no scratches or smudges. The 500GB HDD is still connected.

I'll try BFK's tut, and if that doesnt work will repeat everything with the HDD unplugged.

Regards,
Golden

 

[Golden]

OK. Just tried this:

diskpart
select disk 0 <--- the SSD
clean all
create partition primary
format fs=ntfs label = "Windows 7"
active
exit

Continue to installation, but same error message.

I'm off to bed now. Tommorrow I will rety after opening case and unplugging other peripherals.

Regards,
Golden

 

[Golden]

Is the 500gb HD unplugged?

Sir, you are a legend. Unplugging the 500GB HDD, and then simply using the standard installer as normal sees Windows installation progress exactly as expected.

I have to spread some rep around a bit, but never fear, I do not forget.

Thanks Greg.

 

[gregrocker]

Nice work!