Problems installing windows 7

[Datman]

Hello new to the forum. For years I thought I should join a windows forum, so I did.

I hope this does not turn into a rant. I’m not sure what I hope to get out of this thread hopefully I’m not the only one having weird problems during installs.

I recently built up a new HTPC I included most of the components in my registration.

1st off I did get a clean install but it took3 time to do it. The 1st install went pretty much ok I had some driver issues but after installing mobo updates it was good. I changed my mind on the build and had to order some more hardware the main thing was a 6.0 Gps HD. Using Acronis true image I made a total of 3 backups. I figure when I get the new computer assembled I could restore the image. Well that didn’t work. It went though the process and it took an extraordinary long time 1.5 hours generally less than 30 min.

Each time it got to the “windows is preparing your desktop” and no farther, tried 3 times. So it prompted me to 2nd install it was a little glitchy had to redo the drivers a few times. It wasn’t until the next day after I was completely done that I realized my Power DVD 11 did not work, it would start to play but would become unresponsive and have to force closed. I could have reinstalled PDVD but with the other issues I had I wanted a clean install.

I had no idea where the error began so I did the 3rd install. After I got all the basic programs and software updates I installed PDVD and tested that it worked and it did. I was wise to create a restore point. It was very late so I left it doing a big widows update (105 updates.)

The next day today PDVD was whacked again. So I used the restore point and restored it to pre updates and PDVD was working again. I continued to install each program checking PDVD and creating a restore point each time.

I got all my software installed and it was still working but I realized I had not turned off the automatic updates and the 105 were there for the next shut down. So I let it all install and it worked after the restart, PDVD still played.

So I did my final setup process I do. It’s a way for me to manage all my different 1tb external drives. I use to hold my BD backups. I assign each a specific letter. So if I plug say an M drive it comes up as the M drive. Yes each is labeled. The other thing I do and this is a kind of anal but in properties of the recycle bin I increase the size of each to the max. It might prevent an accidental deletion.

So as I was right clicking the recycle bin I accidentally left clicked it and the window was kind of froze so I right clicked it and now it definitely was froze. After a couple of minutes I rebooted. Then completed the install.

So I went out to watch a movie and bask in the glory of getting er done and PDVD was whacked again. So I went back to the last restore point before the HD letter assignment and it works again.

So apparently I have to be ready to restore a backup if something gets stuck.

These are the kind of things that do go wrong and people who have Macs say never happens to them.

Sorry for the rant.

 

[gregrocker]

You were correct to let Auto Updates run before doing anything else. Win7 is driver-complete in the installer and via optional Windows Updates when you enable Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3). This is not XP. You don't even interact with drivers in Win8, which uses advances made in Win7.

Only if your wireless or ethernet driver is not provided do you need to supply it to get online to do Updates. Only after all Important and Optional Updates are completed should you import any drivers still missing in Device manager, from the Support Downloads webpage for the model PC or device.

There are other Best Practices here based on helping with tens of thousands of installs here over the years. I also cannot remember anyone mentioning PDVD before so it may be problematic. Most functions needed are built into Media Center or WMP.

 

[Datman]

Thanks for the responce and taking the time to read my rant. I'm better now. In the future I will deal with things one at a time in the correct section. The one thing I didn't see, is there a place to ask about Mac and what's the truth about all the hype.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Thanks for the responce and taking the time to read my rant. I'm better now. In the future I will deal with things one at a time in the correct section. The one thing I didn't see, is there a place to ask about Mac and what's the truth about all the hype.

Personally Datman I would bother finding out about the hype you have the best running now mate unless you have a burning desire to have a Mac as well.

While I'm here check out this this will enlighten you and possibly make your day

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html?filter[2]=Performance Maintenance < enjoy

 

[Datman]

Yes I guess it was inevitable on the 3rd round of updates over a couple of daysPDVD became whacked again. I tried uninstalling PDVD and reinstalling it but that did not work. So I’m restoring each restore point until I get to the one that PDVD works again.

Lucky me I only had to go back two restore points. Considering I had 3 critical updates and 3 directx update to go through to get back to a point known to work, I’m feeling lucky.

I’m inclined to never or rarely connect this computer to the internet and rarely do updates always expecting and prepared for PDVD to be whacked.

 

[gregrocker]

Why do you continue to use this program? It's never mentioned here as decent and I believe generally regarded as crapware.

 

[Datman]

Why do you continue to use this program? It's never mentioned here as decent and I believe generally regarded as crapware.

it's already paid for and it does not down/sample movies to 16bit over the analogs

 

[gregrocker]

The reason I ask is that problems with Windows Updates are one-in-millions so users should not be forced to withhold Updates which can improve performance, provide better drivers and enhance Security.

If your stuck with the Program for your own reasons then I'd install them singly or in small groups to isolate any problem Update then post it back here in our Updates forum plus open a Windows Update email Support case which will help you resolve the issue.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Yes Datman I didn't look up that PDVD should have done - like Greg says mate a piece of really useless software mate.

But you won't be the first or last to get pulled into the mud by stuff like that.

As for Windows updates mate thats a mystery and in nay case how do you update the security on your machine? if you don't hook up to the net?

On their site page too there are a lot of "green" I take it negative remarks - personally I would ditch it.

 

[Datman]

My limited experience has been. This program has worked fine for me in Vista 32. Most likely Cyberlink is behind in their updates to make their not current software compatible with W764.

It was like that when I 1st upgraded to vista a great many things just didn’t work as I’m sure is the case with W8. You had to wait on the driver updates. Who’s at fault who knows some would say the software companies should be “Johnny on the spot” with updates others say why can’t window be more backward compatible.

As always I will figure a work around or I will purchase new software or updates will be developed.

To this day for what I like to do, windows 2000 pro has been the O/S that gave me the least amount of grief. I know I could never do what I’m doing now with it. I don’t use my computers the way most do. I have a separate internet computer a computer for recording multi channel 24/96 audio one for processing it and HTPC that not only processes BD videos it will play them back in full bandwidth audio via analogs.

 

[edwar]

Thanks for the responce and taking the time to read my rant. I'm better now. In the future I will deal with things one at a time in the correct section. The one thing I didn't see, is there a place to ask about Mac and what's the truth about all the hype.

It is ALL HYPE. I own a Mac, a 15" late 2011 model, and they are no better then any Windows computer. The Mac uses the exact same hardware as any PC. They have just as many hardware and software problem as PC do. Just take a browse over to the Apple support forums and look at all the posts about both hardware and software problem.

The only real difference is they cost 1/3 to 1/2 more then a Windows notebook with the same exact hardware.

I paid just over 2100 dollars for the one I have after I did some updates and bought the extended Applecare warranty. I bought a Dell E6420 around the same time with the same CPU and after I upgrade the Dell, RAM, SSD and second HDD, I spent about 1200 buck. That was 800+ dollars less then the Mac cost. The Dell has 4 USB port, HDMI port, VGA port Express card slot, SD card slot, Smart card slot and a eSATA port. The Mac has 2 USB ports, a Firewire 800 port (firewire is a DEAD technology), a SD card slot and a Thunderbolt port. If you want to connect a monitor to it you have to buy an adapter to go from the thunderbolt port (which is also a Mini Displayport) to Either DVI, VGA or HDMI. Then you can't use the thunderbolt for anything else (Yes you are supposed to be able to daisy chain off the TB port but TB peripherals are EXPENSIVE).

As I said it is All Hype.

 

[Datman]

Thanks for your responce.
I have long felt like its all hype. Some Mac users are snobs. In the proaudio world pc gets no respect.

One of my friends whose wife owns a Mac said what is the longest line at the Apple store? The service line in part because Macs can’t be worked on they have to be taken in for service, that’s what he said.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Thanks for your responce.
I have long felt like its all hype. Some Mac users are snobs. In the proaudio world pc gets no respect.

One of my friends whose wife owns a Mac said what is the longest line at the Apple store? The service line in part because Macs can’t be worked on they have to be taken in for service, that’s what he said.

Ha ha I like that and yep I agree they are snobs basically and doesn't it get on your nerves to see the journalists and people who you think would know better constantly flashing that rotten logo about