Solved Unable to boot from disc

[Tomtom111]

suggest that while we are discussing this different computer, that you change the system specs to reflect the computer under discussion.

Ok, give me a few minutes.

Done

 

[Tomtom111]

Oh and incase it changes anything, I have no floppy drive, so I can't install drivers via that.

 

[karlsnooks]

first, let's get a full and complete update of your Win 7.

This will eliminate many obstacles and problems.

UPDATING YOUR WIN 7
1. ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE ALL UPDATES
WIN | type WINDOWS UPDATE | ENTER |
Change settings (left-hand column) |
checkmark all four of the boxes | OK button

Approve any dialog boxes presented. Let Windows install any update features.

WIN is the key with the Microsoft flag on top.

2. INSTALL CRITICAL UPDATES
Check for Updates (left-hand column)
Install ALL critical updates.
Restart your computer (even if not prompted)

Repeat this procedure until there are no more critical updates.

DO NOT TRUST the “Windows is up to date” in center of dialog. until you see that TWICE IN A ROW!

3. INSTALL IMPORTANT UPDATES
Use the “critical update” procedure until all important updates are installed.

4. INSTALL OPTIONAL UPDATES
Use the “critical update” procedure until all optional updates are installed.

Under Optional updates you will be presented with a list of about 34 language updates.
You can hide those updates so that aren't continually notified of those updates. When you click on 34 optional updates are available, then you
a) highlight all of the language updates,
b) right-click anywhere in the highlighted list.
c) click on Hide Updates,
d) OK button.


UPDATE GOLDEN RULES
Install ALL, yes, ALL updates.
This is Win 7 and not Vista or XP (eXPired).

UPDATE IS HUNG –TAKING FOREVER
Hung is very doubtful unless you interrupted updates.

CTRL + SHIFT + ESC key combo will pop-up the Task Manager.
Lo and behold, Windows Update is still running!

You hold down the CTRL and SHIFT keys.
While holding them down, tap the ESC key once.
==========================================================

 

[gregrocker]

Tom -

Remove EFI listing from BIOS Boot Order by moving the DVD drive into first position and the HD into second position, so that EFI listing falls to third or lower. You will see which keys to use to move the devices up or down nearby. Once it is correct, save and exit.

Next if the HD is GPT disk, run the Clean command followed by command to Convert MBR as suggested. If you're not sure if it's GPT or MBR disk run the commands anyway.

You can find your Manual at any time on the computer model's Support Downloads webpage if you need help or to understand better how it works.

Have you tried setting SATA controller to IDE setting?

On such modern hardware I'd get a perfect Win7 installation and then virtualize XP.

 

[karlsnooks]

tom,
I suggest that you take a look at: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8254-windows-virtual-pc-create-virtual-machine.html

since you have the hardware, then I think you will be better served by a virtual PC running XP as a virtual machine.

 

[Tomtom111]

Right, I've talked to the guy I'm doing this for and he says that if at all possible he would prefer to have it as a full install. Then as a last resort he'll go with virtualizing. Now can you please stop mentioning it, unless it turns out that it will absolutely not work. Thanks

 

[Tomtom111]

Tom -

Remove EFI listing from BIOS Boot Order by moving the DVD drive into first position and the HD into second position, so that EFI listing falls to third or lower. You will see which keys to use to move the devices up or down nearby. Once it is correct, save and exit.

Next if the HD is GPT disk, run the Clean command followed by command to Convert MBR as suggested. If you're not sure if it's GPT or MBR disk run the commands anyway.

You can find your Manual at any time on the computer model's Support Downloads webpage if you need help or to understand better how it works.

Have you tried setting SATA controller to IDE setting?

On such modern hardware I'd get a perfect Win7 installation and then virtualize XP.

Sorry but which is which? Is the first option windows 7, and the other sata the disk drive.

 

[karlsnooks]

If he doesn't want to virtualize, then at least talk him to adding a small hard disk on which to install XP. Keeping only one operating system per disk and then choosing the operating system by booting up from the correct disk is much less error prone and problem-prone than trying to run two OSes on the same disk.

I'll ask Greg to step in and guide you to the tutorials you will need.

 

[gregrocker]

To find out what any of these model numbers are simply Google it.

DRW-24B3ST is a DVD drive, so the other numbered listing is the HD.

You only need to highlight the HD and move it up one, save and Exit.

 

[Tomtom111]

And to your second question, I changed the SATA mode to RAID, as it said to do in the ASRock manual but that didn't boot it. The default was IDE, and the only other option is AHCI which I haven't tried

 

[gregrocker]

Again you are bumping up against the latest hardware features with an XPired OS. The most compatible setting in this case is IDE.

Sometimes RAID is also a generic setting for Auto, however I doubt it in this case if it also offers the AHCI and IDE. However you can check for sure by reading your manual on the maker's Support Downloads webpage as you should be to demystify the settings.

 

[Tomtom111]

I just noticed that there's a setup UEFI option in the pre boot options. Should I select that? If not, how do I do those commands you mentioned earlier?

 

[gregrocker]

No, the point is that you must cut UEFI out of the boot process unless you're installing to an GPT disk.

To assure you're not already using a GPT disk run the Diskpart commands I gave you earlier from DVD accessing DISKPART At PC Startup.

 

[Tomtom111]

Ok, I follow what it said in the tutorial- do I quit it now like it said in the tutorial or something else?

 

[gregrocker]

Did you type Convert MBR on the selected Disk #?

 

[Tomtom111]

Yep and the result-

 

[Tomtom111]

Just read your post where you mention the commands. I now type 'clean' now, right?

 

[gregrocker]

Again: Follow Diskpart Clean Command

then add after Clean: convert mbr.

Exit.

 

[Tomtom111]

clean or clean all?

 

[karlsnooks]

Tom,
as the writeup and greg said Clean.

You can use clean all if you would like, however, be prepared to go visit the local bar or whatever as you await the completion of the clean all.