Upgrade from XP doesn't complete

[Crazy biker]

PROBLEM: WIN 7 UPGRADE INSTALLATION STALLS
Attempting to upgrade from XP to Win 7 pro, all 32-bit. Using upgrade disc. XP has latest updates & runs OK.
Upgrade advisor report for XP indicate only incompatibility is with some software programs (which I will abandon.) Windows Easy Transfer is completed, with files stored on external hard drive.
Load the Win 7 DVD. Choose custom installation (of course.) Have several internal hard disks. The main one on which XP runs is partitioned into (6) logical partitions plus the main "C" (active) partition. Have chosen to format the C partition and load Win 7 there. (Plenty of room in this partition.) Only devices attached to computer are the USB keyboard & USB mouse. Have Nvidia GeForce 9800GT graphics card, and web site check indicates the current XP driver is OK for Win 7 as well. Processor is Intel Quad Core Q6600, 2.4 GHz, with 3 GB of ram, ASUS P5Q Pro Turbo motherboard, with latest LAN, chipset, and audio drivers installed.
Upgrade process functions OK thru "updating registry settings" and "starting services." "Completing installation" screen progresses without any problems. System then reboots and "starting Windows" screen appears. Brief hard drive and DVD drive activity, then nothing but black screen. Eventually get note from the monitor "monitor going to sleep" but can be awakened with mouse activity (but still a black screen.) Waiting for 30 minutes more, but nothing happens.
Restart computer (without loading the DVD) and get the note "windows did not start normally." Chose "safe mode" to continue, then get the note "win 7 installation can't be completed in safe mode. Restart computer." (Behind the note, the screen shows "Preparing for first use" so that appears to be the next phase of the process if it was able to continue.) When restarting the computer from here, get the black screen with no further hard drive activity.
Reran entire upgrade process from the beginning, booting into DVD. Same problem. Reran again, selecting "repair." Information returned indicated nothing needed repairing. Ran memory test, reported all OK.
Went thru the complete install procedure again, except booted the CD while computer was running WinXP. Ended up with same problem.
The upgrade program was purchased on-line and downloaded. Is there a possibility that there's a defect in this download?
I've read thru the forum discussions on this, but seems like I've tried everything. What can I do to proceed? THANKS!!.......Lee

 

[matts6887]

Is there any way you can get to a command prompt and run the chkdsk /f and the sfc /scannow? If so, try that and post what results you get and we can go from there.

 

[Crazy biker]

Thanks, Matt, but if I format the drive on which Win 7 will be installed, doesn't that wipe everything off that was part of WinXP? If I begin the upgrade process from the DVD, drive C is reformatted early-on, along with the warning that everything on that partition would be gone.

Lee

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Lee I personally think mate you might have been better off sliding in a new drive and putting on an OEM and then retrieve the data from the XP to it.

But do what Matt says mate it will not format the drive it just checks it, and if ti makes you feel safer do that from safe mode > power on and tap F8.

You might even run these to eliminate any stuff that is preventing the upgrade for whatever reason.

http://www.superantispyware.com/

http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/

ADW download from bleepingcomputer delete any rubbish found with themalware scans

 

[AddRAM]

Of course XP is gonna be wiped out. But that`s what you want right ?

You need to unplug every hard drive you are not using for this install 1st.


Make sure you have your XP key on hand.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Of course XP is gonna be wiped out. But that`s what you want right ?

You need to unplug every hard drive you are not using for this install 1st.


Make sure you have your XP key on hand.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

Thanks AddRam I didn't know you could install from an upgrade and I just suggested what I did. Good to know that though.

 

[AddRAM]

Ya It sounds like that`s what he`s trying to do, but it just won`t finish the install. I think with XP you have to do a clean install, but don`t quote me on that. Greg or Shawn would know for sure.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-upgrade-from-xp-to-windows-7-in-4-easy-steps/

http://www.hanselman.com/blog/StepByStepHowToUpgradeFromWindowsXPToWindows7.aspx

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-upgrade-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7.html

 

[gregrocker]

Back up your files. Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Set DVD drive first to boot, HD second, set SATA controller to AHCI, Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into Windows 7 installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here. I would use a fresh ISO written with tool in Step 2 if it fails again.

At first installer screen Press Shift + F10, or enter System Recovery Options to open a Command Box, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
ACTIVE
EXIT
EXIT

Next click Install Now, then Custom install to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.

After install you can adjust partition size or Create new partitions for data, etc. in Disk Mgmt. You are creating the partition here for the purpose of wiping the HD and marking Active which overcomes certain install failures.

 

[Crazy biker]

FOUND THE PROBLEM!

Thanks to all who responded! Found the problem by "accident." It's the Nvidia 9800GT graphics card. I have the desktop monitor & HDTV connected in a "clone" mode, and discovered that when viewed from the TV, the installation was progressing normally. But the desktop monitor became blank. If I disconnected the TV, the monitor displayed correctly.

Spent all day downloading & installing drivers, to no avail. Gonna replace the card. Great start to 2014!

Cheers...........Lee

 

[AddRAM]

Strange that would have anything to do with the install not finishing properly, but hey....

Usually only 1 monitor will be seen anyway, at least until you install the nvidia drivers.

Although old, that card should work fine for ya, I still have 3 9600`s and they work great

And what do you mean by installing drivers ? How could you install drivers if you couldn`t even finish the W7 install ?

 

[gregrocker]

Sounds like a known issue remedied by installing only with a monitor.

 

[AddRAM]

And how could you have 2 monitors in clone mode before you`ve even installed windows ?

I`ve installed windows with 3 monitors connected to my 770, and windows is only displayed on 1 monitor until I install the nvidia drivers.

 

[gregrocker]

Can't. The software enabling this is all wiped out during install and not reinstalled until drivers and other necessary enabling software is installed - which may not be possible until after install completes. So only use a monitor.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hmm well I suppose it is cleared up and I suppose stranger things happen at sea