Upgrade was not successful

[ssolomon1]

I'm trying to install Windows 7 over my Vista Home edition 32 bit software on a Toshiba Laptop. I ran the compatible software first and everything was a "go". I got as far as burning the DVD and installing the software. After about 3 hours, the screen displayed "Starting Windows" and then I got a message, "The upgrade was not successful...your previous version of Windows is being restored...Do not restart your computer during this time."

After this, the screen goes black, the computer shuts down, restarts again with the "Starting Windows" screen and the "Upgrade not successful" messages once again. This continues on and on and I cannot get anything else on the computer. I pressed F8 for other options and my computer just keeps recycling over and over with the same message. I shut everything down and it restarts with the same message over again.

What to do?

 

[Jacee]

Make sure all USB ports are empty (unplug your printer), then do a 'clean' install, not an upgrade.

 

[batler]

Windows 7 Install prob

Hello

I am having the same exact issue as ssolomon1. Jacee, I see your suggested solution, but my question is: how do I get it "unstuck" from this loop? Any help you can offer would be most appreciated. Thanks.

 

[richc46]

I would pull the plug when it shuts down. Shutting down solves a lot of problems. When all is said and done you should have your original OS.

 

[jimatkin]

I got a similar message 'UPGRADE WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL" it the re-installed Vista. Prior to that I got a message " Interactive logon process initialization has failed. Please consult the event log for more details." I have no idea what to do. I am just bought the upgrade for Windows 7 Home Premium. I followed the instructions. It took about 4 hours. Then when it states "Starting Windows" it follows with "Upgrade was not successful" you can only start looking for HELP. I have tried the upgrade twice with the same result.

 

[gregrocker]

You should have tech support from MS or your manufacturer if upgrade came from them.

If not, upgrades can take a long time, rollback can take even longer. It depends on how badly you want to save your Vista installation for working through the in-place Upgrade issues after rollback. Fortunately you can do a clean install with Upgrade media -which is preferred anyway - unless you fully dread reinstalling programs and replacing files from backup (you do have one, I hope :shock.

If you need to bail out, hold the power button down for hard shutdown. Then restart and boot from DVD and do a clean install using this tutorial: http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

I suggest you format the drive using the Custom>Advanced tools for the cleanest possible install since you may well need to go that route anyway.

 

[jimatkin]

Thanks I have a full backup. Will see what MS support can do.

 

[dlweinreb]

I just tried doing an upgrade to Windows 7 and ended up with "Interactive logon process initialization has failed." I don't think "do a clean install" is a good answer: I do not want to spend two days re-installing all of my applications! Is it too much to ask that "upgrade" should, you know, actually work?

 

[ken9122]

I just tried doing an upgrade to Windows 7 and ended up with "Interactive logon process initialization has failed." I don't think "do a clean install" is a good answer: I do not want to spend two days re-installing all of my applications! Is it too much to ask that "upgrade" should, you know, actually work?

The "upgrade" works most of the time. I have done several times in testing. If your vista system has hidden problems or you have 3rd party utilities running in the background it messes up big time.
That's why we recommend the clean install whenever possible. if you can get back to you old system, try running Windows Easy Transfer and make a full backup. Then do a clean install.

 

[gregrocker]

Again, if you bought your Upgrade retail, use MS excellent tech support.

If you got your Upgrade from manufacturer, they provide the support for this.

 

[dlweinreb]

OK, I did a Windows Easy Transfer to a hard disk, installed Windows Seven anew, and did Windows Easy Transfer back. Now none of my applications are there any more and I have to re-install every one of them. That's going to take a lot of time and effort.

 

[Dave76]

When you do a clean install you will have to install all your programs, then you can use Windows Easy Transfer.

It will transfer all your personal files and settings, but the programs have to be installed first.
This makes it easier to get back to how you had everything setup..

This tutorial will explain how it works.
Windows Easy Transfer - Transfer To & From Computers

 

[Malle09]

Stuck in step 2 of my upgrade from Vista to Windows 7

My problem seems like those mentioned here, but none of the suggested solutions resolve it: I’m stuck in step 2 of my upgrade from Vista to Windows 7, please help

My system blocks so I’m forced to do a manual shutdown. After each manual shutdown, when I start up again the Windows 7 upgrade (now is step 2) begins automatically with a message "Setup is starting services". After some time a pop up appears "Interactive logon process initialization has failed". As soon as I close that pop up, my screen goes black and then the system restarts with "Setup is starting services" and so the process recycles itself.

I have an Acer Aspire 6920 which came with Vista. I'm now not able to use either Vista or my new Windows 7 software. Please help. Thank you!

 

[gregrocker]

The solution to these legion of Upgrade issues is always the same: Clean install!

Even a successful In-place 7Up has some level of corruption imported from the Vista mess.

Hopefully you backed up your files. If so suggest you boot from the DVD, select Custom install and use Advanced drive tools to Format then install.

If you must try to recover the failed in-place, I suggest you call MS tech support as they have the individual fixes for these various errors. You paid for it when you bought retail Win7.

 

[reghakr]

A "clean" install could have avoided this mess

An upgrade leaves useless older versions of file om your system and can cause conflict

 

[Malle09]

Thanks guys, will give it another shot.

 

[Malle09]

Got no chance here, my computer goes dierctly into "Setup is starting services" when I switch it on. After some time a pop up appears "Interactive logon process initialization has failed". As soon as I close that pop up, my screen goes black and then the system restarts with "Setup is starting services" and so the process recycles itself. This is most frustrating. Would be so grateful if someone could help.

 

[gregrocker]

Interactive logon process initialization has failed with upgrade from Vista to Windows 7

This post for the very same issue on Technet suggests booting into the Vista DVD Repair console and running Startup Repair to try to recover Vista. Then the thread ends. I don't see how it could hurt to try this, if you are unable to use MS or Acer tech support to work through this error. Acer should have a recovery partition with Startup Repair and other tools; try accessing it using F-key given on first BIOS screen at bootup, or tap F8 at bootup and look for Repair tools.

Do you have an Acer Win 7 Upgrade kit or retail Win7? That determines who provides support.

Are you saying that you cannot even boot into the WIn7 DVD to do a clean install?

Try tapping F2 or whatever F-key is given to Enter BIOS Setup on the very first boot screen, then make sure your DVD drive is set to boot first. If you still cannot boot the Win7 DVD then have you been able to boot it before, with any CD/DVD? Your BIOS may need updating.
There are two recent BIOS updates for your model on the BIOS tab on downloads page here: http://gd.panam.acer.com/home/ Check your version on first BIOS page.