W7 install problems

[sahlomonic]

I bought a 64 bit HP a6600f a few weeks ago, and decided to install Windows 7 in place of the existing Vista. I have installed W7 on two of my other computers on the first try and no problems, but with this machine I have downloaded the ISO at least 10 times, and have burned through 7 DVDs and tried the bootable USB three times. The DVDs have never even booted up, while the USB method will install, but when the machine reboots the first time, after the windows logo appears on the boot up screen, the hard drive will shut off and the machine will reset, and continue that cycle until I power down completely. FRUSTRATING! Tips on how to rectify this?

 

[iseeuu]

I have installed W7 on two of my other computers on the first try ....... The DVDs have never even booted up,

It might help to know what happens when you try to boot using one of the DVDs you burned? Any error messages?

Also, I am curious, the RC key is good for three installs. If you have installed 7 on two other computers, you should have the DVD you used then and one installation left. So I am asking why you needed to download and burn the DVD again. Even if you needed another key, you can get the key from Microsoft and just use the DVD you already have?

Will the DVD for those other computers boot with the HP?

Please fill some of the details so we can figure this out.

Robert

 

[sahlomonic]

The first two computers I installed W7 on were 32 bit systems, and since then I tossed the burned DVD's. I was unaware you could use one key three times so I downloaded an ISO for each computer I wanted to install W7 on.

When I tried to install W7 on my most recent HP (came with 64 bit Vista), the computer would hang upon bootup and trying to load from the disc drive. Basically it would continuously try to read the disc and would not progress from there, which made me believe the ISO was not burned fully and/or correctly. I also noticed that when I burned the ISO to DVD, I selected a "verify" option to be performed after burning, and each time it would not verify the burned ISO, so that is what initially raised suspicion.

Now I am starting to wonder if the HDD is to blame, since just 30 minutes ago I tried to install XP on the HP, and it could not copy a couple files.

My previous Chaintech 7njs Ultra mobo'd PC ran just fine with XP and benchmarked fairly well, yet I buy a new HP and was not happy with how Vista was performing (crashed a couple times), which is why I wanted to install W7. That's how it goes sometimes

 

[iseeuu]

I also noticed that when I burned the ISO to DVD, I selected a "verify" option to be performed after burning, and each time it would not verify the burned ISO, so that is what initially raised suspicion.

That's how it goes sometimes

If the burn does not verify then chances are either the iso did not download correctly or did not burn correctly and will not work. I suggest you download another copy of the 64 bit and burn it with another computer and test that.

Something I notices from HP's website:

"16X DVD(+/-)R/RW 12X RAM (+/-)R DL LightScribe SATA drive

• Must use Double-Layer media discs in order to take advantage of the DL technology
• Must use LightScribe-enabled media discs and supporting software in order to take advantage of the LightScribe technology"

Source: HP Pavilion a6600f Desktop PC*-* Product Specifications*

This may or may not have contributed. Another problem has been DVD drives not recognizing MS iso.

First see if a DVD downloaded and burned from a different computer will work. We will also keep the hard drive issue in mind.

Robert

 

[sahlomonic]

Yeah I saw that on the HP website, too, which was why I decided to try the USB method so I wouldn't waste any more DVD's, and to isolate the problem by 1 more step. So far I have tried ISO's from three different computers, and am experiencing the exact same result each time, which leads me to believe the HDD may be at fault. It took an aweful long time for the XP install disk to format the drive, and then when it failed to copy 2 files that pretty much confirmed it for me. Is there a way to check the drive for errors with no OS installed or should I look into purchasing a new HDD?

 

[iseeuu]

Is there a way to check the drive for errors with no OS installed or should I look into purchasing a new HDD?

There is a utility called "Spinrite" available from GRC.com. It will analyze hard drives and fix / report problems. Check it out!

Robert

 

[sahlomonic]

$30 is quite a lot for just a test that may end up being a waste of money if the drive is unrepairable. $30 could go buy a new HDD if that's what it comes down to. Are there comparable free programs like Spinrite (I didn't see any free trials of that program)?

 

[Snufffed]

why do you not simply open windows to the HDD right click the partition you want. properties -> tools down to check HDD, it will schedule the next time you start. simply then restart and when ask do a complete full HDD check and restore Yes it takes time. but it does also verify if the HDD is worth saving or if it is BAD.
Sure bets $30.00 when MS gives it with the OS.

 

[sahlomonic]

OS not installed on said computer . . . and no other computer with SATA ports so I can't piggyback it onto another computer to have Windows run a check on it

 

[Antman]

Seagate and WD both provide disk analysis tools at their websites. Create boot CD/DVD and run.

 

[Antman]

The info re: LightScribe and DL is not applicable. You are being told that if you want to use either feature, you need to use DVD that is compatible. You are not attempting to do either.

 

[iseeuu]

$30 is quite a lot for just a test that may end up being a waste of money if the drive is unrepairable. $30 could go buy a new HDD if that's what it comes down to. Are there comparable free programs like Spinrite (I didn't see any free trials of that program)?

Yes I understand your point. No, there is no trial just a 30 day money back guarantee.

I use Spinrite to scan NEW hard drives before I trust them with my valueable data. Spinrite works with the SMART utility built in to hard drives and will give advance notice of failing drives. I feel that was worth $30 some ten years ago. The last SATA drives I purchased (used) were $50 or more. It was well worth it to me to know the drives were in good condition before I started using them. Also I could have returned them if they were bad.

Spinrite will also mark bad sectors so they will not be used and corrupt your data. So it can salvage drives with some problems and make them usable again. Has more uses than just confirming a bad hard drive.

I agree with snuffy you should run Windows checkdisk and see what is says about the drive. Go for it!

Robert