Windows 7 freezes after upgrade install

[livichops]

Hi everyone.
4 months ago I purchased a Toshiba Satellite laptop (model U500) with Vista pre-installed. The guys at Best Buy / Geek Squad offered me the Windows Seven upgrade and in-store installation. I accepted.
They initially had some difficulties during the install (froze after Windows 7 installation) but after a delay, it all seemed to be working fine (but they did not tell me how they fixed the problem). However upon returning home, I found that the keyboard showed some randomised response lag and I had no time to address this as I was leaving the country (Canada) for the UK. I never dealt with this frustrating issue.
The reason why I mention this is because I think it might relate specifically to my current problem, which is:
Four days ago I was hit by a pop-up virus (Trojan.FakeAV), after running Norton 360 the problem was identified and, I thought, fixed. However after Norton had removed the virus I found none of my executable programs would launch and instead I was greeted by window asking which program I would like to use to run the program (I would like to point out that at this point my keyboard suddenly started working perfectly for first time since I purchased it). This was diagnosed as a registry /file association issue and I followed all suggested steps to fix this but none of them worked. My only option was a clean re-install.
I ran my Geek Squad supplied recovery discs and re-installed Vista before installing all available updates. I then re-started, inserted my official Windows 7 upgrade disc (64-bit edition) and followed the instructions, including loading all available updates. After many hours the process finished and my computer began to boot Windows 7 for the first time. Everything seemed OK as the desktop, icons and task bar all appeared.
Then it seemed to freeze and the trackpad and keyboard were no longer responding. A pop-up from the taskbar and mentioned either 'a failure to install drivers' or 'drivers failed to install',I don't remember exactly and I'm now working in safe-mode where the keyboard and trackpad are working fine. As I am now living in a different country I can't go back to the store (Best Buy/Geek Squad) and ask the guy what he did to fix it the first time.
I am no computer novice but all this has left me stumped and I would really appreciate all or any suggestions to this maddening problem! I know that among all the clever people on this forum there has to be a solution. Now I have had a taste of a fully functioning keyboard I am reluctant to go back the way it was before and obviously don't want to live in safe mode. There has to be some way to have both Windows 7 and my keyboard/mouse working at the same time. I have posted my specs at the bottom of this message.
Please help!!
Thanks for reading.

Pentium dual core [email protected]
4.00 GB Ram
Mobile intel 4 series express chipset family
286GB Hard drive

 

[gregrocker]

You need to clean reinstall Win7 by itself, after deep cleaning the HD.

Back up your files including the Windows/System32/drivers and driverstore folders so you can find any missing drivers after install. The Win7 installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via Windows Update.

Now boot Win7 DVD, press SHIFT F10 to access a Command Line or select Repair My Computer and click through to open one, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK # (replace # with Win7 HD #)
CLEAN ALL (zeros HD for deepest clean, may take hours for large HD)
EXIT

Now boot back in to Custom install, using Drive Tools to create New Partition(s) and format before install. If upgrade key is rejected, follow one of the workarounds here to install to blank HD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

Do yourself a favor and use free Microsoft Security Essentials for the lightest weight most effective AV instead of a bloated infection like Norton.

 

[livichops]

Thanks for your reply. I sounds complicated (for a non I.T person like me!), but I'll give it a go. When you say that I need to install Win 7 by itself, are you saying that I don't have to use my vista recovery discs at all? Do you think if I do this that my previous keyboard issues will be resolved? I TOTALLY agree about Norton and think you described the program perfectly.

 

[gregrocker]

It depends if they did an in-place Upgrade of your Vista to Win7, which keeps all of your programs in place but also transfers corruption from Vista into Win7.

A clean install is always better. If you have keyboard issues then, we can help you sort them out as necessary.

No it is not necessary to pre-install Vista to use Win7 upgrade version as there are workarounds to avoid this given in the tutorial I linked.

 

[karlsnooks]

You need to clean reinstall Win7 by itself, after deep cleaning the HD.

Back up your files including the Windows/System32/drivers and driverstore folders so you can find any missing drivers after install. The Win7 installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via Windows Update.

Now boot Win7 DVD, press F10 to access a Command Line or select Repair My Computer and click through to open one, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK # (replace # with Win7 HD #)
CLEAN ALL (zeros HD for deepest clean, may take hours for large HD)
EXIT

Now boot back in to Custom install, using Drive Tools to create New Partition(s) and format before install. If upgrade key is rejected, follow one of the workarounds here to install to blank HD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

Do yourself a favor and use free Microsoft Security Essentials for the lightest weight most effective AV instead of a bloated infection like Norton.

Greg,
I've never tried using simply F10. I've always used SHIFT + F10. Don't have a Win 7 DVD with me at the moment to try using simply F10.

 

[gregrocker]

Greg,
I've never tried using simply F10. I've always used SHIFT + F10. Don't have a Win 7 DVD with me at the moment to try using simply F10.

My bad, thanks Karl for noticing the omission.

 

[livichops]

Thanks again!
I don't know what the geeks/best buy people did exactly but they were very specific about my needing vista & vista back up discs should anything go wrong. It was one of the reasons they gave for having them do the upgrade - these recovery discs.

When I did the upgrade to Windows 7 myself, I believe there were two options at the start, one of which was I think a 'clean' install. I was unsure if this was possible from an upgrade disc, because much of the online info seems to say that I need a 'full' operating system when using the upgrade.

I don't mean to sound stupid or repetitive, but is there a way to install 7 from an upgrade disc without using the recovery discs first? I would prefer to have nothing to do with Vista if possible but I also don't want to attempt something that because of my limited knowledge could make the problem worse or damage my computer!

I really appreciate your help with this. Thanks!

 

[livichops]

PS I forgot to mention that I did not choose the 'clean install' option during my upgrade. Sorry!

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, you can install Win7 Upgrade version without having Vista installed first.

Follow the steps given in my first post to clean the disk first to remove all traces of infection, then boot back into the Win7 DVD to Custom install, using Drive tools to Create new partition(s) as you wish, format before install.

If installer rejects Upgrade key, continue with upgrade anyway and use one of the workarounds given in the tutorial linked earlier. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

Let us know as any issues arise so we can help you.

 

[livichops]

it's late here in the U.K so I'm going to try it in the a.m.
I'll let you know how it goes. I'm sure I'll have more questions.....(sorry)
REALLY apprieciate your time and knowledge.

Thanks

Liv

 

[livichops]

Hi again,

So I followed your instructions to deep clean the HD by way of repair my computer, scroll down to command line and typed your instructions as follows:

DISK PART (ENTER)
LIST DISK (ENTER
SELECT DISK NUMBER (here I entered the letter/number combination I wrote down earlier stated after DISK 0 PARTITION 2:, which I think refered to the windows 7 HD number you told me to enter at this point. Partition 1 was toshiba system and partition 3 was HDD recovery)

After typing in as follows SELECT DISKS3A7215D006, it bought up a menu with a bunch of options. None of the options stated CLEAN ALL (there was one option that just said CLEAN) so I typed CLEAN ALL and it said 'no disk selected invalid request' and returned back to the DISK PART prompt again. I tried various different ways of typing it to get it to work but to no avail. Am releuctant to keep messing with it as I am nervous about doing something damaging.

I really like the idea of doing a deep clean if possible but not sure how necessary it is. Can I use the formatt option from drive tools to do something similar?

I'm sure that I am probably just doing something wrong that will be obvious to you.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks again.

 

[livichops]

Can anyone help me with this?

Thanks again!

 

[gregrocker]

You need to use the LIST DISK results to determine the correct HD, then SELECT DISK # inserting the correct HD number in place of #

Once you have the correct disk in focus, type CLEAN ALL to zero the HD

Partition numbers are not involved here because you are cleaning the entire HD.

 

[livichops]

Hi Greg,

Thanks so much for your reply. O.K...here's where I might sound a little over cautious but I need to be sure.
On the 1st partition of my HD there are what look like, toshiba system files. If I clean my entire HD (all 3 partitions), will it not remove basic toshiba functions/data information that I need to operate my laptop at the most basic level (BIOS etc).
Also, where do I find the windows HD number u r refering to when I proceed with this?

Thanks

Liv

 

[livichops]

F.Y.I...all the other instructions/links u have refered me are extremely useful and easy to follow, it's just this initial bit I'm confused about!

 

[gregrocker]

Hi Liv -

I understand your concern about the first partition. I always wipe all partitions to get the cleanest slate - after first making the Recovery Disks, which can restore the HD to factory condition. Almost all functions of these partitions are disabled after Win7 install, and some of them can even block install.

However if you want to save that first partition until you become more familar with what tools it might still make available after Win7 install, then I suggest you use a more user-friendly partitiion manager with a graphics interface so you can see a picture of what you are doing. We recommend free Partition Wizard bootable CD as best for Win7.

Boot Partition Wizard, allow files to load, select 1 for screen res, rightclick whichever partitions you want to clean and select Wipe Partition to apply as many zeroes as you can wait out.

Check the partition(s) you decide to save to see if any are marked Active. You will want to right click those to Modify>Set Inactive as this would mess with install.

Now boot the WIn7 DVD, select Custom install, use Drive Tools (Advanced) to create a New Partition and format before install. After install, check optional Windows Updates for newer drivers, then find any missing drivers or favorite apps on your computer maker's Support Downloads webpage for your model.

Take time to install programs so you can see how they affect performance. I wouldn't let any get into your msconfig>Startup list unless you absolutely need them when you startup. I only allow AV, gadgets and StikyNotes here.

I always finish up by running flawless, state-of-the-art CCleaner "Run Cleaner" and Registry tab, and the free Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers.

When you have it running as you like, save a Win7 Backup Image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD (or replacement) using the DVD or Repair CD.

 

[karlsnooks]

Hi again,

So I followed your instructions to deep clean the HD by way of repair my computer, scroll down to command line and typed your instructions as follows:

DISK PART (ENTER)
LIST DISK (ENTER
SELECT DISK NUMBER (here I entered the letter/number combination I wrote down earlier stated after DISK 0 PARTITION 2:, which I think refered to the windows 7 HD number you told me to enter at this point. Partition 1 was toshiba system and partition 3 was HDD recovery)

After typing in as follows SELECT DISKS3A7215D006, it bought up a menu with a bunch of options. None of the options stated CLEAN ALL (there was one option that just said CLEAN) so I typed CLEAN ALL and it said 'no disk selected invalid request' and returned back to the DISK PART prompt again. I tried various different ways of typing it to get it to work but to no avail. Am releuctant to keep messing with it as I am nervous about doing something damaging.

I really like the idea of doing a deep clean if possible but not sure how necessary it is. Can I use the formatt option from drive tools to do something similar?

I'm sure that I am probably just doing something wrong that will be obvious to you.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks again.

Livichops,
Do not get creative. Use the numbers shown by the DiskPart commands such as List Disk or List Volume or List Partition

Please follow the procedure given here precisely, noting that you must use the disk number shown by diskpart and also diskpart is spelled as one word.

Wipe a disk clean

· type DiskPart, Enter key
· type List disk, Enter key
note the numeral of the disk you want to clean
for example purposes, I’ll be using the numeral 0
· type Select disk 0, Enter key
· type Detail disk, Enter key
this info will let you know if you selected correctly
· type Clean ALL, Enter key
your entire disk is being overwritten with zeros.
This can take a considerable amount of time
· type EXIT, Enter key (only after Clean is finished)
· type EXIT, Enter key (this gets you back where you were)

 

[livichops]

Hi Greg,

O.K, I've burnt the iso and I'm going to give the partition wizard a whizz (ha ha).

The reason I'm so cautious is because I am unsure whether the 3 recovery disks the Geek Squad guys gave me contain the basic toshiba system information or whether they are vista specific, which not enable me tp recover any info I may erase. When I earlier looked at the properties of these mysterious recovery discs I was greeted with a bunch of files and folders in an I.T language that quite frankly may as well have been written in klingon for all I could understand!

I just used my last spare disc to burn the partition wizard so if I get stuck after using that, I might just try to start from the custom/clean install point and try formatting and re-installing from there following your previous link.

I'll let you know what happens....

Thanks again for sharing your massive well of knowledge and let's not forget your patience!

Liv

 

[livichops]

Hi Karlsnooks,

As mentioned before, my concern is deleting the toshiba system partition and damaging basic files I may need to get my laptop to work on a very basic level. In partition 1 it looks like there maybe toshiba system files that are needed.
Of course I would like to do the easiest/fastest way but my primary concern at the moment is this particular partition because I don't know what it contains or if I can restore it after deletion. This is why Greg has suggested the partition wizard.

Thanks for your instructions on HD deep cleaning but doing a zero clean makes me a bit nervous at this point.

Liv

 

[karlsnooks]

Hi Karlsnooks,

As mentioned before, my concern is deleting the toshiba system partition and damaging basic files I may need to get my laptop to work on a very basic level. In partition 1 it looks like there maybe toshiba system files that are needed.
Of course I would like to do the easiest/fastest way but my primary concern at the moment is this particular partition because I don't know what it contains or if I can restore it after deletion. This is why Greg has suggested the partition wizard.

Thanks for your instructions on HD deep cleaning but doing a zero clean makes me a bit nervous at this point.

Liv

Very understandable. When I first starting using Win7 back in the pre-RC days, I had the same worries.

Since then, now that I know that Win 7 is the best thing since sliced bread,
i have:
Used DiskPart to truly wipe drive clean.

I now have no Vista recovery partiton. I have a clean system with two and only two partitons, one for Win 7 boot and system, and the other I use for data storage.

Important to know is that I have and use as my Workhorse system, a Toshiba Satellite laptop.

Toshiba has, for many, many moons been my favorite manufacturer of laptop computers.

You will never need that old Vista restore partition.