Solved Windows 7 in-place upgrade install fails

[Lameulette]

I discovered that my previously working scheduled back-up was no longer working and could not be reset. The task scheduler was reporting errors.
I tried restoring to an earlier version but no luck. I run system file checker to discover several file problems that were not fixed by the system. So I decided to run the in-place windows install upgrade option from the original OEM Windows 7 SP1 DVD.
All worked as expected until just before the 'enter product key' page which has never appeared? I have a black screen with the right hand bottom message Windows 7 build 7601 not a genuine windows version.
I have tried to re- boot, and get to the safe or normal restart screen.
The safe mode options return 'windows is unable to load safe option, set up will continue after restart' but all that happens after reboot is a black screen and message again.
The start windows normally runs and the windows loading logo is displayed, after which I see the black screen and message again. Disc activity stops and nothing happens!

I have a genuine windows disc and product key that was activated and verified on the machine.

I have now run out of ideas. i understand the principals but not an expert. Can anyone help please?

Nigel

 

[Layback Bear]

Welcome to our forum Lameulette.

Do you have a original Microsoft Windows 7 DVD for Ultimate? Do you have the COA key sticker that should come with the DVD?

What are you trying to Upgrade from and to what?

Which one of these installs are you trying to do? Please read both and let me know.

By Brink:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

By Brink:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

 

[Lameulette]

Thank you for replying and the welcome.

I have an original disc from the computer builders, labelled
Windows 7 Ultimate
Includes service pack 1
64 bit software
Includes windows anytime upgrade
Dated 2011

The COA sticker is attached to the pc case.

Previously when the pc was working the system showed the windows installation as genuine.

I am trying to do the Repair Install as shown, it appeared to get to the last step but I never saw the enter product key screen. Only the black creen, no icons and the message about not being genuine.

Thank you again, any help gratefully received

 

[Layback Bear]

Is it a Microsoft DVD for Windows 7 or the system builders DVD?

The reason I ask is what are you going to upgrade to if you already have Ultimate? Dose the DVD and the Microsoft stick both indicate Windows 7 Ultimate.

Did the computer come with Ultimate installed.

What I'm trying to understand is what the computer came with and what you have now. If what you have now isn't what the computer came with how did you get where your at.

I think this is what you are trying to do or have already done in the past.
Please read.

By Brink:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1818-upgrade-install-windows-7-a.html

I have never did a Upgrade so I'm of little use for this problem. I will never do a Upgrade because of the problem it causes.

When you answer my questions I will find someone who can help.

 

[Lameulette]

The DVD is labelled Microsoft so I assume although supplied with the pc by the builders it looks an original Microsoft disc and genuine. The COA also looks genuine and original. The builders are a long established reputable pc builder and supplier and I am confident they are. My problem is they are based in England, I now live in France.

The pc was running Windows Ultimate as installed from day one by the builders. I was trying to repair the damaged files by running the Windows Ultimate disc as an install upgrade. I am beginning to think this was a mistake?!

Hope this makes my position clear.

 

[Layback Bear]

Okay I think I understand.

**Your Microsoft DVD does not say Upgrade on it. Is that correct?**

You are trying to do a Repair install because you have a full version of Windows 7 Ultimate.
You want to get you Windows 7 Ultimate fixed and yet save all your files ect.

From the tutorial Repair Install.

This will show you how to do a repair install (aka: in-place upgrade install) to fix your currently installed Windows 7 and preserve your user accounts, data, programs, and system drivers.

I was think you might of upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 but your system came with Windows 7 Ultimate.

Are we on the same page now.

Can you boot Windows 7?

If you can't, go to the Repair Install Tutorial and let me know exactly what step you are having the problem.

From you post #3.

I have an original disc from the computer builders, labelled
Windows 7 Ultimate
Includes service pack 1
64 bit software
Includes windows anytime upgrade

Including windows anytime upgrade is confusing to me.

 

[Lameulette]

The disc is not labelled upgrade.

I purchased the system with Windows 7 Ultimate installed, the disc used was as supplied at that time, also Windows Ultimate as detailed previously. Shown here....

Windows 7 Ultimate
Includes service pack 1
64 bit software
Includes windows anytime upgrade

I cannot boot windows 7, a reboot results in the screen asking to either start in safe mode or start windows normally.
All safe modes begin loading the drivers but then shows a screen saying safe mode cannot be loaded, setup will continue after a system restart.
Choosing start normally, shows the loading Windows logo, but then the black screen appears.

Regarding the Repair install tutorial ......

I got to step 13 and saw it had started the process of 'Installing features and updates'

I cannot say if it showed 'Completing Upgrade' step, the next thing I saw was a black screen, no icons and the warning message in the bottom right of the screen about a non genuine windows version.


Thanks for your continued help.

 

[Layback Bear]

Did you see #14 and then get to #15 and so on.
I have never seen a black screen that states Non Genuine. If you didn't install your COA key already during installation #16 Windows should boot and the Non Genuine will be in the lower left corner of a Blue screen when the installation is complete. Then you have 30 days to activate with the proper COA key.

What is this Upgrade thing all about?
If you have a Microsoft DVD that doesn't state Upgrade forget about the word Upgrade.

The reason it is confusing is some people had Vista installed and Upgraded to Windows 7 using a Upgrade DVD.

If your DVD is one use to upgrade from a older system like Vista as far as I know you can not do a Repair Install for Windows 7.

That is why I'm trying very hard to get exact information. Exact is absolutely necessary.

From behind my keyboard I only know what you post and nothing more.
I have no idea what someone in France install on your system and what method was used.

 

[Lameulette]

Thank you. I only got to step 13, never saw the screens in step 14 or 15.

The DVD was supplied from new, the pc never had Vista and upgraded. It was Windows 7 Ultimate from new.

As I said the process was running until step 13 then black!

No one else has installed anything in France.

I am beginning to think installing clean is going to be my only option but how can I do that? The system will only reboot to the status I have described. Is there a way to do this?

The system has an empty second HDD and thought I could install onto that, but I cannot get the Windows DVD to do anything else than reboot to the faulting condition I have described. What about disconnecting the first HDD, the one with the operating system on it, then trying a clean install on the other drive? If that works could I then reconnect the first HDD and access files?

Thanks

 

[Layback Bear]

Something to remember.
A Repair install is always done while Windows is booted.
A Clean install is done with the DVD booting first.
------------------------
It's always good to unhook all hard drives and ssd's except the one you want to install Windows on.

You could do a Clean Install on the other drive and then move things over to the new install.

I have use both tutorial by Brink for Clean Install and Repair install. They do work if the hardware is working properly and the media to install DVD is not corrupt.

I just did a Clean install 2 days ago on one of my systems and months ago two Repair Installs using Brinks tutorial as a guide.

 

[Lameulette]

Thanks for the feedback. I have made some progress, I decided to hit the keyboard a few times whilst the black screen was showing, disc activity happened and the message dissapeared. A reboot allowed me to start in safe mode!!

In normal mode I have a blank screen but I guess this is a driver issue? Any suggestions on the way forward?

Cheers

 

[torchwood]

try enabling VGA mode

Roy

 

[Layback Bear]

Is the installation DVD removed?

On a Repair Install their should not be a driver problem. It should be using the same drivers it was using before.

Look in Device Manager and see if anything is showing a problem.

Your (My System Specs) is not completed so it makes things even harder.

Another tutorial that will help.

By Brink:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/180324-system-info-see-your-system-specs.html

**I don't know why hitting the keyboard solved a problem.***

Windows 7 System file should be good right after a install but it wouldn't hurt to run a sfc /scannow from cmd prompt to make sure. Hopefully it finds no problems.

Things are very strange with this Repair Install.

Do you have Non Genuine in the lower right corner of your screen?

PS.
It's time for me to take a nap.

 

[Lameulette]

There appears to be no problem with the devices.

The sfc /scannow returned all is OK

The non genuine has gone - it went following my keyboard actions which led to being able to load windwos in safe mode!

I run System Info ... thank you... and will update the forum system specs soonest

I am still working on the normal mode to get a screen working.

Thank you again ... it's progress

 

[Layback Bear]

Keep us informed if you can.

Go into msconfig and select Boot.
Once on that display make sure Safe Boot is NOT checked.

 

[Lameulette]

Windows 7 is now running (?) in normal mode but only mouse arrow on a black screen.
Screen Works in Safe mode with networking and have installed latest drivers for display adaptor.
Set msconfig to clean boot without success regarding the screen. My connection to screen is via DVI.

Not sure what else to try?

 

[Layback Bear]

Your system isn't telling much.

Please complete this tutorial by Brink.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/180324-system-info-see-your-system-specs.html

Did you or did you not check and see if Safe Boot is checked?

My msconfig does not have this option.

Set msconfig to clean boot

 

[Lameulette]

OK system spec has now been updated and saved.

Safe Boot is not checked

I tried using the code: Set msconfig to clean boot
received the message: Environment variable msconfig to clean boot not defined

I had set to clean boot by:
disabling all Startup items &
disabling all non Microsoft services

Is that correct? I will try to reboot to windows normally....

 

[Lameulette]

Screen remaind blank in normal start up.

Mouse pointer continues to work.

 

[Layback Bear]

Thanks for the System Specs.
I see this.

     Screen Resolution 0 x 0 x 0 bits (0 colors) @ 0 Hz

I would verify that your video cable is plugged into the Video card and not the motherboard and the connection at the monitor is proper.

Is your bios set to Default?