Solved Windows 7 Installation Problem

[chrisp83]

Hi everyone, hoping someone can help me here!

I just got myself a newer computer and i'm trying to install Windows 7 (x64) version. The installation goes without hitch and I can enter my name, choose a password and choose my update settings. The welcome screen then starts and tells me it's shutting down. When the computer restarts, it gets to the "Starting Windows" splash screen and then seems to hang.

I can't figure out why it is doing this! I can install and run Windows XP no problem and I also tried installing to another hard drive with no luck.

Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Northernsoul55]

Hi,

Chrisp83 and welcome to SF

Check in the Bios to see if your motherboard boots to AHCI under SATA mode..... if yes switch it to IDE and reboot, or just try IDE mode, or reset bios to default. This has happened to me a few times and that was my solution...hopefully it will work for you.

Also heres a guide for you:

Troubleshooting Tips If Windows 7 Did Not Install

1. Run Windows Upgrade Advisor to see if there are any known issues that might affect the installation and fix them.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/upgrade-advisor

2. Disable all security software including anti-virus and firewall programs.
3. Make sure your computer has the most recent BIOS and drivers.
4. Disconnect all external devices except keyboard and mouse before installing.
5. If you have a large amount of RAM (memory), try reducing the amount of installed RAM. 1GB if installing 32bit, 2GB for 64bit, then replace RAM if the upgrade is successful.

6. Check your RAM (memory) for errors.
A) Insert the Windows 7 DVD and restart the computer.
B) Boot from the Windows 7 DVD.
C) Choose your language, then click Next.
D) Click on "Repair your computer" then select the operating system to repair.
E) Click the Memory Diagnostics link on the System Recovery menu.
F) The computer will restart and your memory checked for any errors.

7. Disable Startup Programs:
A). Click Start, type MSCONFIG in the Start Search box, and then press Enter.
OK User Account Control permission and enter password if any
If using XP: Click Start, click Run, then type: MSCONFIG and click OK.
B) On the General tab, click Selective Startup.
C) Right below Selective Startup, uncheck the "Load Startup Items" check box.
D) Click the Services tab, click the "Hide All Microsoft Services" box, then click Disable All.
E) Click OK, then restart the computer.
F) Attempt the upgrade again.

(NOTE: if the upgrade doesn't work and you continue to use XP/Vista turn your security software back on, then also return to MSCONFIG and on the General tab, click "Normal Startup" then click OK to exit.)

Cheers

Dave

 

[chrisp83]

Thanks Dave, I had a look in the BIOS for AHCI, but the only mention of that seems to be for RAID, which wouldn;t apply to me. I tried the Windows 7 upgrade advisor and everything checked out fine.

I might try a BIOS upgrade and go from there. Thanks for your help

 

[gregrocker]

Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. Next if an EFI BIOS, enable Legacy BIOS, set DVD drive first to boot, HD second. Then set SATA controller to AHCI. Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here.

At first installer screen Press Shift + F10 to open a Command Box, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY SIZE=102400 (for 100gb partition, adjust as desired)
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. We are creating the partition here to mark it Active which overcomes certain install failures.

 

[chrisp83]

Hi Greg, thanks for those steps.

I followed them through and proceeded with the Windows 7 installation. It failed at the Welcome screen after entering my name, time settings, etc. The error flashed up very quickly before the computer restarted so I didn't get a chance to see the whole thing. I did catch something about a "Group Policy".

Any ideas?

 

[gregrocker]

Where did you get the Win7 installer? Try the one provided above instead.

Test the HD and RAM as given in Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

Do you have an EFI BIOS? Try install to UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums

 

[chrisp83]

Sorted!

Your comment about the Windows 7 installer got me thinking - I haven't tried any others than the disc I have. I downloaded the Enterprise trial from the Microsoft site and it installed and loaded to the desktop no problem!

A friend is going to loan me their disc as I already have a key so I should be all good now Thanks again to both of you for the troubleshooting and advice - we got there in the end!

 

[Northernsoul55]

Hi Chrisp83,

Glad its resolved.

Cheers

Dave

 

[gregrocker]

I'm not sure you can activate the trial version with a key. It would be at Control Panel>System or running from an Elevated Command Prompt slmgr -ipk

Let us know.