Solved Windows 7 pro stalls when installing new programs but not updates

[naturalp]

Sorry the title is wrong - Windows does not stall, the applications I try to install do..

Most programs I download just unpack, say they are installing and freeze...
I have followed the microsoft procedures for problems and all my updates are up to date. Run sfc / scannow and the results are attached. Do you need any more info? Any help much appreciated.

 

[naturalp]

Hi - I have some idea what to do.. I know I have to replace some corrupt dlls but can't find them anywhere.. if someone can just point me in the right direction that would be great..

 

[maxie]

Hi Welcome to Seven Forums ... Try a Repair and Install ... The Tutorial below will help you achieve this ....


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

 

[naturalp]

Hi Maxi.. I've seen the repair in and install option and it really really worries me so I just thought perhaps I would use the manual method of replacing the corrupt files. I really don't want my computer to stop working... I am not sure if my windows disk has sp1 but assume it must have .... but the product key for Dell is not on the disk.. I think I had to phone up for it..so that's another worry...

 

[naturalp]

Ok so I have the windows operating system dvd and it says its a dell disk and I have the microsoft coa too.. and a piece of paper with some numbers on it hand written by me which maybe or maybe not the product key... I am still worried..I won't be able to get help when I'm reinstalling.. errrkkkk

 

[maxie]

Maybe this Tutorial will help you ...


http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/42776-extract-files-windows-7-installation-dvd.html

 

[naturalp]

Looks good!

Thank you , that is just what I needed I think. I will do this on Thursday (I have some important work to do today and tomorrow ) and update you on what happens. I have printed the relevant instruction page off..

 

[maxie]

The Product COA Key contains 25 Characters ... If you have that you have nothing to fear ... If need be you could do a Repair Install or if that does not work a Clean Install ....


http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[gregrocker]

The installation media is provided in both tutorials Maxie provided for either the Repair or Clean Reinstall.

If this Dell came with preinstalled Win7 then the COA sticker should be on the case or under the battery. Or do you have a retail copy that you activated yourself? If so then that key can be retrieved using the keyfinder in the Reinstall tutorial. I would use two to double confirm the key: Belarc from tutorial and Speccy - Advanced System Information Tool - Windows 7 Help Forums.

You can also first try the steps for replacing the damaged System Files given in SFC /SCANNOW Command. Then if not the next step is a Repair Install if you are satisfied with the install you have. Otherwise the Reinstall tutorial gives you the chance to have a perfect install as long as you stick with the steps, tools and methods in tutorial.

 

[naturalp]

Started the re-install or 'upgrade' of windows 7 just now and ran it in campatability mode and picked the box that says Windows vista service pack 2 but after going through the downloading updates it said I can't install windows 7 over windows 7! help.. will try again now but any suggestions...

Just realised that the windows 7 pro I have came on a disk with sp1 which means I can't uninstall it so what do I do please??? Tried to uninstall via command prompt - of course it won't.. oh dear.. help please ? - why are things never simple?

 

[maxie]

You need to do a Clean Install .. Read the Tutorial and delete the partitions ...

 

[naturalp]

Oh no.. I don't ant to start again... I would rather my pc slowly ground to a halt I think.. So who are the technical wizards who create this software that won't allow itself to be fixed? ..

 

[maxie]

The Repair and Install did not work for you ... I do not think you have many other Options ..

 

[naturalp]

Can't I just copy over the corrupt dlls (which is where I started?) and please tell me what is the point of buying the pro version with sp1 already on the disks when it means you are totally 'f*****' if you have a problem.. perhaps it should have a warning on it?

 

[maxie]

I do not see what your problem is .. As you have stated that you have the Product COA Key .. A Clean Install should be a lot easier than trying to Replace corrupted files ..

 

[naturalp]

Hi maxi, I have my disk partitioned.. programs on one, data on the other- this means I have to copy everything or backup everything completely and then start from scratch does it not? So there is a problem. I don't have a hard drive big enough to hold everything ok? I don't want to rebuild the PC - it would be easier to buy a new one and transfer the data.. This is what the clean install says
Do a Clean Installation if:

• Your computer has no operating system installed, or it’s running a version of Windows prior to Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (including Windows XP).
• You do NOT want to preserve your data, programs, or system drivers.
• You want to delete your current operating system and replace it with Windows 7.
• You want to create a multiboot system by installing Windows 7 on a separate hard disk partition.

So you are saying I have no data worth preserving? - its like telling somebody to reformat their hard disk!

 

[maxie]

I am telling you that you have tried the Repair and Install that did not help ... You do not have to Delete all the partitions just the partition that Windows is on .. Though if it was me i would delete them all and start fresh again .. Now you understand why having Backups are so important ... Depending what room you have on your Drive you should be able to still save most of your data ...

 

[naturalp]

I do have a backup thank you on another drive.. but I thought I had to delete all partitions for a clean install.. this backup is on a partitioned drive - and something else.. I just tried to reinstall again and this time it said "To upgrade, you need to be running Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 installed. Close the installation, open Windows Update, and then check updates for Service Pack 1..... " but I have sp1 installed.. so I don't understand.. I got this error when I right clicked on setup.exe and under compatability changed it to windows 7 instead of windows vista service pack 2 as first suggested in the reinstall instructions..

 

[maxie]

Read the Tutorial below .. Look at Step 6 That is the way you should be trying to Install .. Not from with in Windows ..


http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[gregrocker]

Make sure you followed all of the steps in Repair Install tutorial.

If it won't run then turn off everything in msconfig>Startup and >Services after Hiding all MS Services. Uninstall your AV after unplugging from internet or disabling wireless adapter. Then try again.

Does it say SP1 on the Computer>Properties page?

Are you using the exact same version. Try a new installer from Steps 1 and 2 of Clean Reinstall Windows 7.

If you decide to Clean Reinstall Windows 7 then follow all of the steps to make sure everything is backed up first externally. Then delete all partitions during the booted install to get it cleanest. If you have no external backup (you can store 15gb free on Onedrive) then delete all partitions except the data partition. But you should have another backup since the HD can always fail.

If you have any questions about partitioning post back a screenshot of Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image so we can advise you exactly.