Windows will not install

[oldun]

I have an Advent 4211-B netbook which does not have an internal cd/dvd player but I do have two usb cd/dvd players that allow the computer to boot up from a cd or dvd. I am trying to do a clean installation of Windows 7.

When I put the Windows Home Premium DVD into the external USB drive and then switch on the computer I am asked to press a key if I wish to boot from the dvd. I answer yes and Windows starts to install. I get the usual start up screens, I'm asked to choose which region I inhabit, the type of install (upgrade or custom). I then chose the partition, format it and then files are loaded from the dvd and expanded. Features and updates are then installed. Finally I am informed that a reboot is necessary. After a few seconds the reboot starts.

It's here that I get into difficulty.

After rebooting I am asked to press a key if I want to reboot from the dvd. If I say yes then the sequence mentioned above is repeated - that's no good.

If I do not press a key nothing happens the screen remains exactly the same - that's no good.

I tried again using a different dvd player - no difference whatsoever.

I tried again only this time I removed the dvd from the player just before the reboot but that was no good as the screen went blank only a flashing cursor near the top.

I have fitted a new hard drive (the old one went belly-up. I have partitioned it into two and formatted it using a Partition Expert "Safe boot disk".

I have also tried other boot disks an they all report that the hd is OK.

The setup procedure for the netbook also tells me that the hd is OK.

During the initial phase of the Windows installation the disk is shown as OK and I always use the advanced feature to format the drive so that I remove all the old copies of the aborted installations of Windows.

So what am I doing wrong?

 

[gregrocker]

Can you try install from USB flash stick? http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html

Try resetting CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS Try setting SATA controller to AHCI in BIOS.

Wipe the HD first using Win7 DVD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

 

[oldun]

Thanks gregrocker I will give your suggestions a go and then report back

 

[oldun]

I have just solved the problem with the help of our local postman.

With the installation I got as far as a reboot with the screen showing "press an key to reboot from dvd" when the postman knocked on the door with a package too large to go through our letter box.

So I abandoned the installation and went to see what goodies he had for me. I then had to write my signature on his very tiny hand-held device using a small stylus (signature nothing like my normal one!).

I then returned to my lap top to see that the installation process had restarted.

It's obvious now that when the screen shows "press an key to reboot from dvd" I must leave it alone. Even though nothing appears to be happening and there is no sign of anything happening, the installation process starts after a reasonably lengthy delay.

The installation finished successfully, found my wireless connection to the router and Windows 7 is now up and running.

All I need now is to install all the software and reinstate all my data files.

Hopefully by then my cold will have hone.

Many thanks - sorry for the unnecessary post in the first place.

 

[strollin]

Yes, what you learned is that first you need to boot from the DVD, then the partitioning and formatting are done and Windows files are copied to the disk. The machine is then rebooted to start Win 7 from the new disk and continue with setup so you definitely don't want to "press any key to boot from DVD" at that point.

Good work on figuring that out, regardless of the help from the postman!

 

[Tamash]

???????????where is my post ?
WHY did u move my post into INSTALLATION HELP???
I know how to do it on a normal PC but this little s..t doesnt work!!!!